Entertaining for the 4th of July with Style

Entertaining with patriotic flair can be achieved easily with these 5 great recipes that are sure to be a big hit at your cookout or family gathering. I have included two of my own 4th of July recipes and a few of my favorites from other sites. These tasty and colorful recipes are sure to put a smile on the face of every guest at your party!

My delicious pound cake with homemade sweet cream and fresh berries is always a big hit with my friends and family. You can find my recipe by clicking here

This fun drink, which is also pictured at the beginning of this post is full of flavor and a great conversation piece. I created this delicious mocktail with a blend of sorbet, a carbonated drink and a pop rock rim. Perfect way to get your 4th of July popping...literally. You can find my recipe here

These delicious ice pops are great for those hot summer days and perfect  for celebrating the red, white and blue. 

Find the recipe here

These cheesecake stuffed strawberries are perfect for a light dessert, but taste indulgent enough to make you feel like you are not missing out on anything. Find the recipe here

This clever dessert is simple., but artfully displayed and delicious

Find the recipe here

Happy Fourth of July and Bon Appetit!

Southern Baked Beans

 Baked beans, potato salad and barbecue are a big part of summer. I love baked beans and my mother makes some of the best baked beans ever. I have adapted her recipe by adding a few of my own personal touches. These are great with barbecue and a great side to have with a burger hot off the grill:-) 

I have tried making baked beans with all sorts of variations and although traditional baked beans are made with navy beans, my mother has always used Van de Camps pork and beans in the can along with fresh bell pepper, onion and embellishments that make them quite tasty. The prep is easy and after 45 minutes to an hour, you have a great side dish:-)

Maple glazed Bacon with smoked paprika is used as a garnish and a topping

I use a baking dish most of the time, but a cast iron skillet is a great way to cook these. If these bacon slices look small it's because they were so good, I ate half of them. Don't judge.

Ingredients

2 slices Bacon

1/2 onion chopped

1/2 cup chopped Bell Pepper

2 15 ounce cans  Pork and Beans

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup barbecue sauce

1 tablespoon prepared mustard

1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce

2 tablespoons real maple syrup

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350.  Fry bacon in large frying pan until partially cooked. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels. Add onion and peppers and saute until onions are translucent. About 2 minutes. Add pork and beans, brown sugar, barbecue sauce, mustard and Worcestershire Sauce.

Pour beans into a greased casserole dish. Mix syrup, paprika and cayenne together in a small bowl. Place baked beans in oven for 20 minutes. Brush Bacon with maple mixture. Lay on top of beans for last 25 minutes of cooking. This is done when the beans are nice and bubbly and the bacon is cooked all the way through. This makes 10 servings and can the recipe can be doubled.

Bon Appetit!