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!

Classic Picnic Potato Salad

 Nothing says summer like potato salad.  There are so many different ways to prepare potato salad. For years I have wondered how to recreate the potato salad I buy at my favorite Jewish delis, which has a flavor very similar to one of my dad's favorite fried chicken joints. After experimenting, I finally found the answer.

The secret to this tangy potato salad is a vinegar brine that adds a robust flavor that marries beautifully with the mayo and other seasonings. A garnish of parsley flakes adds a nice hint of color. In my family, we always sprinkle paprika over the top of potato salad, but the parsley is a nice change of pace. 

Ingredients

5 pounds red potatoes peeled

1 cup water

1 cup sugar

1 cup white wine vinegar or cider vinegar

1 1/2 cup real Mayonnaise 

1 tablespoon Mustard 

1/2 cup chopped celery

1/2 cup sweet pickle relish

1/2 cup chopped bell pepper

2 green onions chopped

1/4 to 1/2 cup chopped brown onion 

Directions

Add potatoes to a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook until fork tender. Drain potatoes and cut into chunks. In a small saucepan, combine water sugar and  vinegar. Bring to a boil and cook for 1 minute. Pour over potatoes and chill for an hour or two.

Mix mayonnaise, mustard, celery, relish, bell pepper, green onions and brown onion. Drain the marinade from potatoes and fold mayonnaise mixture into chopped potatoes until well incorporated. Serve chilled.

Makes 8 servings

Bon Appetit!