"independence day" news and stories

Slashfood Ate (8): American Flag cakes for Independence Day

by Shayna Glick, Posted Jul 2nd 2008 @ 10:00AM

A cake in a glass baing dish that is decorated with berries to look like an American Flag.

Independence Day, or the Fourth of July, is coming up. It's time to get out the picnic-safe salad recipes and clean the grill. While you're at it, don't forget the patriotic desserts! Here are some ideas on what you can do to end your Fourth of July meal with a bang!

1. Here's a neat idea from Imperial Sugar, with a recipe and everything.
2.I know I said cakes, but these patriotic Jello creations are worth a mention!
3. A beautiful flag from Cakeism.
4. Dish'n'That has a fun example for you.
5.How about flag cupcakes?
6. This one from a Chick Chat contest is awesome. You have to scroll down a bit, but it's the topsy turvy, multi-tiered one from RockStarMommy.
7. No instructions on this rice crispy treat flag, but I'm sure you could figure it out!
8. How about something a little different? An Uncle Sam Ice cream cone, perhaps?

Filed under: Slashfood Ate

Slashfood Ate (8): Delicious foods for July 4th

COMMENTS 3

by Max Shrem, Posted Jul 1st 2008 @ 3:01PM

Every July 4th, I find myself at a barbecue eating the usual: a hamburger, a hot dog, some potato chips, guacamole, and a few beers. This year, I want to celebrate Independence Day the same way, but with the best condiments, drinks, and chips. Below are 8 delicious foods that are perfect for July 4rth:

Chips d'Allauch - What could be more patriotic than honoring the French who helped us fight the war of independence? These French potato chips are the best I have ever tried. They come from Provence and are made from golden yellow Bintje potatoes that are fried in peanut oil. They're only available at Formaggio Kitchen.
June Taylor tomato ketchup - The mixture of rich organic tomatoes, spices, and vinegar make this ketchup the ideal accompaniment with your burger, barbecued chicken, and hot dog. You can purchase it from June Taylor online.
Bar Harbor blueberry Ale - The Atlantic Brewing Company crafts this beer in Bar Harbor, Maine. Enjoy this creamy fruity American ale that has a blueberry aroma.
Vegeta's cranberry mango salsa: This zesty sweet and spicy salsa is sure to rock your palate this July 4rth! You can purchase it from Amazon.com.
Peter Luger Steakhouse old-fashioned steak sauce: This classic sauce for chicken and hamburgers is also great over fresh tomatoes.
Fentimans Victorian lemonade: I know this is not an American lemonade, but it's so good! This British refreshment is mildly sweet and acidic and will definitely cool you off.
Grafton three year cheddar: This American cheddar from Grafton, Vermont is great melted on your burger.
Heritage burgers: Heritage Foods sells grass-fed beef burgers on their website. They're a must try this July 4rth at your barbecue.

If you're entertaining this July 4rth, I highly suggest the foods above. What items will you be eating this Independence Day?

Filed under: Slashfood Ate, Ingredients, Holidays

Small towns celebrate big on the Fourth of July

COMMENTS 5

by Jonathan M. Forester, Posted Jul 4th 2007 @ 5:11PM

Happy Independence Day Everyone!

I'm spending my Fourth of July doing what much of the country is doing. Going to the local small town parade, hooting and hollering a bit, and then a huge chicken BBQ. Finally when the day is done and it's getting dark, then it's time to watch the fireworks and go Ooooh and Aaaah as they light up the sky and make you jump from the sound of the explosions.

For me it's the Thomaston, ME celebration; a parade where thousands come with chairs and coolers to line the streets six deep for half a mile. After the parade many of the folks are off for home to tackle either the grill or lobster pot. The others wander over to the celebration food stalls for hot dogs, burgers, French fries, enormous onion rings or blooming onions, flavored shaved ices, and since this is Maine, the obligatory lobster or crab rolls.

I started with a nice "Lobtsa Roll" and my first blooming onion. The first was excellent, the latter was a nightmare. Well I learned my lesson. No more blooming onions for me. I would love to hear what everyone else is eating on this day of the celebration of our Independence and of summer time.

After the jump a pictorial essay of food and people on the Fourth of July.

Filed under: Spirit of Summer, Ingredients

For the 4th: Chocolate Haystack Fireworks

COMMENTS 3

by Bob Sassone, Posted Jun 28th 2007 @ 8:28AM

Chocolate Haystack Fireworks I think one of the reasons I hate summer, besides the whole HUMIDITY factor, is that I don't like all the typical summer things. Beaches, cookouts, parades...all of these things mean pretty much nothing to me. And you can add fireworks to that list. I have never in my life set off any type of fireworks, and I don't think I've been around anyone who has either.

But I'll happily eat them! Here's a recipe for Chocolate Haystack Fireworks from Elizabeth LaBau at about.com. It's a very easy recipe to make and there's no cooking involved except a microwave, so your house won't get any hotter.

Filed under: Spirit of Summer