Independence Day Dishes and Treats

 

Whatever you choose as your main dish, here are some sides and dessert recipe to make it a real feast! 

Sides: 

Baked Beans

1 large or 2 small cans Pork-n-beans

1/2 cup ketchup

1 Tbsp mustard

1/2 cup brown sugar

1-2 Tbsp worcestershire sauce

2-3 strips of cooked bacon (crumbled)

1/4 cup diced onion

Combine all ingredients and pour into a square glass baking dish.  Bake for 30 min at 350 degree

Deviled Eggs

1.     Steam 6 eggs for 12 min. then cool in a bowl of ice water

2.     Cut eggs in half lengthwise and carefully remove the yolks into a bowl

3.     Mash the yolks with a fork and add ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp dry mustard, 3 Tbsp miracle whip and 1 Tbsp vinegar

4.     Mix until well combined

5.     Scoop some filling into each egg and sprinkle with paprika.

Creamy Classic Mac-n-Cheese

1. In a saucepan over medium heat melt 1/2 stick of butter. 

2. Add 2 1/2 cups cheddar cheese and stir until melted and gooey

3. Add 1 can of condensed cheddar cheese soup, 1 cup of milk, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/2 tsp dry mustard, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper.

4. Stir until creamy smooth and set aside

** This makes 2 small 8x8 pans or 1 large 9x13 (I freezes well, so you can save the other half for later)

5. Prepare your favorite pasta to al dente and place in you baking dish

6. Pour on the cheese mixture and stir well

7. Crush some cracker crumbs and sprinkle over the top, drizzle with melted butter 

8. Bake at 350 for 30 min. 

Hash-brown Casserole 

1 cup sour cream

1/4 cup diced onion

1 can cream of cheddar cheese soup

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

1 cup grated cheddar cheese

1 lb hash browns

Topping - 1/4 stick melted butter 

2 or more cups frosted corn flakes

1. Mix together sour cream, onion, soup, salt, pepper

2. In a 9x13 glass baking dish spread 1/2 of the hash browns

top with 1/2 soup mixture and 1 cup cheese

3. Make a second layer with all steps

4. Sprinkle with frosted corn flakes and pour over melted butter

Bake at 350 for 45 min - 1 hour until heated through and cheese is melted. 

Red, White and Blue Salad

1. Combine 1/2 cup oil, 1/4 cup red wine vinegar, 1/3 cup sugar

    1/2 Tbsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp dry mustard, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 Tbsp poppy seeds

    in a blender and blend for 30 sec. 

2. Put lettuce, sliced strawberries, Provel (or other white cheese) and fresh blueberries. 

3. Pour over dressing and toss.

Creamy Cole Slaw

1. Shred 1/2 cabbage

2. In a jar mix 2 Tbsp vinegar, 2 Tbsp sugar, 1/2 tsp celery salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, 1/2 cup mayo, until smooth

3. Pour over cabbage and serve

Dessert

Star Spangled Ice cream Sandwich Cake

1. Put a layer of 5 1/2 ice cream sandwiches in the bottom of a square glass dish

2. Spread a layer of hot fudge over the sandwiches

3. Sprinkle a layer of Heath Toffee bits over the fudge

4. Put another layer of 5 1/2 ice cream sandwiches 

5. Spread a layer of caramel topping over the sandwiches

6. Sprinkle another layer of Heath bits

7. Top with whipped cream and more Heath bits and drizzle with fudge and caramel

Store in the freezer and let stand 5-10 min before serving. 

Pie Crust

2 cups flour

1 tsp salt

2/3 cup plus 2 Tbsp shortening

 

1. Put all ingredients in a bowl and mix with fork

2. Add cold water (up to 5 Tbsp), mix until loosely combined

3. Form into a ball with hands

4. Spank to combine

5. Flatten and form into crust

Makes 2 crusts

 

Tart Cherry pie

2 pie crusts (one for top, one for bottom)

1 package thawed tart red cherries

1 cup sugar

1/3 cup flour

½ tsp almond ext.

2 Tbsp butter (for dotting)

1. preheat oven to 425 degrees

2. Combine sugar, cherries, flour, and almond in a bowl

3. Pour into bottom pie crust

4. Dot with butter

5. Add top crust

6. Bake 35 min

 

 

Peach Pie

2 pie crusts

1-2 packages thawed peach slices

2/3 cup sugar

2-3 Tbsp flour

¼ tsp cinnamon

¼ tsp ginger

Preheat oven to 400

1. Combine sugar, peaches, flour and spices in a bowl

2. Pour into bottom crust

3. Dot with butter

4. Add top crust

5. Bake 40-50 min

 

Apple Pie

2 pie crusts

6 granny smith apples (peeled, cored & thinly sliced)

3/4 cup sugar

1 1/2 Tbsp flour

1 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1/4 tsp ground ginger

1. Preheat oven to 400

2. Combine sugar, apples, flour and spices in a bowl

3. Pour into bottom crust

4. Dot with butter

5. Add top crust

6. Bake 40-50 min

Pie Tips

**Cut a few slits in the crust (in an ascetically pleasing pattern) to allow air to escape while baking

**Brush the top crust with milk and sprinkle with sugar before baking.  This gives your crust a sheen and a light crispiness. 

**Bake with a crust cover (make one our of foil if you don't have one) for the first 35min then remove for the last 10-15.  This keeps the crust from getting burnt. 

Homemade Ice Cream

2 cups half-n-half

1 cup heavy whipping cream

1 cup sugar

1/4 tsp salt

1 Vanilla bean (split and scraped) or 1 tsp vanilla extract

1. Combine all ingredients in a sauce pan and heat over medium/low heat. Allow to simmer but not boil, (no bubbles, just steam)

2. Remove from heat and allow to cool.  

3. Remove vanilla bean and put mixture in an airtight container in the fridge overnight. 

4. Freeze using an ice cream maker, then put in the freezer for at least an hour to harden up before serving. 

Perfect Summer Marinade

 

This simple and delicious marinade is a summer classic in my house. It’s excellent on steak, chicken and or vegetables.

Mix equal parts Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce and Italian dressing (I like to make mine from the powered mix) 

Pour over food and marinade in the fridge for at least an hour but all day or overnight is extra good. 

Grill or roast until cooked and

Great Summer Apps

Guacamole 

1. Chop 6 cherry or grape tomatoes, 2 slices of onion, 1-2 Tbsp cilantro and place in a bowl

sprinkle with 2-3 Tbsp lime juice and let soak for an hour or so

2. Mash 2 ripe avocados and add to the vegetables. 

3. Mix and add salt to taste.  

Fresh Salsa

Ingredients 

1 carton of cherry or grape tomatoes

½ yellow or orange bell pepper

1 jalapeno (leave out for mild, add for spicy)

¼ cup diced onion

1-2 Tbsp chopped cilantro

2 Tbsp lime juice

Directions

1. place all ingredients in a food processor and pulse until at desired consistency

2. Serve with tortilla chips

*for those wanting extra spice try adding a habanero pepper! 

Potato Side Dishes

Hash-brown Casserole 

1 cup sour cream

1/4 cup diced onion

1 can cream of cheddar cheese soup

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

1 cup grated cheddar cheese

1 lb hash browns

Topping - 1/4 stick melted butter 

2 or more cups frosted corn flakes

1. Mix together sour cream, onion, soup, salt, pepper

2. In a 9x13 glass baking dish spread 1/2 of the hash browns

top with 1/2 soup mixture and 1 cup cheese

3. Make a second layer with all steps

4. Sprinkle with frosted corn flakes and pour over melted butter

Bake at 350 for 45 min - 1 hour until heated through and cheese is melted. 

Fried Potatoes

1. Peel and thinly slice 4 medium potatoes
2. dice 1/2 onion
3. In a non-stick skillet heat 2 tbsp oil
4. add potatoes, onions, 1 tbsp butter and 1/2 tsp salt
5. Pan fry until crips and golden brown.

Creamy Potato Salad

1. Chop and boil 1 package of new potatoes

2. allow to cool

3. in a bowl mix together 1/2 cup mayo, 1 tbsp vinegar, 1 tbsp sugar, 

2 Tbsp whole ground mustard, 1/2 tsp salt

4. Add cooled potatoes and sliced green onions and mix until combined

5. ** Optional: add some diced boiled eggs. 

Sourdough Discard Hot Dog Buns

 

Ingredients 

1 cup milk

1/2 cup sourdough discard

3 cups flour

2 Tbsp sugar

2 tsp yeast

2 Tbsp oil

1 tsp salt

Directions

1. In a bread maker place all ingredients and use the dough setting 

2. turn out dough on a greased surface and divid dough into 12 sections

3. roll each section into a log and place in a greased 9x13 baking dish 

4. Cover with plastic wrap or a towel and let rise to double in size

5. Bake buns in a 400 degree oven for 20 mins

6. Brush with melted butter and let cool

7. Slice or cut out center of each bun to fit the hot dog

Eat right away or store in freezer until ready to use. 

Homemade Fruit Flavored Lemonade

Classic Lemonade

8 lemons

1 1/2 cup sugar + 1 cup water (melt sugar to make a simple syrup) 

8 cups water

Fruit Syrup 

1 cup fresh or frozen fruit

1/4 cup sugar

1 tbsp water

**Boil until fruit breaks down, blend until smooth using an immersion blender

(strain out seeds from seeded fruits) 

Add to classic lemonade. 

 

Sourdough Discard Hamburger Buns

 

 

Ingredients and Instructions: 

1. In a bread machine place 

1 cup milk

1 egg

1/2 cup sourdough discard

2 Tbsp sugar

2 Tbsp avocado oil

3 cups flour

1 Tbsp active dry yeast

1 tsp salt

2. Turn machine to dough setting

3. When done turn out and divide into 12 pieces

4. Form 12 buns but rolling into a ball and slightly flattening out each piece 

5. Place on a baking sheet with parchment paper (I use 2 small trays 6 buns on each tray) 

6. Bake at 375 degrees for 15-20 min

7. Brush tops with melted butter and serve or wrap in plastic wrap and freeze for later. 

Frozen Fruit Slush Cups

6 sliced Bananas

1 lb sliced strawberries

1 can crushed pineapple

3 cups orange juice

1 cup peach nectar 

**other fruits can be added as well**

Combine, pour into cups and freeze. 

 

Homemade: The Pilot

 

You guys! My husband and I have made a pilot episode for Homemade the Show.  Check it out! I'm in search of Networks interested in producing a full season.  

HOMEMADE//

From Betty Crocker, Julia Child, Martha Stewart and Pioneer Woman, we have always had a need for learning the forgotten skills of our Grandmothers. Courtney Hill, city girl turned urban homesteader, brings back those lost skills in “HOMEMADE.”

Courtney: Cookbook Author, TV Show Personality and Chef, pays homage to a simpler time when practical skills that strengthened and elevated the family structure were essential to every day life. 

From stage lighting to props, “HOMEMADE,” visualizes a flair and aesthetic for all things Mid-Century Modern while teaching skills that continue to stand the test of time. 

While Courtney brings entertainment appeal with her personality and charm, she also brings an education forward approach from her Master’s Degree in Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS). 

There’s never been a bigger need for wholesome content that has meaning and purpose. “HOMEMADE” aims to educate, entertain and encourage the forgotten skills of our Grandmothers to the next generation of Women. 

“It’s better when it’s Homemade,” - Courtney Hill

Easter Feaster

Empty Tomb Rolls

1. Thaw frozen dinner roll and flatten out

2. Take a large marshmallow and roll in melted butter, then in cinnamon sugar and place in center of flatten roll

3. Seal roll around marshmallow

4. Coat the outside of the roll in melted butter and then in cinnamon sugar and place in a greased muffin tin

5. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 min

6. Open rolls to see the marshmallow is gone and the tomb is empty.

He is Risen!! 

Deviled Eggs

1.     Steam 6 eggs for 14 min. then cool in a bowl of ice water

2.     Cut eggs in half lengthwise and carefully remove the yolks into a bowl

3.     Mash the yolks with a fork and add ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp dry mustard, 3 Tbsp miracle whip and 1 Tbsp vinegar

4.     Mix until well combined

5.     Scoop some filling into each egg and sprinkle with paprika.

Variation: Deviled Egg Bites 

1. Chop up egg whites and add to mix. 

2. Place a spoonful on toasted sliced bagel chips 

3. Top with Paprika 

Marshmallow Salad 

In a bowl mix: 

1 package pistachio pudding mix

1 container whipped topping 

1 can crushed pineapple 

1/2 cup chopped marrichino cherries 

1 cup chopped pecans 

1/2 package multicolored mini marshmallows 

Ham and Gravy

1.     Preheat oven to 275 (I know the video says 325 but I'd go a little lower to prevent the ham from drying out) 
2.     Place ham in roaster pan with 1 cup water

3.     Cover with lid or foil and bake 15 min per lb.

4.     Pour drippings into a skillet

5.     Remove a small amount of the hot liquid and mix together with 2 Tbsp cornstarch. Add mixture back to the skillet and whisk

6.     Add 1 tsp kitchen bouquet for color

7.     Allow to boil until it gets thick

Mashed potatoes

1.     Peel and dice 4-5 potatoes

2.     Boil until fork tender, drain and place in a mixing bowl

3.     Add 2 Tbsp milk, ¼ cup butter and salt to taste

4.     Whip until smooth

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Lets Go Bananas!

    Banana Bread 

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 

2. In a mixing bowl combine 1/2 cup softened butter, 1/2 cup oil,

 3/4 brown sugar, 3/4 cups white sugar, 2 eggs and 3 smashed ripe banans

3. Add 1 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp vanilla extract and mix

4. Add 1/3 cup milk (or 2 Tbsp milk 1/4 cup Sourdough Discard) and mix

5. Add 1 1/2 cup flour and mix a final time

6. Pour into 1 large or 2 small loaf pans and bake for 45-60 min until a toothpick comes out clean. 

Banana Roll Ups

Ingredients

5-6 slices of bread

1-2 bananas thinly sliced

1 egg

3 Tbsp milk

½ tsp of cinnamon

1/3 cup sugar

Directions: 

1. Cut crusts off your bread slices and Roll sliced flat with rolling pin 

2. Put 3 slices of banana at one end of bread, and roll it up

3. In a shallow bowl mix egg, milk and ¼ tsp cinnamon In another shallow bowl mix sugar and remaining cinnamon 

4. Roll in the egg mixture then in the sugar mixture

5. Place in a non-stick skillet on medium heat. When sugar starts to bubble flip and cook on the other side.

Plate up and enjoy! ((I would put the seam side down otherwise it will stick to your plate)

Peanut Butter Banana Muffins

Ingredients and Directions 

1.     Preheat oven to 350 degrees

2.     Peel and mash 3 overripe bananas with a fork

3.     Place in a stand up mixer (you can always mix by hand if you don’t have a mixer)

4.     Add 3/4 cup sugar 

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

2 eggs

½ cup softened butter

1/2 cup peanut butter

1 tsp vanilla

5.     Place on the paddle attachment and mix to combine

6.     Sift in 2 cup of flour (white or wheat or a combo of the two)

½ tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

7.     Mix to combine

8.     Add 1/3 cup milk and mix a final time

9.     Place 24 cupcake liners in muffin trays and spray with baking spray

10. Bake for 20 min

11. Let cool and enjoy!

Courtney's Beef Stew

 

Ingredients and Directions

1. In a Instapot place 1lb stew meat or diced round steak.  Add 1 cup water and cook on the stew setting.  This will make the meat super tender 

2. In a stock pot place: 2 diced potatoes, 2 stalks diced celery, 1 diced onion, 2 sliced carrots

3. Add 1 quart water, and the following spices

    2 tsp beef boullion, 1 tsp celery salt, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp rosemary, 1/2 tsp sage and 1/2 tsp oregano

4. Boil until vegetables are tender, add the meat when it is finished cooking 

5. Add 1/4 cup flour (mixed with some of the hot liquid) and boil and stir until thick

Enjoy with sourdough bread! 

Make about 4 servings, I usually double the recipe if I want leftovers. 

Pizza Roses

 

   

For my basic Pizza dough recipe click here

Quick Pizza Sauce Recipe 

1 can tomato sauce

1 can tomato past 

1 can water

1/2 tsp of: 

basil, mined onion, garlic salt and oregano

1 Tbsp sugar

**Heat in a saucepan  

Touchdown Party Favorites

 Here's a compilation of some of my best football party food ideas! Go Chiefs! 

Courtney's Chili

1. Brown 1/2 lb ground beef (remove and discard grease) and add 1 Tbsp steak seasoning

2. In a dutch oven saute 3 sweet peppers and 1/2 small onion until tender

3. Add 1 can pork-n-beans, 1 can of red kidney beans, 1 jar of tomatoes and the ground beef. 

4. Stir in the following spices: 

2 Tbsp Chili Powder, 1/2 Tbsp season salt, 1 tsp cumin, 1 1/2 tsp onion powder

1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp oregano

5. Cover and let simmer for at least 10 min. 

6. Then serve with your favorite fixin's.  My favorites are sour cream, brown sugar, shredded cheese and crushed ritz crackers. 

**For some heat add cayenne pepper

Courtney's Hot Wings

1. fill deep fryer to max fill line with canola, vegetable or peanut oil and turn heat to 375 degree.  (Fry outside to avoid stinking up your house)

2. In a large bowl combine flour and seasoned salt

3. Add wings (40 count) and coat with flour or dredge

4. In a saucepan add 1/4 cup butter, 1 bottle of Louisiana Hot Sauce and 2 Tbsp (or more) agave nectar or honey. Turn the heat to medium and stir until butter is melted and sauce is combined.  Turn heat to low to keep warm while wings are frying

5. When the oil it hot add wings (fry in shifts of 6-8 wings of similar size)

6. The wings are done when they float to the top and turn a golden brown color (anywhere from 4-7 or more min depending on size)

7. Remove wings and drain on a paper towel

8. Coat in sauce

9. Serve immediately with celery and ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Yummy Ham Rolls

1. Preheat oven to 350 degree

2. Melt 1/2 stick (1/4 cup) butter and add 1/2 Tbsp mustard, 1/2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 tsp onion powder and 1/2 Tbsp poppy seeds

3. Place sandwich rolls on a baking sheet and layer ham and cheddar cheese

4. Brush some of the butter mixture on the top of each roll and place on the ham and cheese

5. Brush the remaining butter mixture over the tops of each sandwich

6. Cover in foil and bake for 15 min

7. Remove more and bake for another 10 min

Serve immediately

Soft Pretzels 

Ingredients

1 package active dry yeast

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 1/2 cup warm water

4 cups flour

Baking soda

Sea Salt

Directions

1. I a stand mixer combine warm water, brown sugar and yeast.  Let stand 5 min until it become frothy

2. Add 2 cups flour and mix. Then add remaining 2 cups flour and mix. 

3. Using the dough hook attachment, knead until well combine and forms a tight ball

4. let dough rest 5 min

5. Meanwhile preheat oven to 450 degrees and bring 4 cups water and 6 Tbsp baking soda to a boil

6. divide  dough into 12 equal pieces

7. Roll each section into a long string. Twist into pretzel shape.  

8. Place each pretzel into the boiling soda water for about 10-15 sec. Remove and place on a cooling rack.  While its still wet sprinkle with salt.  Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (6 pretzels per baking sheet)

9. Bake for 8 mins. 

10. Let cool just a bit and enjoy the warm, soft, salty goodness that is a soft pretzel. 

Guacamole 

1. Chop 6 cherry or grape tomatoes, 2 slices of onion, 1-2 Tbsp cilantro and place in a bowl

sprinkle with 2-3 Tbsp lime juice and let soak for an hour or so

2. Mash 2 ripe avocados and add to the vegetables. 

3. Mix and add salt to taste.  

Salsa

Ingredients 

2 large tomatoes or 1 large can of tomatoes

½ yellow or orange bell pepper

1 jalapeno (leave out for mild, add for spicy)

¼ cup diced onion

1-2 Tbsp chopped cilantro

2 Tbsp lime juice

Directions

1. place all ingredients in a food processor and pulse until at desired consistency

2. Serve with tortilla chips

*for those wanting extra spice try adding a habanero pepper! 

I Dip, You Dip, We Dip - Dip Recipes Here