The Jacci Groups Favorite 4th of July Dishes

The 4th of July is a time of celebration, a celebration of our freedom and our independence. Independence Day is typically marked with parades, parties, and fireworks. The Woodlands Township is hosting its annual fireworks display at 9:30 pm near North Shore Park, I’m sure it will be a show stopper this year as it is every year! But what are you going to do before watching the fireworks? If you are planning on hosting a 4th of July party this year then we have you covered with all of our tried and true party recipes. The Jacci Group has compiled our favorite 4th of July party recipes to help make your party a hit!

Guacamole

If you live in Texas you probably have a favorite way of making guacamole. Do you add tomatoes, spices, cilantro, or jalapenos? Here is Erin’s favorite recipe for guacamole, it’s quick and easy, with the flavor of the avocado shining through. This recipe is a basic guacamole and a great starting point to personalize it to your taste buds. Erin does add a touch of garlic powder to this recipe for a little extra flavor. Don’t forget the chips! Try H-E-B’s tortilla chips if you like a thinner traditional chip or On The Border tortilla chip for a thicker, grab that guac type of chip.

Summer Watermelon Salad

There is nothing more refreshing than watermelon in the summer! Jacci uses watermelon, cucumbers, tomato, mint, and feta to create a delicious 4th of July salad.

In a large bowl -

8 cups Cubed Watermelon

1 English Cucumber, cut in half lengthwise and then slice

1 large Fresh Tomato, diced

In a small bowl mix 3 TBS Olive oil, 1/2 tsp each of salt and pepper and a dash of Siracha. Pour over Watermelon/Cucumber/Tomato and gently toss. Finish with 1/4 Cup of Crumbled Feta or Goat Cheese and finely chopped fresh mint on top for garnish.

Watermelon-Mint Martini

While you are cutting up watermelon for your salad, cut up a little bit more and make one of Jacci’s famous martini’s!

1/2 Cup chopped watermelon (or 1/4 cup watermelon juice)

2 mint leaves

1 oz Vodka

1/2 oz Cointreau

1/2 oz Rose's Lime Juice

1. Add the watermelon and mint to a cocktail shaker. Muddle to release the juice (If you're using watermelon juice then muddle the mint first)

2. Add the Vodka, Cointreau, and Rose Lime Juice (if you don't have Rose's, use regular lime juice and simple syrup or powdered sugar in a pinch!) Fill the shaker with ice and shake until cold.

3. Garnish the glass with a sugared rim or a small watermelon wedge

Strawberry/Blueberry Lemonade

Strawberry/Blueberry Lemonade can be made as a special drink for kids. For adults, add some vodka for an extra fun kick! Ashley loves this recipe, from Real Simple, for her guests at a 4th of July party. The recipe doesn’t have blueberries but Ashley likes to add them (about 1 cup) to make it feel more like a 4th of July drink. Her other fun bonus tip for this recipe is to put it in a pouch and freeze it, add a straw and enjoy!

Pavlova

This decadent dessert is crisp on the edges, chewy on top, and marshmallow-soft and creamy in the centers. With only five ingredients this is very easy to make but has a high impact on its looks and taste. Susan likes to add whip cream and for a little 4th of July flair, strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries. Check out the recipe from Sally’s Baking Addiction, and get baking!

Red, White, and Blue Cheesecake

These mini cheesecakes are perfect for an Independence Day party. Individual servings and no cutting involved making this an ideal party treat. To make this layered cheesecake with red, white, and blue, separate your cheesecake fillings into three bowls and color one bowl red, one bowl blue, and leave the last as is (white!) and layer in your cupcake liner. Sarah likes to decorate the top with fresh whip cream. Check out the recipe from Life, Love and Sugar here.

Patriotic Parfait

Emily’s Patriot Parfait is a quick recipe that is one anyone can make (even if you don’t have time to bake!)

The kids version of this parfait consists of red, white, and blue m&m’s, a cupcake, and a parfait glass (or tall water glass works too!) Your cupcakes can be homemade, or store bought if you are short on time!

The adult version of this parfait has whip cream, strawberries, blueberries, and pound cake.

Check out Emily’s video here on how to put it all together! Everyone will love this Patriot Parfait!