Red, White and You

Jon Webber

Nothing says summer more than the 4th of July. It's a day where we come together as a nation and don red, white and blue. Independence Day is a day to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. 

July 4th is also the day where we stay cool while firing up the grill (and later fireworks). With so much to celebrate, who wants to spend most of their day in the kitchen preparing for the celebration? This month my light, cook-out friendly dishes won't only help get you out of the kitchen sooner; these patriotic recipes will help bring out the red, white and blue in you and your guest.

Red, White and Blue Burger

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground hamburger meat
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 4 slices provolone or Swiss cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
In a large mixing bowl combine the hamburger meat, red onion and blue cheese. Divide the meat into 3-4 patties. Season the mixture with salt and pepper. Grill the burgers to your liking. About three minutes before the burgers are done, place the provolone or Swiss cheese on top allowing it to melt. 

Independence Slaw

Ingredients:

• 10 oz shredded cabbage (coleslaw mix works well, too)
• 1 cup fresh blueberries, washed and dried
• 1/2 cup red onion, diced
• 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
• 1 Tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp celery seed
• 2 Tbsp sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:|
In a large bowl, gently toss the cabbage, blueberries and red onion. In a small mixing bowl combine the red wine vinegar, garlic powder, celery seed and sugar. Whisk until sugar is dissolved. Slowly fold the dressing into the cabbage mixture.  Season the slaw with salt and pepper. Place in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving. This goes great with any grilled side or as a topping for your Red, White and Blue Burger.

Uncle Sam's Sundae

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, thinly sliced
• Whipped cream
• 4-8 scoops of your favorite ice cream
• 1/2 cup slivered almonds, optional

Blueberry Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh blueberries, washed and dried
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/2 cup sugar

Directions:
In a medium sauce pan combine the blueberries, lemon juice and sugar. Stir well. Cook over medium heat until the blueberries pop open. Set aside and let cool completely. Layer a few slices of strawberries in 4 small serving dishes (6-8 oz serving dishes work best).  Place 1 or 2 scoops of ice cream on top of the strawberries.  Next, ladle the blueberry sauce on top of the ice cream.  Top with whip cream, a few remaining slices of strawberries and the slivered almonds. 

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Jon Webber is an experienced caterer, party planner and amateur chef. Over the years, he has perfected the various ways to prepare and plan simple everyday dinners, as well as the party everyone will be talking about for weeks to come. He loves to tinker in the kitchen, experimenting with different flavors until they mix just right. He is currently developing his own line of salsas, as well as writing several cookbooks.

Want to comment or ask a question? Email Jon at inthekitchen@upincumming.com.