My husband and I were driving down the interstate yesterday in central Iowa. We noticed lots of extra cars, campers, and mini vans. There was even an occasional boat, trailer with jet skis, and SUV’s with bicycles tied on the back.
Families are on the move for summer vacations! Since July 4th falls in the middle of the week, it seems people are sandwiching this holiday with days off from work so they can enjoy the whole week with their families.
Join the fun and pack up a picnic to celebrate our nation’s birthday. Start with a grilled entrée and add refreshing side salads.
Here are a couple of recipes from Taste of Home to get you started.
Macaroni Coleslaw is a combination of two popular summertime salads. I like the added crunch from the purchased coleslaw mix. To keep the onion flavor mild, I use green onions in place of regular. And, if you don’t have water chestnuts on hand, omit those.
Macaroni Salad: My friend Peggy brought this coleslaw to one of our picnics, and everyone liked it so much, we all had to have the recipe. Sandra Matteson – Westhope, ND
Another festive idea is the Creamy Blueberry Gelatin Salad. I like this one because it serves 15, and the blueberries are perfect for a patriotic holiday. Add a strawberry garnish before serving. Or, insert a mini US flag pick for a salute to the stars and stripes.
Creamy Blueberry Gelatin Salad: Plump blueberries and a fluffy topping star in this pretty, refreshing salad from the kitchen of Beverly Preston. “Mom’s blueberry salad was served at every holiday and celebration,” says Beverly’s daughter, Sharon Hoefert from Greendale, Wisconsin. “Now, her grandchildren request it.”
Keep in mind food safety when hosting a picnic during these hot summer days. You may want to refer to the Picnic Planning Guide for helpful tips. For instance, when packing a cooler, it should be about 25% ice and 75% food.
Place ice on the bottom and along the sides of the cooler. Then place the heaviest and most perishable foods on top of the ice. Fill in with lighter items.
Stay cool and enjoy!
Karen Davis, Culinary Specialist, Taste of Home Cooking School
