4th Favorites

The 4th of July, Independence Day, is one of my favorite holidays to celebrate. It's not just the purpose of celebrating our Independence but also the great food and beverages you find at the BBQs that are so wonderful. Burgers, Hot dogs, Steaks, Chicken, Ribs, Sausage, deviled eggs,fried garlic,  chips and dips, and we haven't even scratched the surface. This year it is only my husband and I. We decided to pick a few of our favorites for dinner before we watch the fireworks.

Buffalo Chicken Dip

This is a great appetizer because its great for snacking on while smoking the brisket.

Ingredient List:

approx. 4 cups shredded chicken breast

your favorite hot sauce - we use Franks

approx. 1/2 cup of cream cheese

approx. 1/4 cup of sour cream

just over a 1/4 cup of sweet vidalia onion - finally chopped

garlic (to taste)

4 mexican cheeses - shredded

sharp cheddar - shredded

In a casserole dish, mix chicken, hot sauce, and garlic together. Add cream cheese, sour cream, onion, and garlic and mix. Spread evenly across the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle top with 4 mexican cheeses and sharp cheddar. Heat in oven @ 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes.

Applewood Smoked Brisket

I love a well smoked brisket. The way it just falls apart and the robust flavors..Mmmm...

Ingredient List:

a lean brisket - it's always best to get it from your local meat market; better cuts for less

your favorite beef marinade -we use Stubbs

your favorite applewood rub - we like McCormicks

your favorite BBQ sauce - we use Stubbs Original

a cup of apple juice or apple cider

Tip: For added flavor mix Jack Daniel's Charcoal with Regular Kingston. Throw in a few applewood chips.The mix of the flavored barrels and applewood flavor are complimentary. In the last 45 minutes, pour a cup of apple juice or apple cider over the brisket.

Everyone likes to smoke their brisket a little differently so if you already know what you like, do it your way. If you're a first timer - the rule of thumb is 1 hr per pound @ around 200 degrees or if you prefer it cooked well 1 hr and 15 minutes per pound. Of course, you know your grill the best so use your best judgement. We cook ours for an hour per pound and our grill runs hot due to our climate.

 

Homemade Mac and Cheese

This is my absolute favorite sinful food.

Ingredient List:

a box of whole grain pasta

approx. 3/4 block of sharp white cheddar

approx. 3/4 block of monterey jack

a stick of butter - unsalted

garlic to taste

approx. 1 cup of sour cream

Tip: Bake in a casserole baking stone @ 350 for about 25 to 30 minutes.

While boiling the pasta; prepare the cheese sauce by melting the stick of butter and garlic in a sauce pan. Once the butter is melted start mixing in some sour cream. Next add some cheese. Stirring as you add everything. Keep slowly adding sour cream then cheese until it's all mixed together. The sauce should be smooth.

Put cooked pasta into the casserole dish and pour cheese sauce over it.

Sprinkle with shredded cheddar and put in the oven uncovered.

Add your baked bean recipe and a fresh sourdough roll to top the meal.

Sit back with your favorite cold beverage and enjoy the fireworks.

Happy 4th of July!!