The 4th of July

The 4th of July is right around the corner and also happens to be one of my favorite holidays. I have vivid memories of decorating my bike with my Dad and participating in the neighborhood 4th of July parade. The bike had a different theme each year, think the Santa Maria made from crepe paper and dowel rods and a bike. I chose to use the word participating, as opposed to riding in, because I am pretty sure most years when the parade reached the cobble stone part of the route I completely fell apart into a childish mess. This resulted in abandoning my bike and walking for the rest of the parade. That evening we would walk to one of the near by streets and watch them set off fireworks that terrified me. They were so big, and so loud, and I was pretty sure they would send down flaming embers, but they were really amazing too.

Now that I am a bit older the 4th of July is about spending time with family,friends, and being thankful for the liberty that we have, and the lives we are able to lead. It also means good food, and great drinks. Why not start the day with a Bloody Mary bar. Pair Gordy's Pickle Jar Bloody Mary mix with some of their pickles, and some candied bacon, skewer them all together with an arrow swizzle stick.

The 4th of July is also just not the 4th in our house without a flag cake, here is a picture of the one I made in 2013. I usually use a standby sheet cake recipe and top it with fresh whipped cream, and berries. This year I might try this version and hopefully the topping will hold up to the July heat a bit better than the whipped cream does.

Do you have any special traditions for the 4th of July?

XO - Kohli