Summer Fun 2022

SUMMERFUN 2022

AProductionOf:

FOURTHOF JULYFUN, GRILLING TIPS,AND RECIPES

Summer Fun 2022

TheNewportPlainTalk isproudtopresentour sixthannualSummerFun edition,whichfeatures localFourthofJulycelebrations,grillingtips, recipes,summerfunand muchmore.Wehopeyou willenjoythisedition,as itshowcasessomeofthe bestsummerfestivalsand activitiesinandaroundthe area.Wealsoareappreciativetoeachofouradvertisersinthisspecialsection andwehopeyouvisittheir businessthissummer.

Story Index

Parrottsville’sAnnualFireworksShowcase..........3

RegionalFourthofJulyEvents.............................3

FourthofJulyonMabry’sHill..............................4

MuseumofAppalachiaAnvilShoot......................9

EnjoyStufedBurgers ............................................9

BeSaeWithFireworks .........................................12

MakeTheWorld’sBestRibs ..................................14

MakeGuestComortableWhenEntertaining .......14

MakeTheMostofYourStaycation........................19

MaximizeTimeSpentinthePool.........................22

TipsforHostingaJuly4thParty..........................27

FamilyActivitiestoGetKidso

Advertising Index

Parrottsville’s Fireworks Showcase planned for July 2

Thetownof Parrottsvillewill holdsitsannualFireworks

ShowcaseonSaturday,July

2.MayorDewayneDaniel hasplanneda ull-fedged celebrationthisyearwith infatables, reworks,vendorsandmuchmore.

Fireworkshavebeenpurchasedfromalocalprovider, andDanielsaidthedisplay willbethebestthatlocals andParrottsvilleresidents haveeverseen.Entertainmenthasbeenscheduled throughouttheaternoon, andthe rstperormerswill takethestagearound3p.m. thatafternoon.

TheParrottsvillefootball teamwillbeworkingthe

infatablesandgamesthis year.Alldonationsorfees tousetheinfatableswillgo towardsnewequipmentfor theteam.

Organizershavenotyet decidedwhethertheannual paradethroughdowntown willtakeplacethisyear, ortheMrs.Firecracker pageants.Look ormoreinformationinafutureedition ofTheNewportPlainTalk.

“We’rehappytobeableto providethis reworksshowcasetothecommunityonce again,”MayorDanielsaid.

“Thousandsofdollars weredonatedbybusinesses andmembersofthecommunitytomakethispossible. Wereallyappreciateallthe supportthatwereceiveeach

year orthisevent.”

Theeventwillbefreeof chargeasusual,andtake

placearoundParrottsville ElementarySchool.The ParrottsvilleVolunteerFire

Departmentwillhandle parking.

Everyoneisencouragedto

comeoutandenjoyoneof thebest reworkdisplaysin thearea.

FILEPHOTO

The Town of Parrottsville will celebrate the 4th on Saturday, July 2, with their annual Fireworks Showcase event. Mayor Dewayne Daniel said this year’s display will be the largest to date.

Mabry-Hazen House to celebrate Independence Day with ‘Fourth of July on Mabry’s Hill’

Mabry-HazenHouseis hostingitsannualold-fashioned FourthofJulycelebrationonMonday,July4th,2022 from5:00p.m.to10pm.Gather withthemuseumtocelebrateIndependenceDay,theDeclaration ofIndependence,andcommunity. Enjoygreatviews,goodfoodand beer,livemusic,fungames,great companyandtoursofthe1858 house.Bringyourlawnchairsand blanketsandspreadoutonour7 acresofgreenspaceneardowntownandrightofI-40.

Thedayrecallsthespiritof 19thcenturyIndependenceDay celebrationswhencommunities gatheredforpatrioticrevelryand enjoyment.Ticketsarerequiredto attendtheevent.

OverlookingdowntownKnoxvilletothewestandtheGreat SmokyMountainstosouth,historicMabry’sHillenjoysaspectacularviewo the reworksaround thecityandcounty.Takeiteasy withthislaid-backcelebration.It istheperfecttimetocomechillon thehill!

Takeinthesurroundingnatural beautyandhistorywhilesavoring foodfromfoodtrucksandbeer fromalocalbrewery.“Whenyou seetheviewhere,”saysExecutiveDirector,PatrickHollis,“you understandwhatdrewtheMabrys, CivilWararmies,theHazens,and whatdrawspeopletodaytothis place.At230feetabovetheriver,

Regional Celebrations

Gatlinburg

Mabry’sHillofersanincomparablepanoramaofthecity.”

Themuseumwillhaveseveral activitiesforkidsandtheyoung atheartincludingsackraces, watermelonseedspittingcontests, three-leggedraces,bocce,croquet, cornhole,andmuchmore.Tinca Tincawillbringtheirretro-futuristicindie-rockandelectronicsound forattendeestogrooveandenjoy. KelseyTiaraPhotographywillbe availabletostrikeyourimageasa tintype!

We’llhaveareadingofthe DeclarationofIndependence.Purchaseticketstojoininacakewalk andpossiblytakehomeadelicious cakefromalocalbakery!Trotta MontgomeryRealtyCompanywill bebackwithBiscuitthepony!And thehistorichousemuseumwill openforself-guidedtours.There willbeplentyofactivitytomake thisamemorableIndependence Day!

Ticketsforadults(16+)are $15(includestwodrinktickets),children(ages5-15)are$5, membersofMabry-HazenHouse are$10,andchildrenunder5are free.Moreinformationandlinkto purchaseticketsavailableatwww. mabryhazen.com/fourthofjuly.

Thereisasmallfeeforonline purchases.Pre-saleticketssellout andtherewillonlybealimited numberofticketsavailableatthe door.Allproceedsbenetthemuseum’seducationalandpreservationmissions.

Thenation’s“rst”celebrationandGatlinburg’saward-winningFourtho JulyMidnight Parade,willstepofat12:01a.m.onSunday,July4,honoringFirstResponders,U.S.Veterans,militaryheroes,andfrontlinehealthcareworkers.Parade-goerscanenjoyacelebration o red,white,andblueaspatrioticallydecoratedandlighted oatslinedowntownstreets. ThecelebrationwillconcludeindowntownGatlinburgtomarkthenation’s“Independence Day”withaspectacular reworkshowstartingat11p.m. romtheGatlinburgSpaceNeedle. Spectatorscanviewthe reworks romanyvantagepointinGatlinburg.

Pigeon Forge Patriot Festival

TheannualPatriotFestivalisanexperienceyouwillwanttotakethewholefamilyto! Theeventbeginsat4p.m.withavarietyooodvendorsstartingthe estivitiesof.From 5:30p.m.to8p.m.,enjoy reeentertainment romLiquidVelvetandSwampRiverRevival, thenenjoyheadlinerJoshTurnerat8:30p.m.At9:50p.m.the reworksshowcasebegins.

Morristown

Morristownwillholda ree4tho July reworksshowintheLakewayArea.Theannual celebrationpresentedbyTheTerryLawFirmwithhavelivemusicsponsoredbyFoodCity. Therewillbefoodvendors,andtheparkopensat4p.m.Entertainmentbeginsat6:30p.m. withthe reworksdisplayat9:45p.m.

Greeneville

Greeneville,TN’s10thannual4tho Julycelebrationwill eaturelivemusic,anighttime parade,hotdogeatingcontest, oodtrucks,kidszoneandaspectacular reworksshow.

Knoxville

TheFestivalonthe4thdeliversawidevarietyoffamilyfunincludingentertainment, activitiesandtreatsattheCityofKnoxville’s4thofJulycelebrationattheWorld’sFairPark. Thefreefestivalbeginsat5p.m.andendsatapproximately10p.m.attheconclusionofthe reworksdisplay.ThiseventisRAINORSHINE.Throughouttheday estival-goerswillbe treatedtogoodmusic,goodfood,goodfunandgoodtimesontheFestivalandPerformance lawnso theWorld’sFairPark.From5p.m.to8p.m.,theFestivalLawnwillbe lledwith funactivitiestopleasekidsofallagessuchasminiaturegolfwithHolestoGoandPaddle BoatsinthelakeatWorld’sFairPark.

Jonesborough

Tennessee’sOldestTowncelebratestheannualJonesboroughDaysFestival.Jonesborough Daysisapatrioticfestivalheldeveryyeartheweekendclosesttothe4thofJuly.Complete withparade,music,children’sareas,historicvillages,craters, oodando course, reworks.

Enjoy stued burgers this barbecue season

Barbecueseasonhas arrived,sosoonpeoplewillbebonding inthebackyardover hamburgersandhotdogs. Backyardbarbecueseason beginsinspringandcontinues throughsummerand,where theweatherallows,into all.

Barbecuesareaperfectsummertimesoiree,asthey’reusuallylaidbackafairsandmake useofthepleasantweather.

Museum of Appalachia to hold annual Independence Day Anvil Shoot

WhilemostAmericanscelebrate IndependenceDaywith reworks, theMuseumo Appalachiamarks theoccasionwithanold-fashioned “anvilshoot.”Every4tho July, theMuseumusesgunpowderto launcha200-poundanvilhundredsoffeetintotheair.

Anvilshootswereonceacommonwayforpioneerstocommemorateholidays,electionsandother specialoccasions.

Whilethetraditionofanvil-shootingisnearlyobsolete, theMuseumhasmadeitanearly

30-yeartradition,strivingtokeep thispieceofhistoryalivefora21st centuryaudience.

Anvilshootsarescheduledfor 10:00a.m.,11:00a.m.,12:00p.m., 1:00p.m.,and3:00p.m.onJuly

4.

Theanvilshootisthecenterpieceofanall-daycelebrationthat includesanationalbell-ringing ceremony, agprocession,live music,southern ood,demonstrations romblacksmiths,beekeepers,dulcimermakers,spinners, weavers,railsplitters,andmore.

Whileit’s untoexpand yourculinaryhorizonsover theopen ameo agrill,it’s importantthatyounever orgetthebasics,especially whenentertainingcrowdswho arenodoubtlooking orward togrilledburgers.Giving themasseswhattheywant isgoodhosting,butyoucan stilltryyourhandatalittle experimentationwhenserving burgersatyournextbackyard barbecue.Thefollowingrecipe or“HerbCheese-Stufed GarlicBurgers”fromAndrew Schloss’andDavidJoachim’s “MasteringtheGrill”(ChronicleBooks)providesthebesto bothworlds.

HerbCheese-Stufed GarlicBurgers

Makes6servings

2poundsgroundbeefchuck,85 percent lean

2 tablespoons chopped garlic

1⁄2 teaspoon kosher salt

1⁄4 teaspoon ground black pepper

3 tablespoons herbed garlic cream cheese, such as Boursin

6 hamburger buns, split Oil for coating grill grate

TheGrill

Gas:Directheat,medium-high425Fto450F;clean, oiledgrate

Charcoal:Directheat,light

ash;12-by-12-inchcharcoal bed(about3dozencoals); clean,oiledgrateonlowest setting

Wood:Directheat,lightash; 12-by-12-inchbed,3to4 inchesdeep;clean,oiled grateset2inchesabovethe re

1.Heatthegrillasdirected.

2.Usingyourhands,mixthe bee,garlic,salt,andpepper inabowluntilwellblended; donotovermix.Usingalight touch, orminto12pattiesno morethan1 2-inchthick.

3.Putaportion(about11 2 teaspoons)o creamcheese inthecentero eacho the6 patties;topwiththeremaining pattiesandpresstogether,tak-

ingcaretosealtheedgeswell. Refrigeratetheburgersuntil thegrillisready.

4.Brushthegrillgrateand coatitwithoil.Puttheburgers onthegrill,coverandcook or 9minutes, ippingater5minutes, ormedium-done(150F, slightlypink).Addaminute perside orwell-done(160F).

5.Totoastthebuns,put themcut-sidesdowndirectly overthe re orthelastminute o cooking.

6.I servingtheburgers directly romthegrill,serveon thebuns.I theburgerswillsit, even ora ewminutes,keep thebunsandburgersseparate untiljustbeforeeating.

MUSEUMOFAPPALACHIA

A lighting of A Fourth of July anvil is demonstrated at the Museum of Appalachia in Norris.

Giving the masses what they want is good hosting, but you can still try your hand at a little experimentation when serving burgers at your next backyard barbecue.

Be safe with reworks this season

Fireworkslook beautifulinthe nightsky,buthave thepotentialtobe dangerous.

Fireworksaresynonymouswithsummer.They markspecialoccasions, festivalsandwarm-weather holidayslikeIndependence Day.Whenhandledby proessionals, reworks canbequitethespectacle. However,iflitbyamateurs, reworkscanbeveryrisky.

Thoughtheyoferawe-inspiringviews, reworkscan bedangerous.According todatacollectedbytheCentersforDiseaseControland Prevention,anestimated 8,500peopleintheUnited Statesweretreatedinemergencyroomsforinjuries sustained rom reworks duringtheperiodofJune 20toJuly20,2021.Nearly halfofallpeopleinjured werechildrenundertheage of15.

Alltypesoreworks haveinherentdanger,even sparklers.Sparklersburnat morethan1,000Fandcan igniteclothingveryquickly. Thosewhotakeanactive rollinthelightingand shootingoreworksare morepronetoinjury.The mostcommoninjuriesincludeburns,injuriestothe eyesfromcutsandforeign objectslodgedintheeyes.

Although reworksinjuriesarecommon,theyalso arelargelypreventable.The followingareafewsafety tipsaimedathelpingpeople avoidinjurywhenenjoying reworksdisplays.

•Keepyourdistance.It isimportantforallpeo-

plewatching reworksto keeptheirdistancefrom theexplosives.Eventhe best-made reworkscan sometimesveerofcourse and yintospectators.The furtherthedistanceaway, thebetterchanceforsafety.

•Avoidamateurs.Professional reworkscompanies

knowtheinsandoutsof reworksandotenhave safetyproceduresinplace. Fireworksmaybeignited remotelybyacomputeror anelectronicfusedevice, keepingpeopleawayfrom groundzero.Anamateur maynothavethedexterity orskillstogetawayfrom

thelit reworkintime. Whenenjoying reworks, justmakesuretheperson puttingontheshowisa professional.

•Exercisecautionaround reworks.Somepeopleconstructtheirown reworks fromsparepartsortryto uptheantebyaddingan

acceleranttoachieveabiggerboom.Thesepractices aredangerousandcanlead tohighlyunpredictable explosions.It’snevergood tomakeyourown reworksshow,buti you nd yourselfatapartywhere someoneisexperimenting with reworks,exercise

extremecaution.

Fireworkscanbeafun spectaclewhenhandled byprofessionalsinasafe manner.Familiescan considerwatchingacity-or town-sponsored reworks displayinsteadofrisking injurywithat-homepyrotechnics.

Fireworks are synonymous with summer. Though they offer awe-inspiring views, reworks can be dangerous. Families can consider watching a city- or town-sponsored reworks display instead of risking injury with at-home pyrotechnics.

How to make the World’s Best Ribs on the grill

Wanttocreatethe world’sbestribs?

Youcansmokethe competitionwith thisrecipe romPitBoss or all-othe-boneSt.Louis-styleribs.They areeasytomakeandcanservea groupoour,ordoubletherecipe toserveabigparty!

Ingredients:

1rackspareribs

1/4 cup of mustard

Pit Boss Sweet Rib Rub

2 tbsp of butter

2 tbsp of brown sugar

2 tbsp of honey

1/4 cup of apple juice

1/2 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce

Directions:

•Prepyourribsbypattingthem dry,removingthemembrane,and trimmingthem,i yourbutcher hasn’talready.

•Generouslycoateveryinchof theribswithmustardandPitBoss SweetRibRub.Laythemonthe grillbonesidedownandsmokeat 225Ffor3hours.

•Ater3hours,wrapthemtightlyin oil,leavingonesideopento addinyourbutter,brownsugar, honey,andapplejuice.Then,seal themupandplacethembackon thegrill eshsidedown or2more hours.

•To nishthemo,removethe foilandlaytheribsbonesidedown foranhouroruntiltheyreachan internaltemperatureof185–190 F,makingsuretoaddyour avorite BBQsauceandcrankupthegrill temperatureto275F,15–20minutesbeforetheribsaredone.

Formorerecipes,andtoshop or grillsthat eaturesmokemode,as wellasothercookingaccessories toupyourgrillgameandcreate worldclassbarbecue,visitpit-

boss-grills.com.

Therearemanydifferentoptionsifyouareinthemarketfor anewgrill.Whetheryourpreferenceistraditionalwoodpellet, charcoal,gasorevenavertical smoker,considerthose  romPit Boss,whicho  erexceptional value.Theirpelletgrillsareparticularlywell-suitedtogiveyoutrue braggingrights.

Impartingasimple,all-natural wood avortocookingand eaturing8-in-1versatility—lettingyou bake,braise,sear,chargrill,grill, smoke,BBQandroast—youwill bewellonyourwaytomakingfallo-the-boneribsandothercompetition-qualitybarbecuefavoritesin

yourownbackyard. Toolsandaccessoriescanalso boostyourgrillingdexterity.For example,thenon-stickporcelain-coatedPitBossGrillBasket &Topper,which tsmostgrill suraces,makesitpossibleto grillmouth-wateringfoodsof anysizewithouttheneedfortin oilorskewers,whileagourmet spicepackcanhelpyoubeefup marinadesandrubsandinfuse heat,tangandzestintobarbecue creations

Beboldwithyourgrillingrecipes andcookingtechniques.Withthe aboverecipe,youcanput“makingtheworld’sbestribs”onyour bucketlistwithcondence.

Manypeople enjoyopening theirhomes tofriendsand family.Entertainingcan includeeverythingfrom backyardbarbecuestohostingformaldinnerparties toprovidingovernightaccommodations.Whileeach o thosethingsisdierent, hostsalwayswanttoensure theirguestsareascomfortableaspossible,regardless ofwhichstyleofgathering they’rehosting. Hostscanusetheseseven strategiestohelpguestsfeel athome.

1.Considerthedetails. Doesyourguestlikechocolatecoveredalmonds?Does heorshepreferacertain genreofmusic?Takenote o thespecicdetailsthat maketheguesttick,and thenincorporatetheminto yourentertainingplans.

2.Readythespace.Not everyonehasa ull-edged guestroom,butthatdoesn’t meanyoucan’tcreateawelcomingandprivateretreat forguests.Turnahome ofceintoanovernight areawithapull-outcouch orevenadressed-upair mattresswithhigh-quality linens.

3.Anticipateguests’ needs.Thinklikeaconciergewhenhostingat home.Haveextratoothbrushes,antiperspirant, mouthwash,andaphone

chargerattheready.Isyour guestareader?Keepafew selectionsnearbyorabook ofpuzzlessotheycanstay busyduringtheirdowntime.

4.Keepdietaryneedsin mind.Guestshavedierent palatesandpreerences, butsomemayhaveserious foodallergiesaswell.Askin advanceifanyguestshave foodallergiessoyoucanensurethatanymealsserved arenotjustdelicious,but alsosafeandhealthy.

5.Keeppetsatbay. Guestsmaynotbeas enamoredwithpetsas theirhosts.Ifyouknowa guesthasanallergyoran aversiontopets,keepthe animalsawayasmuchas possible.

6.Freshenthehome. Takeinventoryofyour homeinitscurrentstate andmakesomeminor improvements.Addsome interiorlighting,cleanthe bathrooms,createsomeextraseating,and reshenup withsome owerstomake forawelcomingenvironment.

7.Prepareaspecialmeal. Giveguestsasensational mealthey’renotlikelyto forget.Thiscanmeanindulgingalittlewithsourced ingredients,homecooking andagoodbottleofwine. Comfortshouldalwaysbe aprioritywhenreadyinga homeforguests.

7 ways to make guests more comfortable when entertaining

Be bold with your grilling recipes and cooking techniques. With the included recipe, you can put “making the world’s best ribs” on your bucket list with condence.

Make the most of your staycation with these activities

Staycationshave growninpopularityinrecentyears.

A2018pollfrom YouGovOmnibusfoundthat 53percentofthemorethan 100,000participantshad takenastaycationatsome point,provingthatforgoing traditionalvacationsforrelaxingrespitesinthecomfort ofhomeisawildlypopular trend.

Whiletheymightnotbe asexoticasventuringof topartsunknown,staycationsneednotbelimitedto daysspentloungingbythe backyardpoolorlayingout onthelivingroomcouch. Thefollowingareahandful ofactivitiesthatcanhelp peoplemakethemostof theirstaycations.

•Spaexperience:Who doesn’tlikethechanceto engageinalittlepampering whenstayinginafancyhotel?Thatsameluxurycanbe

enjoyedduringastaycation bybookinganappointment atalocalspathatofersall theamenities,includinga sauna,steamroom,beauty

treatments,and,ofcourse, massageservices.

•Adayonthelinks:The opportunitytotestone’s mettleonanewcourse inanidyllicsettingisone golfloverssimplycannot passupwhilevacationing. Asimilarchallengecan befoundwhenstayingat home.Doalittlehomework to ndthemostchallengingcoursewithindriving distanceofyourhomeand thenbookateetime,treatingyourselfevenfurtherby indulginginagoodmealin theclubhouseonceyour18 holesareup.

•Thewondersofnature: Professionalandpersonal livescanmakeithardtoenjoythegreatoutdoors,even whenit’sstepsfromyour

frontdoor.Duringastaycation,committoexploring localparks,hittingthetrails tohikeormountainbikeor rentingaboatorkayakand takingtothewater.

•Citylife:Justbecause youaren’ttravelingfaraway doesn’tmeanyoucannot stillgetoutoftownforaday. Planadaytriptoabigcity withindrivingdistanceof yourhome.Seethesights, visitamuseumandcapitof withavisittoarestaurant servingyourfavoriteethnic cuisine.

•“Go”camping:Parents ofyoungchildrencanmake astaycationmorespecialby spendinganightcamping inthebackyard.Leaveyour devicesindoorsasyousit aroundthe repittelling

storiesandmakingsome deliciouss’mores.Thenset upthetentsandsleepunder thestarsforamemorable nightinthe“wild.”

•Rainyday:Iftheweather isnotcooperatingduring yourstaycation,createa backupplantoaddalittlelife torainydays.Planadaylong lm estivalinwhicheach memberofthefamilygetsto chooseamovieeveryonecan watchtogether.Makesure youhaveplentyofpopcorn onhandandorderinafew pizzassoeveryonecanfocus onthe lms.

Familiesplanningstaycationscanmaketheserelaxing respitesathomemoreenjoyablebyincorporatingafew unusualactivitiesthroughout theweek.

A night spent camping in the backyard making s’mores can add a little variety and fun to a staycation with the family.

Maximize time spent in the pool

Oneoftheadvantagesofhavinga poolrightinthe backyardisthe convenienceofbeingable totakeadipanytimeyouso desire.Spendingtimeinthe poolisagreatwaytokick ofsummervacations—especiallyifthatvacationisa staycation.Thepoolalsois afungatheringplaceforcasualbarbecuesorhangouts withfriends.

TheAssociationofPool &SpaProfessionalssays thereare10.4million residentialswimming poolsintheUnitedStates. ThePool&SpaMarketing grouphasfoundthatthe numberofpoolpermits issuedin2018inCanada(themostrecentyear fordata)wasthethird highestinthelast14years, indicatingaboomingpool marketthatcontinuesto showpromise,especially consideringthatthedata doesnotreflectmanyof theruralareasthatdonot requirebuildingpermits forpoolconstruction.

Withhazysummerdays onthehorizon,it’stimeto diveintowaystomaximize pooltimefun.

•Carefullyconsiderpool location.Thosewhoare installinganewpoolshould spendtimeintheiryards lookingatthelandscape, howthesuntravelsoverheadandanyobstructions thatcangetinthewayof thepool.Thenthepoolcan beproperlylocatedforideal results.

•Selectupgrades.Certain upgradescanbeadded

whenpoolsarebeingbuilt; otherwise,aftermarket additionscanenhance thepoolexperience.Zero entryefectscanreducethe numberofstepsorladders needed,whileawatershelf, alsoknownasaBajabench,

enablesswimmerstoplay orcoolofwithoutbeing completelyimmersedin water.Divingboardsorwaterslidescancompletethe packageandprovidesome extrathrills.

•Stockupontoys.Any-

thingfromaquavolleyball netstoclimbingwallsto oatinggol gamesand eveninatablehamster ballsthat oatonwatercan ampupthefunfactor.

•LatheruptheSPF. Pooltimecanbecutshort

ifpeoplearenotdiligent whenapplyingsunscreen. Followpackagedirections regardingapplication,being suretoreapplyregularly. Evenwaterproofproducts willneedtobereapplied frequently.

•Oferashadyescape. Likeasunburn,heatexhaustioncancompromisea fundayinthepool.Provide ashadyrespite,particularly onestockedwithrefreshingdrinkslikewateror lemonade.

With hazy summer days on the horizon, it’s time to dive into ways to maximize pool time fun.

Tips for hosting a fun 4th of July party

TheFourthofJulyisa daytocelebrateinthe UnitedStates.Much aboutJulymakesthe fourthdayofthemonththe idealtimetocelebrate.School isout,theweatheriswarmand thegenerallyrelaxedattitude ofsummerhastypicallysetin bythe rstweeko July. Peopletaskedwithhosting FourthofJulyfestivitiesmay notfeelthesamepressure whenhostingsuchgatherings thattheywouldwhenhostingmore ormalaairs.The relaxednatureofsummer oftenpervadesFourthofJuly festivities,buthostscanstill takeacrashcourseinsummer hostingtoensureeveryonehas agoodtime.

•Don’ttrytobreakthemold. Somehostsmaybetemptedto thinkoutsidetheboxinregard tothefoodsandbeverages they’llserveattheirFourthof Julyparties.Whilehostscan stillexperimentandservenew foodsandcreativecocktailsat theirparties,manyguestswill beanticipatingsomeFourthof Julystaples,suchasgrilledhot dogsandhamburgersandcold beerandlemonade.Making suresuchfoodsandbeverages areservedalongsidemoreexperimentalfarewon’tdisappointtraditionalists,andthose lookingforsomethingbeyond thenormwon’tbedisappointed,either.

•Embracethered,whiteand blue.Whendecorating,optfor red,whiteandbluedecorations.ThisgivesthepartyadistinctlyFourthofJulyfeel.Red, whiteandbluenapkinsand tableclothsarereadilyavailable comeJuly,andhostswithagift forcraftscanevencreatetheir owndecorationstouseyear

afteryear.

•Preparetoentertain.Unlike holidayseasongatheringsthat typicallybeginintheevening, FourthofJulypartiestend tobeginintheafternoonand extendintothenight.That meanshostsmustnotjust feedtheirguests,butentertain themaswell.SinceFourthof Julypartiestendtotakeplace outdoors,planlotsofbackyard games,suchasbadminton, bocce,Wifeball,horseshoes, andmore.Hostswithswimmingpoolsshouldhavepool gamesreadilyavailableaswell.

•Leavethe reworkstothe professionals.Hostsshouldnot succumbtopressure,realor perceived,tosupply reworks attheirFourthofJulyparties. Fireworkscanleadtoinjuries andaccidentsandarebest lefttotheprofessionalswho putoncommunity reworks shows.Discourageguestsfrom bringingtheirown reworks bymakingitknowntheywill beaskedtoleavethepartyif theydo.

•Arrangetransportation homeforguests.Tomakesure everyonegetshomesafeand sound,arrangeinadvance forsomegueststoserveas designateddrivers.Hostsalso shouldabstainfromconsumingalcoholduringthepartyso theycangetpeoplehomesafe ifnecessary.Keepalistoflocal taxicompanyphonenumbers onhandandencourageguests whoplantoconsumealcoholto useridesharingappstogetto andfromtheparty.

FourthofJulyfestivities typicallyarelessformalthan othercelebrations,buthosts stillmustplantheirpartiesto ensureeveryonehasafun,safe IndependenceDay.

The relaxed nature of summer often pervades Fourth of July festivities, but hosts can still take a crash course in summer hosting to ensure everyone has a good time.

Family activities to get kids o  the couch

Thankstoincreasinglybusyweekdayschedules thathavefamilies runningindifferentdirectionsforwork,schooland extracurricularactivities, weekendsareanidealtime torecharge.Toooften, however,familymembers retiretotheirrespective rooms,devicesinhand.

KommandoTechsays peoplespendanaverage ofthreehoursand15 minutesontheirphones eachday,withAmericans spending5.4hoursaday usingphones.Thosestatisticsdonotincludehow muchadditionaltimeis likelyspentondeviceslike tabletsorlaptops.

Chancesarephonesare beingusedwhilelounging onthecouchorbed,somethingthathasnegative healthconsequencesfor manychildrenandadults. Asedentarylifestyle canleadtoweightgain, lossofmusclestrength,

weakbones,diminished immunesystemresponse,andpoorblood circulation,accordingto thehealthinformation siteMedline.Thesefun activitiescangetkidsand parentsoffthecouchon weekends.

Take a family bike ride

Inflatethosetiresand tightenyourhelmetchin straps.Afamilybikeride isanidealactivityfor thefamilybecauseitis somethingthatcanbe enjoyedbyallagegroups. Choosethepaceandthe terrainbasedontheageof theyoungestand/oroldest rider(flat,easy-to-navigatepathsforthevery youngortheelderly),and enjoyexerciseinthegreat outdoors.

Washthecars

It’sachore,butit’sone thathasthepotentialfor lotsoflaughsalongthe way—andpossiblyasuds

fight.Washingvehicles alsoisagreatwaytocool offwhentheweatheris warm.

Engagein sports training

Whetherthechildren participateinorganized sportsornot,setupan obstaclecourseorfitnesscircuitinthebackyard.Everyonetakes turnsgoingthroughthe course.Thefamilycan spendtimetogetheras everyonegetsbeneficial exercise.

Do a walking tour

Educationalattractions

likemuseums,zoos,aquariumsandarboretumsare greattovisitonweekends. Thefamilywillseenew sightsandlearnimportant informationaboutexhibits,allthewhilewalkinga fewmiles.

Visitan amusement park

Researchthenearest amusementparkand takearoadtripforthe day.Hourswillbespent walkingaroundthepark andgoingonthrilling rides.Considerdiscounted membershipsorseason passesifthisisthetypeof activitythefamilyplansto repeat.

The possibilities for physically active family engagement are endlessand benecial for the body in a myriad of ways.

Using technology to stay cool in summer

Stayingcoolinsummer iseasierthanever thankstotechnological innovationsthatare makinghomessmarterandtheir inhabitantsmorecomfortable. Beattheheatusingthelatest techinthefollowingways:

A Bright Idea

LEDbulbsaremoreefcient thantheirincandescentcounterpartsforareason—lessenergy isexpendedintheformofheat. Keepyourhomeilluminated withoutthesideeecto adding warmthtoroomsbyswapping outtraditionalbulbsforLEDs. You’llbehappytodiscoveritwill bealongtimebeforetheyneedto bechangedagain.

SmarterClimateControl

Asmarterclimatecontrol systemcankeepyoumore comfortableforlessmoney.In thecaseofMidea’sSmartCool

seriesofwindowairconditioners, availablenowatSam’sCluband Midea.com,youcancontrolyour airconditioningunitremotely, whichcanbehelpfulinmore waysthanone.Whenawayfrom home,userscanusetheMideaAirapptocontroltheirAC fromafar.Whenathome,they cansimplyusevoicecommands withGoogleHomeandAmazon Alexatosetthetemperatureto theirliking.BoastingEnergyStar ratingswhilegivingusersgreater exibility,you’llknowyou’re coolingyourhome’sspacesefcientlyandaordably.

Hereareafewwaystogetthe mostoutofaWi-Ficonnected unit:

•There’snoreasonwhyyour homeshouldnotbecooland comfortableasyouwalkthrough thedoor,evenifyou’vebeen awayforanentireweekon vacation.Onyourwayhome,use yourapptosetyourACunitto

yourpreferredtemperatureso thatitiscooledbythetimeyou gethome.

•IfyouforgettoturnyourAC downoro whenyouleave or theday,don’twasteenergyorface unnecessarilyhighenergybills fromchillinganemptyhome.

Smart Shades

Aroomwithlargewindowscan quicklyfeellikeagreenhouse. Thelatestwindowshadescan sensetheamountofsuncoming inthroughthewindowandclose themselvesautomaticallyin ordertokeepoutheat.Whether youopttocontroltheshadesvia anapporletthemdotheirown thing,smarttechnologyaround windowtreatmentsjustmakes goodsense.

Thissummer,staycool.Give yourhomeafewsmartupdates thatwilltransformthewayyou controlyourclimate.

Whilefun,allthose barbecuesand cookoutsofsummercanpresenta challengewhenyou’retryingtolose weightandstayhealthy.However, there’snoneedtoditchthesefun get-togethersforfearofderailing yourhealthylifestyle.Instead,you canemploysomesimpletricksto helpyoustayontrack.

AccordingtoCourtneyMcCormick,managerofclinicalresearch andnutritionatNutrisystem,here areseveralwaystokeepwinningat weightlosswithoutmissingouton thefun.

•VolunteertoBringtheAppetizers:Oertobringachoppedveggie platealongwithlow-fatdip,or bakedchipswithsalsaorhummus.

•TakeaSmallScoopofColeslaw: Evenifit’smadewithhigh-fat mayonnaise,oneserving(around

threeounces)isonlyabout172 caloriesandhastwogramsober, accordingtotheU.S.Department ofAgriculture.

•EnjoyThoseBakedBeans(in Moderation):Wealllovebaked beansataBBQ.Feelfreetoeat them,justtrytosticktohalfacup orless,asonecupcouldhavemore than300calories.Thegoodnews isthatthissideisalsohighinhunger-satisying ber.

•LoadUponGreenSalad:Bring agreensaladtotheparty.Don’t forgettoaddlotsoflow-calorie veggiesandpairitwithabottleof low-caloriedressing.Or,optfor grilledveggiekebabs,whicharefull oberand avor.

•ForDessert,ThinkFreshor Frozen:Endyourmealwithaslice ofwatermelon,ascoopoffruit saladorfruitysorbet,orahealthful frozenfruitbar.

SUMMER FUN

2022 Summer Fun Recipe Contest Submissions

Turtle Lasagna

Dessert

LoriRunions

Ingredients:

Crust:

1 family-sized package of Oreos

1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted

Filling:

2 8 ounce blocks of cream cheese, softened

2 3.4 ounce packages

instant vanilla pudding

2 & ½ cups whole milk

½ cup prepared caramel

sauce

Topping:

2cupsheavywhipping

cream

1 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Assembly:

1 cup prepared caramel sauce

1 cup hot fudge sauce

1 cup chopped pecans

15 Turtle candies, optional

Instructions: PlacetheOreosinto afoodprocessor,pulse untilcrumbsareformed. Takeout1and½cups ofthecookiecrumbsand setaside.Tosstherestof thecookiecrumbswith themeltedbutter,press intothebottomofa9x13 bakingdish,noneedto grease.

Inabodyofastand mixerwiththepaddleattachment,whipthecream cheeseuntilcompletely smoothonmedium-low speed.Addinthepudding andmixuntilsmooth.Add inthemilkalittleatatime onlowspeeduntilthoroughlymixed.Ifyouadd allthemilkatoncethere willbelumps.Addinthe caramelandmixitinwell. Pourthisontopofthe

cookiecrumbs.

Sprinkletheremaining cookiecrumbsontop. Drizzlehalfofthecaramel sauceandhalfofthehot fudgesauceforassembly ontop.Sprinklehalfofthe choppedpecansontop.

Placetheheavycream intoalargebowlalong withthepowderedsugar andvanilla.Whipon medium-lowspeedwitha handmixerorinthestand mixeruntilsoftpeaks form.Spreadthisontop ofeverything.Coverwith plasticwrapandplacein thefridgeforatleast4 hourstosetup;overnight isbest.

Beforeserving,garnishwiththeremaining caramel,hotfudgesauce, choppedpecans,andTurtlecandies.

Notes:Togetacleancut, freezeovernightthencut andserve.

Jalapeno Popper

Corn Salad

LoriRunions

Ingredients:

2Jalapenopeppers

4cups corn kernels, cooked and cooled

1cup sour cream

1cup mayonnaise

2ounces cream cheese, softened

2teaspoons cumin

1teaspoon garlic powder

1teaspoon onion powder

1teaspoon chili powder

1teaspoon paprika

1cup shredded Cheddar cheese

1cup shredded pepper jack cheese

½ cup cooked, chopped bacon

Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

ChopJalapenos,discardingmembranesandseeds. CombineJalapenoswith remainingingredients. Chillfor2hoursbefore serving.

Notes:Topcornsalad withadditionalcooked baconwhenserving.Can makeinadvanceand refrigerateupto4days. CansubstituteMonterey jackcheeseforpepperjack cheesetoreducetheheat. Canserveasasidedish orasadipwithFritocorn chips.

Ham and Cheese

Hawaiian Roll Sliders

LoriRunions

Ingredients:

1packHawaiianrolls

12 slices deli ham

6 slices Swiss cheese

Glaze:

1 stick butter

1 tablespoon onion flakes

1 tablespoon poppy seeds

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon mustard

Instructions: Slicerollsinhalf.

Layereachrollwitha hamsliceandhalfaslice ofcheese.

Placerollsinlightly-greasedcasseroledish. Meltastickofbutter.

Combineallingredients forglaze.Spoonoverevery roll.

Looselycoverwithfoil andbakeat350degrees for15-18minutes.

Strawberry Gooey

Butter Cookies

SophiaRunions

18ouncepackagecream

cheese (room temperature)

1stickbutter(roomtemperature)

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 box moist Duncan Hines

Strawberry Cake Mix

Powderedsugar

Creambutterandcream cheeseinamixingbowl untilsmooth.Beatinthe eggandvanilla.Lastly, beatinthecakemix.Cover andrefrigeratefor2hours oruntilfirm.

Preheattheovento350 degrees.Rollchilledbatter intosmallballsandthen intothepowderedsugar. Placeonanungreased cookiesheet,2inches apart,andbakefor12 minutes.

Makesabout36cookies.

Fresh Strawberry Cake

CarolynLillard

Cake:

Combineinmixerandmix until smooth:

1 box of Duncan Hines Classic White Cake Mix

½ cup oil

¾ cup fresh strawberries, chopped and sweetened

2 large eggs, (room temperature)

1 3-ounce box strawberry

Jello

½ cup water

1 ½ teaspoons vanilla

Pourinto29-inchcake panslinedwithparchmentpaperorgreasedand floured.Bakeinpreheated ovenat350degreesfor 35-40minutesoruntil donewhentestedwith toothpick.

Icing:

4cupspowderedsugar

1 stick margarine (room temperature)

1 teaspoon vanilla

¼ cup chopped strawberries, or may need more Mixuntilicingisof spreadingconsistency.

Homemade

Peach Ice Cream

CarolynLillard

6largeeggs

1 can sweetened condensed milk

1 ½ cups of sugar

2 to 3 cups of sliced, fresh

peaches

2 quarts of milk or enough to reach the fill line on your freezer

Inablender,combine theeggs,condensed milk,sugar,andpeaches. Pulseuntilsmoothand pourintocontainerofan icecreamfreezer.Add enoughmilktoreachthe filllineonthefreezer. Freezeaccordingtofreezer directions.

Dreamsicle Pie

CarolynLillard

2grahamcrackerpiecrusts

2 8-ounce cartons of Cool Whip

1 16-ounce carton sour cream

1 can Eagle Brand condensed milk

1 cup of Tang

MixtogethertheCool Whipandsourcream.Mix EagleBrandcondensed milkandTangtogether andfoldintoCoolWhip mixture.Pourintocrusts andfreeze.

SEE RECIPES ON PAGE 37

RECIPES

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 32

Chocolate Cobbler

KimSuggs

6tablespoonsbutter

1 cup self-rising flour

1 ¾ cups sugar, divided

1 ½ tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder plus additional ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

½ cup milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 ½ cups boiling water

Preheatovento350 degrees.Meltbutterin

8x8inchbakingdishin ovenwhileitpreheats.In mediumbowl,stirtogetherflour,¾cupsugar,and 1½tablespoonscocoa powder.Spoonthisbatter overthemeltedbutterin bakingdish.Inaseparate bowl,mixremaining1cup sugarand¼cupcocoa powder.Sprinkleover batter;donotstir.Slowly pourboilingwaterover top.Bake30minutes, untilset.Coolslightlyand servewithicecream.

Caramel Freezer Pie

KimSuggs

29-inchpiecrusts

1 8-ounce package cream cheese (room temperature)

1 can sweetened condensed milk

2 8-ounce cartons Cool Whip

½ stick margarine

1 cup coconut

1 cup pecans, chopped

1 bottle caramel ice cream

topping

Thawandprickbottomofpiecrustsbefore browningthemat350 degreesuntillightbrown. Letcrustscool.Inmedium mixingbowl,mixcream cheeseandcondensed

milkwell.AddCoolWhip, mixingwell. Mixcoconutandpecans andbrowninlargeskillet aftermeltingthemargarine.Letcool.

Putlayerofcream cheesemixtureinboth pieshells.Thenlayer withpecanandcoconut mixture.Addcaramel toppingandputremaining creamcheesemixtureon top,withanotherlayerof pecansandcoconut,and caramel.Freeze.

Peach Dumplings

KimSuggs

1cupsugar

1tablespoon butter

2cups hot water

2to 3 cups fresh sliced peaches

1cup all-purpose flour

2teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

1tablespoon sugar

½ cup milk, more or less if needed

Cinnamon-sugar (optional) Inmediumsaucepanon mediumheat,combine1 cupsugar,butter,andhot water.Addthepeaches andbringtoaboil.Ina mediumbowl,combine theflour,bakingpowder, salt,and1tablespoon sugar.Stirinenoughmilk toformastiffbatter.Drop batterbyspoonfulsonto theboilingfruit.Coverand cookabout20minutes. Spoonintobowlandsprinklewithcinnamon-sugar mixtureorvanillaice cream.

Banana Split Cake

JulieSouder

2cupsgrahamcracker crumbs

5tablespoons melted margarine

SUMMER FUN

2 cups powdered sugar

1 stick margarine (room temperature)

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

Sliced bananas

Crushed pineapple, well drained

Cool Whip

Maraschino cherries, chopped

½ cup chopped pecans

Mixgrahamcracker crumbsand5tablespoons meltedmargarine.Line bottomofpanwithmixture. Combinepowderedsugar, 1stickofmargarine,2eggs, and1teaspoonvanilla.Beat togetherfor10minutes. Pourovercrust.Place slicedbananasanddrained pineappleoverflling.Make surepineappleisdrained toavoidmixturebeing soupy.TopwithCoolWhip. Sprinkleontopmaraschinocherriesandchopped pecans.Refrigerate.

Fruit Dessert Pizza

JulieSouder

1rollofsugarcookiedough

1 – 8-ounce cream cheese

½ cup sugar

Small amount of milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 can fruit cocktail, drained

1 can pineapple tidbits, drained

2 bananas, sliced

2 cups fresh strawberries

1 bag of strawberry glaze Blueberries (optional)

Kiwi (optional)

Slicecookiesthinand bakeonpizzapan.Donot pushcookiestogetherto makeonebigpizza.Bake cookiesseparatedindividually.Thismakesforgreat individualservingsfor summer.Bakeuntildone, butnotbrown,andcool. Cookiesshouldbesoft.Mix 8ouncecreamcheese,½

cupsugar,smallamountof milk,and1teaspoonvanilla. Spreadovercookies.Mix allfruitwithstrawberry glaze.Placeontopofcream cheese.Refrigerate.

•Fruitcanbelimitedto strawberriesandblueberriestomakeared,white andbluesummerdessert forJuly4th!

Veg-All Casserole

JulieSouder

210-ouncecansVeg-All

1 8-ounce can of cream of chicken soup

½ cup of chopped onion

½ cup of chopped celery

½ cup of mayonnaise

½ stick of melted margarine for sauteing

½ stick of melted margarine for crackers

1 sleeve of Ritz crackers

Sauteonionandcelery incupofmeltedmargarine,justuntiltranslucent inappearance.Remove fromheat.

CombineVeg-All,onions,andcelery.Mixthe creamofchickensoup andmayonnaisetogether separately.

Lightlygreasea9x13 bakingdish.Placevegetablemixtureindish.Top withmixtureofsoupand mayonnaise,spreadingit evenlyoverthevegetables.

Topping–Crumblethe crackers,tossthemwith themeltedmargarine.The crackerswillabsorbthe margarine.Sprinkleontop ofthecasserole.

Bakeat350about30 minutes,untilcracker toppingbeginstoslightly brown.

Mini Apple Pies

JulieLillard Makes24

8cupsofapples,cutinto small bits

12 tablespoons flour (self rising)

1 ½ cups of sugar

4 heaping teaspoons of cinnamon

¼ – ½ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, may also leave out)

4 tablespoons chilled butter, cut into 24 equal parts

2 boxes Pillsbury pie crusts (not frozen)

Mixcutappleswith flour,sugar,cinnamon, andnutmeg–ifyouuse. Makesuretostirthoroughly,coatingtheapples evenly.

Unrollpiecrustandcut circles,usingawidemouth Masonjarlid–works great!Continuetocut untilyouhave24circlesof crust.

Spraymuffinpanwith Pamorsomesortofnonstickspray.Lineeachmuffincupofpanwithcrust. Ithelpstopinchedgeof crustaroundtheedgeof tinandthenfillthecrusts withtheapplefilling.

Takethe24equalparts ofbutterandputontop ofeachminipie.Coveras desiredwithleftoverpie crustdoughandbrush withmeltedbutter.

Bakeat400degrees for17-22minutes.Istart checkingminearound1314minutes.

Tastesgreataloneor withvanillaicecreamand caramelsyrup!

Salsa Pinwheels

JulieLillard

1packof10jumboburrito

tortillas

8 ounce cream cheese

1 cup sour cream

2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

1 cup salsa (the less chunky the better)

½ package dry Fiesta-style Ranch Dressing Mix Inmediumbowl,combinecreamcheese,sour cream,FiestaRanchmix, salsaandshreddedcheese. Mixuntilfullyblended. Spreadmixtureacross tortillas.Rolleachtortilla upandplaceonbaking sheet.

Thesecutmuchbetter ifplacedinthefreezerfor about10minutesbefore cuttingorplaceinthe fridgefor30-40minutes beforecutting.

Sliceabout¾inchthick andenjoy!Thesearealso greattomakeadayahead oftime!Enjoy!

Baked Cheesy Ranch Potatoes

JulieLillard

3-4poundsbabyredpotatoes

½ – 1 cup ranch dressing Garlic salt to taste 2 cups finely shredded Mexican cheese blend Optional – Chives, green onions, or parsley to garnish Cutpotatoesinto1”to1 ½”pieces.

Fill5-quartpothalffull withsaltedwarmwater. Addpotatoes,bringtoa boilandcookatlowboil for8-12minutes.Boiluntil nearlydone,shouldbe fairlyeasytopiercewith fork.

Drainwell.

Drizzle½cupranch dressingdirectlyintopot withdrainedpotatoesand gentlytossuntilcoated evenly.

Transferpotatoes intogreasedcasserole dish.

SEE RECIPES ON PAGE 38

RECIPES

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37

Sprinklewithgarlicsalt toyourtaste.

Bakeuncoveredat400 degreesfor20-25minutes. Removefromovenand setoventobroil.

Sprinklewithshredded Mexicancheese.Iliketo liftsomepotatoesthroughoutandputcheeseunder toplayer.

Returntoovenand broilfor2-3minutesuntil cheeseismelted.

Addmoregarlicsaltif needed.

Servewarmandenjoy!

Greatforsummerside dish!

Chicken Casserole

MeganClevenger

1pkg.PepperidgeFarm

cornbread dressing (Herb)

1 stick margarine

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup sour cream

1 can cream of chicken soup, undiluted

4 chicken breasts, stewed and chopped

Meltmargarine.Mixwith cornbreaddressing.Place ½ofthismixtureinbottomofa9x13pan.Spread evenly.Placechopped chickenoverdressing. Mixsourcreamandsoup andspreadoverchicken. Spreadremainingdressing ontop.Pourhotchicken brothoverall.

Bakeat350degreesfor 20minutes.

Peach Cobbler

MeganClevenger

Ingredients:

1½cupsself-rising our

1 stick butter

½ cup water

2 cups sugar, divided

4 cups peaches, peeled and sliced

1 cup milk

Ground cinnamon, optional

Directions:

Preheatovento350 degrees.

Combinepeaches,1 cupsugar,andwaterin asaucepanandmixwell. Bringtoaboilandsimmer for10minutes.Remove fromheat.Next,putthe butterina3-quartbaking dishandplaceinoven tomelt.Mixremaining1 cupsugar,four,andmilk slowlytopreventclumping. Pourmixtureovermelted butterinbakingdish.Do notstir.Nextspoonfruit ontop,gentlypouringin syrup.Sprinkletopwith cinnamon.Bakefor30to 45minutes,dependingon thedonenessandbrowning.Servewithicecream.

M and M Seafood Dip

MeganClevenger

Ingredients:

6ouncescrabmeat

½ pound freshly grated

Parmesan cheese

1 cup mayonnaise

½ can cream of shrimp soup

2 stalks diced celery

1 medium diced onion

1 medium diced green bell pepperidge

2 tablespoons butter

6 ounces fresh or canned, drained shrimp

½ teaspoon pepper

Directions:

Preheatovento325 degrees.Meltbutterina skilletovermediumheat. Addthebellpepper,onion, andcelery,andsautefor2 minutes.Inabowl,combinethesoup,mayonnaise, Parmesan,crabmeat, shrimp,andpepper.Stirthe sauteedvegetablesintothe

seafoodmixtureandspoon thismixtureintoalightly greased8x11inchcasserole dish.Bakefor30minutes. Servewithcrackers.

Zesty Cucumber Salad

MaddyClevenger

3tablespoonswhitewine vinegar

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon sugar

3 peeled and thinly sliced cucumbers

1 (10-oz.) container sliced in half grape tomatoes

½ medium very thinly sliced into half moon Vidalia onion

2 tablespoons chopped dill Salt to taste

Blackpeppertotaste

Chillandserve.

Over The Top Blueberry Bread Pudding

MaddyClevenger

3largeeggs

4 cups heavy whipping cream

2 cups sugar

3 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries

1 pkg. (10 to 12 oz.) white baking chips

¾ loaf French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

Preheatovento350 degrees.Inalargebowl, combineeggs,cream,sugar andvanilla.Stirinblueberriesandbakingchips.Stir inbreadcubes;letstand untilbreadissoftened, about15minutes.

Transfertoagreased 13x9-inchbakingdish. Bake,uncovered,for50 minutes.Letstand5minutesbeforeserving.

Maddy’s Monkey Bread

MaddyClevenger

½cupbrownsugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 box butterscotch pudding mix (not instant)

Rhodes frozen rolls

1 stick melted butter

Cooking spray

Chopped pecans

Mixbrownsugar,cinnamonandpudding.Spray Bundtpanwithcooking spray.

Sprinklenutsinbottom ofpan.Place20frozen rollsontopofnuts.Sprinklemixtureontopofrolls. Pourmeltedbutterontop ofmixture.Letsitovernight.Bakeat350degrees for20minutes.Letcool. Turnupsidedownona plate.

Summer Salad

DianaSamples

R omainelettuce–1usea

three pack

1 apple chopped – I use Gala or Fuji

1 crisp pear – Asian pear is best if you nd it

1 cup of salted cashews

½ cup Craisins or raisins

1 cup shredded Swiss cheese

Dressing:

½ cup of sugar – I use Splenda

½ teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon of grated onion

1/3 cup of fresh lemon juice

2/3 cup of oil – I use half olive oil and half vegetable oil

Blendtogetherwithan immersionblenderuntil smooth.Pouroversalad mixandtopwithshredded cheese.

Assemblesaladright beforeservingsofruitstays freshandthelettucestays rm.Thissaladdoesnot holdoverwellsincethe dressingispouredover it.

Merry Me Chicken

DianaSamples

Ingredients:

1½poundsboneless,skinless chicken breasts

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon pepper

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 stick butter

2 teaspoons minced garlic

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup heavy whipping cream

½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

½ cup sun-dried tomatoes

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon red pepper

flakes

Instructions:

Inalargeskillet,heat oliveoilandbutterover medium-highheat.Add chickenandcookfor5 minutesoneachside. Removechickenfrom pan.

Inthesameskillet, addgarlic,broth,heavy cream,andParmesan cheese.

Whisktheaboveingredientstogether. Stirinsun-driedtomatoes,Italianseasoning,red pepperflakes,salt,and pepper.

Returnchickentoskillet. Putinovenat350 degreesfor30minutes. Thelast15minutescover skilletwithfoil.

Di-Di’s Nanner Puddin

DianaSamples

Ingredients:

2bagsPepperidgeFarm

Chessman Cookies

6 to 7 bananas, sliced

2 cups milk

5 ounce box instant French vanilla pudding

8 ounce block cream cheese, softened

14 ounce can sweetened

condensed milk

12 ounce container of Cool

Whip Instructions: Linebottomof9x13pan with1bagofcookies. Layerslicedbananason top.

Blendmilkandpuddingmixwithawhiskfor aboutoneminute.(Itwill thicken)

Inaseparatebowl, beatcreamcheeseand sweetenedcondensed milkuntilsmooth.Fold inCoolWhip.Addto puddingmixture,stirring well.

Pourovercookiesand bananas.

Topwithlayerofcookies.

•Refrigerateuntilready toserve.Allowatleast 4hourstochillbefore serving.

Redneck Caviar KaraShelton

Serves6-8people

Mix:

3earsofsweetsummer

corn that’s has been grilled or boiled and sliced off ears

2 cans of black beans, drained/rinsed

2 cans black eyed peas, drained/rinsed

2 cans Rotel tomatoes

½ white onion diced

1 green pepper diced

1 teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon pepper

½ teaspoon salt

16 oz zesty Italian dressing

Optional: 1 diced Jalapeño for heat (remove seeds and ribs if desired)

Servewithtortilla chips.

Healthy,delicious,& easy.

Myfriend’smom taughtmethisrecipe yearsagoandithad beenapartystapleever since!

Recipes

ComplimentsOf

BLACK BEAN SALSA WITH PINEAPPLE

RECIPE DETAILS

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Servings: 6

INGREDIENTS

1 can (15 oz) Bush’s® Black Beans, drained and rinsed

2 cups pineapple tidbits, drained with juice reserved

1 cup diced red bell pepper

6 green onions, thinly sliced

¼ cup cilantro leaves, chopped

¼ cup reserved pineapple juice

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 seeded jalapeño pepper, minced

Tortilla Chips(optional)

DIRECTIONS

Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Toss and serve.

DARK CHOCOLATE BLACK BEAN BROWNIES

RECIPE DETAILS

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 16

INGREDIENTS

1 can (15 oz) Bush’s® Black Beans, drained and rinsed

½ cup dark chocolate chips

¼ cup all-purpose our

1 cup white sugar

¼ cup unsweetened cocoa

½ tsp baking powder

¼ tsp baking soda

⅛ tsp kosher salt

2 large eggs

3 Tbsp vegetable oil

1 ½ tsp vanilla extract

1 large piece of parchment paper

Butter,soened for greasing pan

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Line 8”x8”x2” baking pan with parchment paper and grease with butter.

Combine Bush’s® Black Beans, chocolate chips, our, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, salt, eggs, oil and vanilla extract in bowl of food processor.

Secure food processor lid and blend until mixture is smooth, about 2 minutes.

Spread batter evenly into prepared baking pan, using rubber spatula to scrape batter from bowl. If desired, sprinkle chocolate chips and walnuts evenly over top.

Bake 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center of brownies comes out clean.

Remove pan from oven and allow brownies to cool completely before cutting into squares.

SWEET N’ SAVORY SIMMERIN’ CARIBBEAN™

VEGGIE WRAP

RECIPE DETAILS

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Servings: 4

INGREDIENTS

2 cups instant white rice

¼ cup cilantro, chopped

1 Tbsp lime juice

1 can (15.2 oz) Bush’s® Simmerin’ Caribbean™ Black Beans

½ cup mango, diced*

½ cup salsa

4 10-12 inch tortilla or atbread’

OPTIONAL TOPPINGS

Pineapple chunks for mango

DIRECTIONS

Prepare rice according to package directions

In a bowl mix rice, cilantro, and lime juice. Set aside

Warm Bush’s® Simmerin’ Caribbean™

Lay tortilla or atbread on plate and top with ½ cup of rice, ½ cup beans, salsa and mango

Roll-up and serve with side of Bush’s® Bean Chips

COFFEE & CHILE RUBBED PORK CHOP

RECIPE DETAILS

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Servings: 4

INGREDIENTS

1 can (22 oz) Bush’s® Bourbon and Brown Sugar Grillin’ Beans®

FOR RUB

2 Tbsp nely ground coee

1 tsp ground cumin

3 Tbsp chile powder

1 tsp ground black pepper

2 Tbsp light brown sugar

FOR PORK CHOPS

4 (6 oz each) at least 1 inch thick bone-in pork chops

Salt and pepper

2 Tbsp vegetable oil

DIRECTIONS

In small bowl mix together coee, cumin, chile powder, pepper and brown sugar. Set aside.

Rub mixture evenly on both sides of chops. Place chops on a platter, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour to overnight. Remove chops, season with salt and pepper and rub each side lightly with oil.

Set clean, well-oiled grill to medium heat.

When grill is hot, using tongs, place chops on grill. With grill lid open, cook until deep golden brown, about 4-6 minutes per side. Reduce grill temperature to medium-low heat and cook until internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F, about 2-4 minutes.

NOTE: Pork chops may look charred because of coee in rub. Remove chops from grill, place on serving platter and let rest for 10-15 minutes.

Serve with Bush’s® Bourbon and Brown Sugar Grillin’ Beans

SAVORY CORNBREAD SKILLET

RECIPE DETAILS

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 6

INGREDIENTS

8 oz chorizo sausage, casing removed

1 can (15.5 oz) Bush’s® Black Bean Fiesta®

¾ cup self-rising cornmeal mix

2 Tbsp butter, melted

½ cup buttermilk

1 egg,beaten

¼ cup sourcream

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

1 jalapeño pepper, diced

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 400ºF.

In a large skillet, brown chorizo sausage. Drain excess grease. Add beans, stir to combine.

Simmer on low while assembling the cornbread. In a mixing bowl, whisk together cornmeal mix, melted butter, buttermilk, eggs, and sour cream until combined. Stir in ½ cup cheese and jalapeño pepper.

Pour cornbread into a greased 10-inch cast iron skillet, top with beans and meat mixture. Cover skillet with aluminum foil and bake at 400ºF for 15 minutes. Remove foil, continue baking for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown.

Top with remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese and serve.

BACKYARD BLACK BEAN BURGERS

RECIPE DETAILS

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Servings: 6

INGREDIENTS

2 cans (15 oz) Bush’s® Black Beans, rinsed and drained

½ cup whole wheat or all-purpose our ¼ cup yellow cornmeal

½ cup chunky salsa

2 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp garlic salt

Hamburger buns

Lettuce(optional)

Tomatoes(optional)

Cheese(optional)

Onion(optional)

DIRECTIONS

Place beans in food processor; process until fairly smooth. Add our, cornmeal, salsa, cumin and garlic salt. Process until well combined.

Spoon mixture into 6 balls on a large plate and refrigerate at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours before cooking.

Heat barbecue grill or ridged grill pan over medium heat. Coat grill or pan lightly with oil.

Form each ball into a 4-inch patty about 1/2-inch thick. Place the patties on the grill or in pan and cook until browned and heated through, 4 to 5 minutes per side.

Serve on hamburger buns with your favorite toppings with a side of baked beans.