From beach picnics to watching the fireworks in the same place each year, 4th of July celebrations are often ingrained traditions for family and friends. While you may not be willing to completely shake up how or where you celebrate, here are some favorite recipes (and tips) – no matter what type of celebration you’ll attend – for you to try. Not surprisingly, these Fourth of July tips and traditions include California-grown avocados.
4 ways to include California Avocados in your summer holiday festivities:
1. PREP PARADE SNACKS
Attending a parade is a yearly Fourth of July tradition, and in many communities watching the stream of marching bands and baton-twirlers is a must. Bringing recipes that are portable, easy-to-pack and eat, and appealing to both adults and kids alike can make going to a parade of event even more enjoyable. Here are a few ideas:
Since getting a prime location along the parade route requires an early arrival, start with a simple and satisfying California Avocado smoothie that will get you out the door quickly. This avocado, banana and blueberry smoothie starts the holiday off with a bang!
Fun for kids and filling for adults, these popular snacks are easy to prep and eat on-the-go. Make them extra festive by including red pepper slices, white jicama pieces, and blue heirloom carrot sticks for dippers!
While a cooler full of snacks is always a must at a parade, don’t forget the other parade necessities, like:
- Folding camp chairs
- Lots of water – 16oz. per person, per hour is probably a good rule of thumb when sitting in the summer sun
- Sun protection – Think sunscreen, hats and an umbrella for comfort
2. PROVIDE A POTLUCK CONTRIBUTION
While it’s always nice if a host “assigns” recipe categories to guests so there are a variety of foods available for everyone, sometimes not having any restrictions on your recipe can let your culinary experience shine. But, before you get too inventive in the kitchen, remember some of the etiquette tips for being a good potluck attendee:
- People’s tastes all differ, so including too many unique ingredients could cause you to end up spending too much while not enticing people to taste
- Try not to bring a recipe that requires the stove or oven so that you’re not hogging the host’s appliances
- Bring your own serving utensils so that your host isn’t scrambling to find one more serving spoon
- Make a recipe that can be served up using only one hand (remember, your other one is likely holding onto your plate)
Some tried-and-true summer potluck recipes include:
With only 200 calories per serving, this recipe is a modern, lightened-up take on a classic favorite. I always leave with an empty serving dish when I bring this along.
This side-dish is simple to make ahead and chill in the fridge before going to the potluck. Add the diced avocados right before serving for extra freshness and to reduce avocado browning due to oxidation.
No Fourth of July meal is complete without a heaping spoonful of potato salad, and this one adds a patriotic touch by using red, white and blue potatoes. With creamy California Avocado instead of mayo and egg, it’s a vegan choice. Or browse more potato salad ideas.
3. PACK A PICNIC
While you can bring along many of the recipes listed above for a 4th of July picnic, transportable dishes that can hold up to time spent in the wet environment of a cooler are key. Here’s a picnic-perfect recipes for your next outing:
Rachael from La Fuji Mama came up with this refreshing recipe, which contains a light dressing that helps keep this fruit salad fresh for a solid 4 hours while stored in a cooler. Plus, serving it in Mason jars allows for easy eating!
While there are many sandwich options that are great for picnics, the bagel, along with using California Avocado and cream cheese versus a runnier spread keeps this sandwich from becoming soggy.
Dessert is always a favorite part of any meal. In this patriotic cupcake recipe California Avocado replaces the butter or oil!
4. HOST A BBQ
If you’re planning to host this year’s Fourth of July BBQ for your friends and family, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind as you plan.
- You can’t grill everything! While you can find plenty of burger recipes and even some salads with grilled ingredients, give guests a variety of flavors with other menu options
- Provide games or activities that help put guests at ease as they mingle – especially if you’re inviting people who may not have met each other yet
- Use decorations that provide double duty; like decorated mason jars that hold utensils or repurposing a watermelon rind as a guacamole serving dish
Unless you’re planning on hosting a potluck style BBQ where you only provide the main course (if that’s the case, remember to read the potluck section above), you will want to provide your guests with a few dining options. Here are some that are perfect to serve at summer potlucks and barbecues:
No matter the venue, people love bite-sized appetizers and this fresh, 100-calorie recipe is no exception.
While hotdogs and hamburgers are a typical go-to BBQ fare when serving large groups, try grilling up some juicy steaks when you have fewer guests. This recipe just gets better when it’s topped with California Avocados, along with tomatoes and artisan cheese from a farmer’s market or local deli.
This pound cake recipe with its surprise ingredient – California Avocado – is easy to make ahead so you can enjoy the festivities. For a festive touch, top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream and fresh red and blue berries.
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