Independence Day foods tend to be dominated by picnics and grilling. As you work through the badge program, be sure to note those items that are traditions in your family.
Steps
1. Picnic.
Picnics at local venues, such as parks, is a great way to celebrate the holiday and enjoy the outdoors. Plan a picnic with food prepared beforehand so everyone can relax.
2. Grill.
Some picnics may include grilling. However, many Americans cook their food outdoors and may or may not eat it there. Be prepared to start the holiday right. Be sure your grill is clean and ready to use before the holiday.
3. Decorate.
It takes time to create something beautiful while coordinating for a holiday. Try decorating a cake or cupcake with patriotic colors, dipping strawberries in white chocolate and then blue sugar sprinkles, make a fruit tray with patriotic colored fruit, layer jello or other experiment with items that will coordinate with the holiday.
4. Tradition.
As you examine your family’s food traditions, start a recipe book, scrapbook or similar item to document them. You can include the actual recipe, who started and / or adjusted it, stories behind the recipe and more.
Traditional Foods
5. Barbecue.
Barbecued items might include meats or vegetables. You can go fancy with spices and sauces or simple with just meat items like hamburgers and hot dogs. Examine what you normally barbecue. What else might you add or adjust to provide a different flavor for the holiday? This might include items added on the grill or condiments for after the cooking process.
6. Cool salads.
As July tends to be hot in the US, cool salads often accompany sandwiches and other grilled items. These might include pasta, potatoes or other vegetables. What cool salads do you typically make? Is it a family tradition or something new?
7. Fruits.
Red, white and blue is often carried to edibles via fruits. White is great for frosting or whipped topping. Reds can be strawberries, raspberries, cherries and watermelon. Blues can be blueberries, grapes, plums and raisins. The fruits are used in items from cookies to pies. Do you make items with these fruits? If not, find a recipe and try it!
8. Drinks.
Being outside means lots of water. However, many people make lemonade or tea for variety. Explore different ways to change the flavor of your favorite beverage while keeping it healthy and refreshing.
9. Regional.
While some items are staples, each area of the country brings in their own favorites. Some are traditional while some are just popular. Ask friends and family what items might be good to include for your Independence Day celebration.
10. Create.
Try some new food items for your next Independence Day. Get feedback to find which are winners and which are losers. Create a new tradition with the foods you try.
Supplements
SUPP_ID Recipes_2in_12up_larajla
- Avery 2.5” round label printable, 12 up
SUPP_ID Recipes_Checklist_larajla
- Badge checklist
SUPP_ID Recipes_Blank.pdf
- Blank recipe cards for Independence Day recipes
Sites to Explore
- spoonuniversity.com/lifestyle/4th-of-july-food-traditions-and-how-they-started
- www.delish.com/4th-july-recipes
- www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/g2069/4th-of-july-recipes
- www.bettycrocker.com/special-occasions/july-4th
- www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/holidays-and-entertaining/holidays/july-4th-recipes.aspx
- www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/recipe-collections-favorites/seasonal/4th-of-july-recipes
- mashable.com/2017/06/30/fourth-of-july-cookout-foods-ranked/#fJiPXks1hqqV
- www.pinterest.com/leahslife/holiday-happiness-independence-day
Get the infographic here > larajla blog post
Get the PDFs of the badge program / supplements here > Full badge PDFs