3 Easy Festive 4th of July Recipes

I'm a firm believer in making holidays laid back, fun and easy. Therefore, spending all day in the kitchen cooking is not an option.

The trick that I have found is to take some cooking shortcuts that nobody will even know about. I discovered this quite by accident. One year I took a shortcut with one of my usual recipes and people raved that my homemade dish was the best ever. Little did they know the dish was also my easiest ever.

Below are some easy recipes that make great dishes for the 4th of July. These recipes will save you time and trouble and they are also delicious and festive, in keeping with the holiday.

Baked beans can be made easier by simply opening a can and adding some of your own ingredients to make it your own.

BAKED BEANS

2 large cans of your favorite baked beans
? cup chopped onion
? cup chopped green pepper
? cup ketchup

Simply put all ingredients into a baking dish and pop into a 350 degree oven for 40 minutes.

FESTIVE 4th OF JULY FRUIT SALAD

Whole fresh strawberries
Whole fresh blueberries
Whipped Cream
Miniature Marshmallows

Wash the strawberries and remove the leaves. Wash the blueberries. Put the blueberries and the strawberries into a clear class bowl and toss together. Toss in a few miniature marshmallows. When ready to serve, place a dollop of whipped topping on each serving. A beautiful red, white and blue dish perfect for the holiday!

Easy Yummy Green Salad

Bagged Romine Lettuce
Bagged Spinach
1 red onion, sliced in rings
1 large can mandarin oranges, drained
1 cup pecan halves
Raspberry Vinegarette Dressing

Wash the greens and place in a large bowl. Toss in the onion slices, mandarin oranges, and pecan halves. Then toss in some of the dressing until it is lightly coated.

Hopefully these are 3 recipes you will try, or perhaps you can come up with some of your own easy recipes for the holiday. Just remember...making a recipe more difficult does not make it taste any better. Easy does it! Enjoy the holiday!

By Cheryl Williams