July 4th Treats

A week from today is July 4th! Where is the summer going?!

In honor of the holiday, I'm throwing a little BBQ & pool party in my mom's backyard. A lot of our friends are attending a wedding out of town, so the crowd won't be too big, but you know I'm already getting excited about the cute and tasty snacks and treats I can whip up!

I judge most parties based on the quality of the appetizers - just keepin' it real :) there will definitely be chips and guacamole, but what about some other fun dips? I think my friends will LOVE this grilled Mexican street corn dip. Perfect to scoop up with tortilla chips or fresh veggies.

If we were being fancy folks, I might whip up this LOBSTER POTATO SALAD. All caps was necessary there because you know, LOBSTER and POTATOES are delicious. I'm not sure if the crowd would be able to handle it. I'm also not sure I would be willing to share :) But how ridiculous does this recipe sound?!

Now for the grilling. A barbecue master I am not, but I think the gentlemen will be able to handle the grill - I'm thinking chicken apple sausages and big juicy hamburgers with all the toppings... delicious cheddar, thick tomato slices, crisp lettuce, onions, relish, mustard, ketchup, the works. My stomach is growling just thinking about it! 

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The party's in the valley so you know it's gonna be HOT. Perhaps guests will want to cool off with some homemade berry yogurt popsicles? Sidenote: when I was little my mom used to make us iced tea popsicles and they were my FAVORITE summer treat. I have been wanting to make homemade pops for a long time and this is a perfect excuse :)

But of course that can't be the only sweet treat we serve... what about a cake decorated with berries in the shape of the American flag?! My favorite kind of cake is yellow cake from a boxed mix with chocolate frosting from a can (#imsoclassy) so maybe I'll whip that up and decorate it all Americana style!

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Swimming, sunshine, good friends and good food... what could be better?