With one of the biggest weekends of summer right around the corner, I figured a 4^th of July recipe was in order.  One of my favorite ways to celebrate is with a casual BBQ in the backyard.  Imagine fresh flowers on the table, kids playing tag in the grass and lots of delicious food.  Whether entertaining a crowd or having a quiet meal for two, my 4^th of July recipe picks are yummy, easy to make, super healthy and festive.  Enjoy and as always, let me know if you have tried any of the recipes, and if so, how you liked them.

Super, Duper Colorful Pasta Salad

I don’t know about you, but I am always looking for another Pasta Salad Recipe.  This one is sure to please and has lots of fresh and colorful ingredients.

4 ears of cooked corn – shredded off the cob and cooled

1 cup fresh edamame

1 small container grape tomatoes (or fresh tomatoes from your garden)

2 cups cooked orzo pasta – cooled

¼ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese

Salt and Pepper to taste

In a large bowl, combine the corn, edamame, tomatoes and orzo. I like this bowl from Stonewall Kitchen.

It is made from bamboo that is sourced from sustainable forests.

Mix well.  Sprinkle feta or goat cheese on top, then season with salt and pepper.  It is such a beautiful salad and it goes great with grilled fish, chicken or steak.  Bon Appétit!

Raspberry-Rhubarb Crumble

This is one of my favorite summer desserts.  The combination of flavors is beyond compare.

1 cup sugar

1 tbsp instant tapioca

1 tbsp cornstarch

1/8 tsp salt

3-1/2 cups cubed rhubarb

1-1/2 cups raspberries

½ cup brown sugar

½ cup flour

½ cup quick cooking oats

1 stick butter

½ cup slivered almonds

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In a large mixing bowl combine the sugar, tapioca, cornstarch and salt.  Fold in the rhubarb and raspberries until coated.  Pour into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.  Set aside.  In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar, flour and oats.  Mix in the butter and spread over the fruit.  Sprinkle with slivered almonds if desired.  Bake for 35-45 minutes.

To make this dessert, I recommend using a pretty serving dish like the ones found at Cooking.com. I like this one:

The color is super funky and it is deep so you can reuse this pan for just about any casserole, dessert or roast.

Factoids on 4^th of July:

Did you know that in 1791 the first recorded use of the name Independence Day occurred?

Did you know that in 1820 the first 4^th of July celebration was held in Eastport, Maine?

Did you know that in 2009, New York City had the largest fireworks display in the country, with over 22 tons of pyrotechnics?