4th of July Favorites

"Barbecue may not be the road to world peace, but it's a start." - Anthony Bourdain

The 4th of July is a time where my family I get together to indulge in some amazing food, while listening to great music, enjoying each other's company. Each year we love trying out new recipes. The past few years, we bring the wings - and my family loves us for it!

While, we eat so many different types of dishes, I'm sharing three delicious meals that would be a hit at your cookout. Some are lighter options, and others are the traditional crowd favorites everyone would absolutely love. 

 

Pan Seared Scallops & Avocado Caprese Salad

Lemon pepper pan seared scallops, bacon crisps, garnished with basil, tomato, mozzarella, avocado, cracked black pepper and balsamic reduction. 

Lemon pepper pan seared scallops, bacon crisps, garnished with basil, tomato, mozzarella, avocado, cracked black pepper and balsamic reduction. 

This dish is super light and very yummy. As, I have mentioned before, eating light during the hotter months are absolutely necessary. I love this salad because it is fresh and really good! If you are not a huge scallops fan, substitute it with shrimp! This option is perfect for the anyone who loves a wonderful salad.

 

Old Bay Chicken Wings

Old Bay Wings, lightly dusted with the amazing seasoning. They are perfect grilled or fried, and super delicious! 

Old Bay Wings, lightly dusted with the amazing seasoning. They are perfect grilled or fried, and super delicious! 

These wings are so delicious, and have the perfect flavor - thanks to the Old Bay Seasoning! You can grill them or throw the wings in the air fryer like I did, and they are super good! Once they are fresh off the grill, dust the chicken wings generously with the seasoning - you'll be so glad you did! 

 

The Ultimate Spicy Charcoal Grilled Burger

The ultimate burger - this patty is stuffed with pepper jack cheese, and on top of a brioche bun. Also, the toppings include: arugula, honey cured bacon, tomato, and zing sauce.

The ultimate burger - this patty is stuffed with pepper jack cheese, and on top of a brioche bun. Also, the toppings include: arugula, honey cured bacon, tomato, and zing sauce.

This burger is my husband's favorite. It's a patty that's stuffed with pepper jack cheese, and grilled over charcoal. I've put it on a bed of arugula, chopped up tomato, and added honey cured bacon on top of the patty. I use a brioche bun, because it's so soft and buttery. Also, the zing sauce added on top gives the burger an extra kick!

 

What are your favorite things to eat on the 4th of July?

XO, Analise

Uncorked: How to Host a Wine Party

"What I like to drink most is wine that belongs to others." - Diogenes

G and I love throwing parties at our home. We typically throw a party every year at the beginning or end of Summer. When we have our event, I love serving wines that our guests will enjoy! As you guys know, we really like wine, and it is a treat when we are able to blow away our guests with an amazing selection.

Today I'm sharing some a few tips in choosing wonderful wines for your next party!

  1. Headcount. Each bottle of wine typically serves about 4 glasses, depending on how you pour. For a point of reference, our guests will have about 2-3 glasses of wine. With that being considered, you'll need to ensure your selection can accommodate your headcount. For example, if you have 10 guests, it's best to have about 8-10 bottles of wine. I always like to get a few extra bottles just in case! Tip: If you will be serving alcohol in addition to wine, feel free to modify the number of bottles!
  2. White, Rose, Bubbly, or Red? Depending on the event I adjust the type of wine I'll be serving. For brunch, I will serve champagne, rose, and white wine. This is typically a lighter meal and also earlier in the day. For evening events and dinner parties, I will serve red and white wine, and champagne is a must! Tip: If your audience prefers red over white, purchase more red wine since it's a crowd favorite!
  3. Food pairing. It is really important to make sure you have the appropriate selection of food that pair perfectly with your wine! Whether you are serving spicy, BBQ, savory or sweet dishes, make sure your wine selection accompanies your food. Tip: Whenever I make my lemon pepper wings, I make sure I have Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc available for my guests! They pair perfectly together.
  4. Budget. I try to stick to a price point for each bottle of wine that I buy. If I'm having a smaller gathering or hosting a dinner, I'll splurge and get some unique bottles from one of our favorite local wine shops, Tinto. Yet, if we are having a larger group, Trader Joe's is my preferred store to get my wine! They have an excellent price point and I set a cap for about $15 a bottle. Tip: Set a budget early. If your budget is $150 get a great variety and ensure the quality is spot on for your guests.

What are some of your favorite wines to share with friends?

XO, Analise

 

Photo Credit: Shannon Moffit Photography

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