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4th of July Recipe Ideas

by Courtney on June 30, 2011

Would you guys believe that I’m still sore today from Monday’s BodyCombat class?

Seriously. I mean, I’m not complaining; I love knowing that I got such a great workout. But I never thought a 45 minute kickboxing class would leave me sore three days later. Apparently I haven’t been working as many muscles as I thought up in there. Sheesh!

That being said, I was a little nervous about how this morning’s BodyPump class would go, but luckily everything worked out smoothly and it ended up being a great class. I followed things up with an easy 15 minutes on the elliptical before heading back home to shower up and make some breakfast.

I think after writing up last night’s post with my cereal combo bowl, there was really no way of getting around it today. I had to have one!

In the mix:

Quaker Oatmeal Squares
Kashi Heart to Heart
Fiber One 80 Calorie Honey Squares
blueberries
banana slices (1/2 a banana)
unsweetened vanilla almond milk

What’s missing:

Chia seeds…darn it!

Along with a little iced coffee action…

Always a winning combo. Smile

*****

Going to a BBQ? Here’s some 4th of July Recipe Ideas!

So if your schedule is anything like mine, then you may have some party plans coming up for the holiday weekend. I’m still working on making up my list of what to make, so here are some recipe ideas that I may end up using…and maybe you could, too!

Creamy Fruit & Tortellini Salad

Want to make it festive? Just use the red & blue fruits..strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries!

Healthier Guacamole

You can eat boatloads of this without feeling guilty! (Well, at least I do)

Roasted Eggplant & Feta Dip

This recipe is awesome…and I had totally forgotten about it!

And of course…we can’t forget the SWEETS!

Stars & Stripes Sugar Cookie Cake

One of my favorite sugar cookie + frosting combinations…it’s amazing!

Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups with Almond Buttercream Frosting

Just go ahead and make your frosting red…or blue…or BOTH!

Neapolitan Cupcakes with Ice Cream Frosting

You could always skip the chocolate layer and just dye it blue to make a festive red, white, and blue cupcake!

Soda Cupcakes

Always a hit…and so many flavors to choose from! Just top with your favorite frosting.

Hopefully now you’ve got some ideas in case you didn’t have any before! Winking smile

Questions for the Morning:

Are you doing any cooking/baking this weekend? (You betcha!)

What do you typically like to contribute to parties/bbq’s? (<—Dessert for me!)

Are you “known” to always bring a certain dish? (<—I’m the sweets gal!)

Tagged as: 4th of july recipe ideas, bodycombat, Bodypump, Fiber One 80 calorie honey squares, kashi, quaker oatmeal squares

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{ 44 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Faith @ lovelyascharged June 30, 2011 at 9:22 am

I love getting creative with desserts, but I also do try to bring a vegan (or at least vegetarian) side dish so I’ll have something to fill up on if there aren’t any other meatless options!

2 Andrea @ Onion in My Hair June 30, 2011 at 9:23 am

The sugar cookie cake is a classic!

I make mine in a tart pan, with greek yogurt tinted with a little red food coloring. Yes, the flag aspect is gone (espeically since I include kiwis too), but it’s just so darn cute cut into pizza slices!

Happy 4th!

3 Jen June 30, 2011 at 9:23 am

I am doing some baking for a kids bday/4th of July party Monday. I came across this recipe for a very cute dessert I am going to try out! http://www.bakersroyale.com/ice-cream-and-frozen-desserts/banana-split-mini-bites/

I am usually the one who brings dessert Oreo balls are always a hit as well as cupcakes!

I did make a fantastic roasted eggplant and white bean hummus/dip this week that would be great to take to parties!

4 Courtney June 30, 2011 at 9:25 am

Those desserts look SO cute!

5 marci June 30, 2011 at 10:19 am

Oreo Balls sounds AMAZING!

Recipe ?!?

6 Jen June 30, 2011 at 10:23 am: Sure!! Easy easy!!
Easy!
1 package of Oreos
1 oz package of cream cheese

Ground up the whole package of Oreos in the food processor (I do it in 2 batches) – put into large bowl
Add in block of cream cheese softened – mix together until all combined (I use my hands – works best)
Shape into balls on lined cookie sheet – put cookie sheet in the refrigerator or freezer to let harden (1/2 hr freezer or 1 hr refrigerator)

Melt white chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips in microwave safe bowl (30 sec increments until smooth)
With a spoon, coat the Oreo balls in the melted chocolate and put on cookie sheet (top with sprinkles quickly – the chocolate hardens fast)

Put back in refrigerator to finish hardening – and enjoy!

Reply
7 Courtney June 30, 2011 at 10:23 am: Oreo balls are GREAT and are so easy! I have a recipe here: http://www.sweettoothsweetlife.com/2010/12/16/who-wants-oreo-truffles/

Reply

8 Blog is the New Black June 30, 2011 at 9:24 am

Loev all your recipe ideas!

9 kate June 30, 2011 at 9:25 am

ommmg those cupcakes look divine I love the almond frosting idea, delish!

10 Colleen @ The Lunchbox Diaries June 30, 2011 at 9:25 am

You’re a lifesaver! Thanks for posting this! I’m going to the beach this weekend with Cory’s family and I wanted to bake/make something festive but I was drawing a huuuuge blank. Thanks, lady!

11 Gina @ Running to the Kitchen June 30, 2011 at 9:34 am

I hear ya on the sore thing. I’m still ridiculously sore from a workout 3 days ago. I love the feeling though!
I’m usually the side dish person

12 Claire June 30, 2011 at 9:38 am

Since this weekend I will be going to a pool party on Sunday and possibly fireworks, I am not sure that I will need to bring anything…I did want to bring a “go-to” food for the party…but not sure yet! I was thinking something cooked, with veggies…but I am not sure yet…I like that guacamole recipe, I may be nabbing it

13 Lindsey June 30, 2011 at 9:39 am

Sadly, no baking for me this weekend, but cooking for sure! I have a potluck BBQ and think i will do a Quinoa & Avocado Salad – my favorite right now! I love to bring dessert to BBQs/potlucks, hmm… maybe I do need to do some baking! Salads are my second choice.
I am known for my truffles and healthy salads. Too bad chocolate and beach potlucks don’t really mix for this weekend!

14 Aine @ Something to Chew Over June 30, 2011 at 9:40 am

I’m definitely the person who brings the sweet treat but I usually balance it out by bringing a salad or veggie side too

15 Meg June 30, 2011 at 9:43 am

I will probably make a pound cake that is my usual!! Although I am travelling this weekend so it will be tough!

16 Julie H. of Spinach and Sprinkles June 30, 2011 at 9:45 am

Those all look so good and so ‘polished’! Maybe one day I’ll get there….
I’m the girl that brings the sweets that are revamped or something ‘healthy’. Just so I have something to eat!

17 Kristen June 30, 2011 at 9:49 am

I’m known as the “sweets” girl, too… especially cookies and brownies!

And I have to ask… can someone please fill me in on the “chia seeds”? I’ve seen them both on your blog and Julie’s “Peanut Butter Fingers” blog. What do they taste like? What are the health benefits? Where do you get them?! I’m fascinated! If you’ve discussed them on your blog before, I apologize… but if so, could you do a girl a favor and send me the link? Thanks so much!!

18 Courtney June 30, 2011 at 10:22 am

Hey Kristen!
I know I’ve posted about them before but I can’t seem to find it, haha!
To answer your questions, they don’t really taste like much of anything…I add them more for texture. They’re a great source of Omega-3′s and are really awesome in cereal, smoothies, on top of toast, salads…anything really!
You can get them at iHerb (which is where I order mine) and if you use the coupon code found in my “Shop” (http://www.sweettoothsweetlife.com/shop/) you can get $5.00 off your first order! (The code is SAZ564!)

Hope that helps!

19 Kristen June 30, 2011 at 10:42 am: It definitely helps! Thank you so much! I really appreciate your quick reply. If I try them out, I’ll let you know! Thanks again!

Reply

20 Krissie J June 30, 2011 at 9:49 am

I’m bringing cupcakes to a bachelorette party on Sat night. If you have any good german chocolate recipes, PLEASE share! I’m also bringing a 3-bean edamame salad to my friends’ BBQ Sun. I’m know for a certain goodie, but I’ll share what that is a little later.

21 Claire @ Live and Love to Eat June 30, 2011 at 9:51 am

Thanks for the guacamole reminder – I still need to try that recipe!

22 Jamie aka "Sometimes Healthy" Girl June 30, 2011 at 9:51 am

That Stars and Stripes sugar cookie cake looks incredible!

I usually BRING the cupcakes to parties. Nobody asks me to bake haha. But luckily there are so many great cupcake places here to choose from (bet your cupcakes are better )

23 Baking Serendipity June 30, 2011 at 10:20 am

I’m known for bringing desserts to parties…I think it’s become an unspoken thing. You’ve got an awesome lineup of them here

24 Courtney @ Girl In The Pink June 30, 2011 at 10:29 am

I love the stars and stripes cake idea! Hmmm, I have too many of ideas for 4th of July desserts! This could be dangerous..

25 Erica @ For the Sake of Cake June 30, 2011 at 10:35 am

I always forget to add chia seeds! I’m going to a family picnic on Sunday & planning to make a nice, big fruit salad, but all of your recipes look amazing so I might have to reconsider!

26 Brooke @ bittersweetb June 30, 2011 at 10:48 am

I always baked for parties. This year for the 4th I’m making red velvet cake pops covered in white chocolate and blue sprinkles!

27 Khushboo June 30, 2011 at 10:54 am

Your group are very lucky to have u as the dessert girl! They’re all making me drool!

28 Sarah June 30, 2011 at 11:11 am

I always end up bringing wine wherever I go.. that’s not to say I don’t contribute to the food I always bring some crackers and cheese that pair well!

29 Marykate Sinnott June 30, 2011 at 11:15 am

Holy (healthy) Guacamole, let’s get in the kitchen!

30 Liz @ Tip Top Shape June 30, 2011 at 11:15 am

That sugar cookie cake is adorable!!!

31 Cait @ UrbanFencepost June 30, 2011 at 11:19 am

I’ll be doing a lot of grilling this weekend. I am usually the one who brings a vegan or vegetarian dish to the parties!

32 Jordan @ food, sweat, and beers June 30, 2011 at 11:23 am

I’m definitely the queen of hot dips. Pizza dips, buffalo chicken dips, taco dips, I’m all about them, and they always go so fast at parties! Also, it’s great if there are leftover chips to be used!

33 Shayla @ The Good Life June 30, 2011 at 12:00 pm

What awesome recipe ideas!! And I hate it too when I forget chia seeds in my smoothies…thankfully today I remembered! Love the crunch it gives

I’m not much of a cook or baker, so I always like to bring a veggie platter with hummus so I at least know there’s a healthy snack option available! And this weekend the boys will do most (all!) of the grilling and cooking

34 Emily @ Perfection Isn't Happy June 30, 2011 at 12:03 pm

I always volunteer to bring dessert! I get a little jealous (and slightly angry) when someone else offers to bring it first…it’s my specialty .

35 Courtney June 30, 2011 at 1:35 pm: Hahaha, I know! I still bring it anyways

Reply

36 Samantha June 30, 2011 at 12:05 pm

I always make pasta salad – hmm, I should share my recipe, since I created it all on my own! LOL

I also always bake – mostly cupcakes (of course!).

37 Samantha June 30, 2011 at 12:06 pm

Oh and I am totally making that tortellini fruit salad this weekend, delicious looking!

38 Julia June 30, 2011 at 12:30 pm

All your desserts are so adorable. I want them all! I usually bring a really simple dessert or just a veggie platter.

39 Amy June 30, 2011 at 12:42 pm

I’ll be making your neapolitan cupcakes this weekend! And my own white sangria concoction!! I’m so excited to try out your recipe!

40 Courtney June 30, 2011 at 1:35 pm: YAY! Let me know how they turn out!

Reply

41 Mary @ Bites and Bliss June 30, 2011 at 1:20 pm

I’m definitely bookmarking some of these! I love holiday baking!

42 Jill @ Jill is Active June 30, 2011 at 1:32 pm

Unfortunately I’m not going to be doing cooking or bake. I am going to my friend’s lake house in Alabama and her parents do ALL the cooking for 14 of us. I will certainly lend a hand in the kitchen though and whip up what I can when I get there!! I usually bring the sweets too when I’m at my parents house and have all the ingredients to bake (I’m lacking in baking supplies at my apartment!!)

This post has my mouth watering for some holiday, bbq food!!! Can’t wait until this weekend!!

43 Corey @ Family Fresh Meals June 30, 2011 at 8:49 pm