Happy 4th Of July!

Considered America's birthday, Independence Day marks the anniversary of the day the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress — July 4, 1776. That means that this year — 2014 — marks America's 238th birthday. The first Independence Day wasn't celebrated on the 4th of July but rather four days later on July 8, 1776 in Philadelphia.

So did our Founding Fathers plan on Independence Day becoming such a big celebration? Well at least one of them did. John Adams said of Independence Day, "I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward for evermore."

Fourth of July is a great time for family and friends and also for food. If you're choosing to go organic this Fourth of July, you do not have to forgo your favorite dishes for the holiday season. Here are some great ideas for enjoying organic foods at your Fourth of July celebration. You can also take them with you so if the party's not at your house, you're still covered.

Organic Potato Salad

Where would 4th of July be without some great potato salad? Now you can have this delicious side dish without sacrificing your organic diet. In most cases, you can even follow a regular potato salad recipe but you will replace the ingredients with organic ingredients instead. Look for organic new potatoes, organic eggs, organic garlic and mayo, organic Dijon mustard, fresh paprika, organic lemons, organic brown sugar and shallots.  Add sea salt and organic ground pepper and you have all the makings of a great 4th of July organic potato salad.

Organic Cole Slaw

Another staple of 4th of July meals in America is Cole slaw.

2 tbsp organic dijon mustard
2 tbsp organic mayonnaise
2 tbsp vinegar (red wine, white wine, or cider)
2 tbsp olive oil
salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 head organic green cabbage, very thinly sliced
1/2 head  organic red cabbage, very thinly sliced
3 organic carrots, cut into thin strips
1 tsp fennel seeds

It will taste better than a traditional Cole slaw and it's good for you to boot. Be prepared to have everyone at the cookout asking for your recipe.

Organic Dessert

Your dessert can be organic as well and you don't have to sacrifice your yummy 4th of July festivities to eat healthy.  Try this Summer Berry Parfait that serves 4.

For the Pecan Crumble:
1¼ c. organic pecans
3 T raw honey
2 T organic coconut oil
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
pinch of sea salt

For the Vanilla Cream:
3/4 c. organic macadamia nuts (soaked for 1 hour)
3 oz spring water
1/4 c. coconut oil
2 TB raw honey
1/4 tsp vanilla extract

To Serve:
1 – 6 oz package of organic raspberries
1 – 6 oz package of organic blueberries

Pecan Crumble Preparation:
Process all ingredients in a food processor, until crumbly. Serve at room temperature.

Vanilla Cream Preparation:
Drain and rinse macadamia nuts. Blend all ingredients except the coconut oil in a high-powered blender until very smooth. With your blender running slowly, add the coconut oil until well combined. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving to set.

To assemble (per serving):
Place 2 T of the pecan crumble in the bottom of a parfait glass. Top with 1/4 of the raspberries followed by 1/4 c. of vanilla cream. Add 2 more T of crumble. Top with 1/4 of the blueberries and a dollop of cream. Garnish with a raspberry.

Organic Drinks

Another fun part of the 4th of July celebrations are great drinks but you can still go organic with these as well. Consumer demand has created a completely new selection when it comes to organic drinks so you do have variety. One of your best choices is organic tea grown naturally without fertilizer or pesticides. It tastes great and it's good for you. Another great option is organic fruit juice. This is something both adults and kids can enjoy but make sure the brand you choose clarifies that it is 100 percent pure juice with no preservatives or added sugars.

Or try this Red, White & Blue Spritzer - 

Ingredients:

Watermelon, cubed

Strawberries, sliced

Blueberries

Club Soda

Vodka (optional)

Directions:

Add all fruit to a glass (use mason jars for outdoor parties!) and top with club soda. For a low-calorie cocktail, add a shot of vodka.


Enjoy your day!



Intuitively yours,
Laurel  ♥