JULY 4 - INDEPENDENCE DAY, USA

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The United States celebrates its Independence Day on July 4.


Here is a brief summary of this American holiday:

On July 4, 1776, we claimed our independence from Britain and Democracy was born. Every day thousands leave their homeland to come to the "land of the free and the home of the brave" so they can begin their American Dream.

The United States is truly a diverse nation made up of dynamic people. Each year on July 4, Americans celebrate that freedom and independence with barbecues, picnics, and family gatherings. Through the Internet we are learning about and communicating with people of different nations, with different languages and different races throughout the world. Bringing the world closer with understanding and knowledge can only benefit all nations.

We invite all nations to celebrate with Americans online this Fourth of July.

Happy Birthday, America!

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Patriotic Points

Whether you’re planning a getaway for this summer or planning for a future vacation, consider these patriotic points to educate and entertain your family.

Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia: Stroll the streets of an 18th century town come to life. Visit with historical actors and learn first hand how a diverse group of people came together to form the United States of America. On the 4th of July, historical actors read the Declaration of Independence, perform the fifes and drums and display colonial style fireworks in a special ceremony.


Washington, D.C.: Discover must-see historical treasures and world-class attractions such as memorials, monuments and museums. Specially designed programs and tours will guide you and your family through the nation’s capital.


On the 4th of July, set against the background of some of the nation’s most prominent monuments, the red, white and blue carpet is rolled out with parades, tributes, concerts and more. The day ends with spectacular fireworks on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capital.


Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: It’s here in the City of Brotherly Love that you’ll find the Liberty Bell - one of America’s most prominent symbols of independence. Visit on the 4th of July and experience concerts, programs and patriotic presentations.

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4TH OF JULY AMERICAN TRADITIONS

Do you love a big birthday party? If so, then join the fun this 4th of July as more than 280 million celebrate America’s birthday. The goal of many will be to enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of their own backyard party. Most Americans agree that they enjoy spending the day with family and friends. So whether you’re planning to celebrate with five or 500, here are some trusted traditions to make your birthday bash a success.


March to the Music

Hometown parades and festivals are a popular start to the day. “It’s an opportunity to relax and celebrate our freedom with family, friends and neighbors,” says Joyce Reiff, mother of two in Savannah, Georgia.“Everyone is happy, waving flags and enjoying the sounds and sights.” Gathering the candy thrown from the floats is always a favorite with the kids.


All-American Eating

Picnics and barbeques bring people together. With a menu of watermelon, corn on the cob, hamburgers or hot dogs, apple pie and ice cream you have the recipe for success—get grilling. Make sure you can enjoy the party too. Keep the menu simple and ask the guests to prepare side dishes to lessen the load and add creativity. For the kids, you may want to try some summer crafts and printables.


Fun in the Sun

Whether your boating, swimming, fishing, surfing or just lying in the sand – a day spent on the water can be a great way to lull away the hours. And, to accommodate your family’s desire for food, many public beaches have built in barbeques. Just don’t forget to pack your sunblock and other sun safety items along with the barbeque sauce. Sophie J. Balk, MD, FAAP, chair of the AAP Committee on Environmental Health says, "There is really no such thing as a safe tan - all tans cause skin damage." And, if you’re going swimming, get tips on choosing the right venue, making it safe and having fun.


Red, White and Boom

In Boston, New York City, Washington D.C. and cities around the nation, fireworks are a grand finale to the day. “After a day spent pool side, our family walks together to a nearby park to watch the fireworks,” says Jennie Rose, soon-to-be mom in Minneapolis, Minnesota. “Recognizing our nation’s independence is a great way for our family to end the day!”


A Day Away

Taking a mini-vacation over the holiday is appealing to many families. “We spend the weekend camping,” says Cindy Cech, mother of four in Vaughnsville, Ohio. “We spend time swimming, playing and enjoying campfire food. It’s a time for us to get away and celebrate our family.”

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4TH OF JULY RECIPEES!!


Blue-Corn Cornbread


Ingredients

nonstick cooking spray
1/2 cup flour
1 1/2 cups blue cornmeal
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 1/4 cups low-fat milk, room temperature
8 tablespoons (one stick) unsalted butter, melted

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Coat a 9" x 9" pan with nonstick spray.

2. Sift the flour, cornmeal, salt, sugar and baking powder together in a mixing bowl. (This can be done the night before and kept covered on the counter.)

3. Stir in the eggs, milk and butter with a wooden spoon until the dry ingredients are just moistened. Do not overmix.

4. Pour into the pan and bake until golden brown around the edges, about 15 minutes. The cornbread is done when a small knife inserted in the center comes out dry. Best when served warm from the oven.

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Coleslaw

Ingredients

2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons pineapple juice
salt to taste
freshly ground black pepper
pinch sugar
2 cups shredded cabbage
1 cup shredded carrot
1/4 cup drained, crushed canned pineapple
1/4 cup reduced fat mayonnaise


Cooking Instructions

1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the vinegar, pineapple juice, salt, pepper and sugar.

2. In a large plastic bowl, combine the cabbage, carrot and pineapple. Add the vinegar mixture and toss to combine. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.

3. Drain the liquid from the cabbage mixture and fold in the mayonnaise. Season with salt and pepper.

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Border Grill's Watermelon Juice

Ingredients

2 cups watermelon chunks, seedless
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup cold water
5 ice cubes
juice of 1 lime (optional)

Cooking Instructions

Combine all of the ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth. Serve over ice.

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Portobello Mushrooms with Relish

Ingredients

For the grilled mushrooms:
4 portobello mushrooms, stemmed and wiped clean
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon tamari soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced fine
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the corn relish:

2 ears corn, husks removed and washed
1 large red pepper, washed, seeded and cut into 1/4" dice
1 or 2 green onions, trimmed and thinly sliced (about 3 tablespoons)
2 tablespoons chopped flat leaf parsley
salt to taste
freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the grill or broiler. In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, soy sauce, garlic and pepper. Add the olive oil slowly and stir until blended.

2. Brush the portobellos with the tamari-balsamic vinaigrette. Grill or broil the mushrooms for 2 minutes on each side or until cooked through and softened.

3. Prepare the corn relish. Cut the corn off the cob and put in a medium bowl. Add the red pepper, green onions and parsley. Stir to combine and season with salt and pepper.

4. Heat the olive oil in a small pan, add the vegetable mixture and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes or just until the corn loses its raw taste. If your corn is very fresh, sweet and tender, this step is not necessary. Just add the olive oil to the raw vegetables and stir to combine.

5. To assemble: Place a portobello mushroom on each of 4 large plates. Spoon some of the corn relish on top of each mushroom

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THE American Burger!

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground sirloin
salt to taste
freshly ground black pepper
1 red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded and quartered
1 teaspoon olive oil
4 hamburger buns
1 large sweet white onion, such as Vidalia or Walla Walla
2 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.

2. Using your hands, lightly shape the ground sirloin into four 1/2-inch thick patties. (Try to leave some air in the burger and avoid packing them too densely.) Season with salt and pepper.

3. Lightly drizzle the red pepper quarters with olive oil.

4. Cook the burgers on both sides over the hot grill for about 5 to 6 minutes per side for medium burgers. At the same time, grill the peppers for 2 to 3 minutes on each side.

5. Lightly toast the buns on the grill.

6. Serve the burgers on toasted buns with grilled red peppers, slices of sweet white onion and crumbled blue cheese.

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ANGEL CAKE AND SUMMER FRUIT SALAD

Ingredients


For the Angel Cake:

1 cup cake flour
1 1/2 cups superfine sugar
1 1/4 cups egg whites (about 10 large egg whites) at room temperature
1 1/4 teaspoons cream of tartar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Summer Fruit Salad:

1 cup mixed berries
1 mango, peeled, pitted and cubed
1 nectarine, pitted and sliced
2 tablespoons orange juice

For the Finest Raspberry Dessert Sauce:

3/4 cup raspberries, fresh or frozen
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 to 4 tablespoons sugar


Cooking Instructions


For the Angel Cake:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2. Sift the flour twice with 1/2 cup of the sugar.

3. With an electric mixer on high speed, beat the egg whites, cream of tartar and salt until soft peaks form when the mixer is removed from the batter.

4. Add half of the remaining sugar and beat for 1 minute. Add the remaining sugar, 2 tablespoons at a time, beating after each addition.

5. Stir in the vanilla.

6. Fold the flour and sugar mixture into the egg whites, 1/4 cup at a time, just until incorporated.

7. Put the batter in an ungreased 10" tube pan and bake until the cake is light golden brown and springy to the touch, about 1 hour. Invert the pan and let the cake cool completely before removing from the pan.


For the Summer Fruit Salad:

1. Mix fruit in a bowl.

2. Sprinkle with the orange juice.


For the Finest Raspberry Dessert Sauce:

1. Puree the berries in a blender with the lemon juice. Blend in the sugar by the tablespoonful, tasting after each addition, until the desired degree of sweetness is reached.

2. Strain through a fine strainer, pressing with a rubber spatula to release the juices.


Put it all together:

1. Place a slice of angel cake on each plate. (Store the leftover cake in an airtight container or freeze for longer storage.)

2. With a slotted spoon, place a portion of the Summer Fruit Salad on a corner of the cake slice and let it spill over the side.

3. Drizzle the raspberry sauce around the fruit salad.