5 Recipes for your 4th of July BBQ
Celebrate the 4th of July with these 5 BBQ recipes! Fire up the grill, invite your friends and family, and spot some fireworks to celebrate the passage of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress that happened on July 4, 1776.
Mouthwatering BBQ Chicken
Ingredients
2 cups ketchup
1 cup cider vinegar
1 cup water
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup molasses
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons prepared mustard
3 teaspoons ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
6 pounds assorted bone-in chicken pieces
Directions
- In a large saucepan, combine the first 11 ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 1 to 1-1/2 hours or until thickened, stirring occasionally. Remove half of the sauce; reserve for brushing chicken. Keep remaining sauce warm for serving.
- Grill chicken, covered, over medium heat 25-35 minutes or until juices run clear, turning occasionally and brushing with reserved sauce during the last 10 minutes. Serve with remaining sauce.
Parmesan Garlic Grilled Corn
Ingredients
4 ears fresh corn
2 tablespoons butter
1 clove garlic grated or minced
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley
Directions
- Preheat grill to 350-400 degrees F. Remove most of the husks on the corn and leave the innermost layer intact. Pull them back just enough to remove the silks, then place back over the corn.
- Place corn on preheated grill. Cook, turning once or twice until kernels are bright yellow, 15-20 minutes.
- In the meantime: place butter and garlic in a small heat-safe bowl. Microwave until butter is melted, 10-15 seconds.
- Remove remaining husks and brush the corn kernels with melted garlic butter while still hot. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and parsley.
- Serve immediately.
Greek Lemon Orzo Salad
Ingredients
1 cup / 200 g risoni / orzo pasta
350 g / 12 oz cherry tomatoes , halved (or 2 large tomatoes)
2 Lebanese / Persian cucumbers , diced
150 g / 5 oz firm feta , cut into 1/2cm/ 1/2″ cubes
1/4 – 1/2 red onion , cut into wedges and sliced thinly
1 green capsicum/bell pepper , cut into 3 cm / 2.25″ strips (Note 1)
150 g / 5 oz whole black olives , seed in (adjust qty to taste)
1 1/2 tsp dried oregano
DRESSING
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 5 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (or other mild mustard)
- 1 garlic clove , minced
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Place Dressing ingredients in a jar and shake well. Set aside for 10+ minutes.
- Cook orzo / risoni per packet directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop them cooking further. Drain well.
- Place orzo and remaining Salad ingredients in a bowl. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently to coat. Serve!
Creamy Potato Salad
Creamy Ranchified Potatoes Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Ingredients
2 pounds small red potatoes, quartered
1 cup cubed fully cooked ham
1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cream of potato soup, undiluted
1 carton (8 ounces) spreadable chive and onion cream cheese
3 tablespoons minced chives
1 envelope ranch salad dressing mix
1 teaspoon pepper
6 ounces pepper jack cheese, grated
Directions
- In a 4-qt. slow cooker, combine the first 7 ingredients. Cook, covered, on low until potatoes are tender, 6-8 hours. Top with cheese; stir to combine.
Mac ‘n’ Cheese
Ingredients
16 oz elbow macaroni, cooked (or other tubular pasta)
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
6 tbsp unsalted butter
1/3 cup all purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy whipping cream
4 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
2 cups Gruyere cheese shredded
salt and pepper to taste
1 1/2 cups panko crumbs
4 tbsp butter melted
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese shredded
1/4 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350F. Lightly grease a large 3 qt or 4 qt baking dish and set aside. Combine shredded cheeses in a large bowl and set aside.
- Cook the pasta one minute shy of al dente according to the package instructions. Remove from heat, drain, and place in a large bowl.
- Drizzle pasta with olive oil and stir to coat pasta. Set aside to cool while preparing cheese sauce.
- Melt butter in a deep saucepan, dutch oven, or stock pot.
- Whisk in flour over medium heat and continue whisking for about 1 minute until bubbly and golden.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream until nice and smooth. Continue whisking until you see bubbles on the surface and then continue cooking and whisking for another 2 minutes. Whisk in salt and pepper.
- Add two cups of shredded cheese and whisk until smooth. Add another two cups of shredded cheese and continue whisking until creamy and smooth. Sauce should be nice and thick.
- Stir in the cooled pasta until combined and pasta is fully coated with the cheese sauce.
- Pour half of the mac and cheese into the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese and then the remaining mac and cheese.
- In a small bowl, combine panko crumbs, Parmesan cheese, melted butter and paprika. Sprinkle over the top and bake until bubbly and golden brown, about 30 minutes. Serve immediately.
Connect with us and tell us what you think! Share your creations and celebration with us on Instagram at @windermere_whidbey_island
Boating Around Whidbey
It has been well over 200 years since the waters around Whidbey saw its first sailboat with the explorers of the late 18th century. Just like Captain Vancouver in 1792 people still have the urge to explore this amazing inland waterway from the deck of a boat. Strong currents encourage many to forego sailing in favor of motoring quickly from point A to B. Others like the challenge and quieter method of utilizing the plentiful wind-power. Whichever way floats your boat make sure you get out on the water before the season is over!
Check out the rest of Whidbey’s beautiful destinations from this series here.
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15 Ways to Use Mason Jars in your Home
Mason jars have become a popular staple in home décor and party planning. These versatile glass containers can be transformed into just about anything you can imagine, making them perfect for both practical and aesthetic purposes.
Here are fifteen creative ways to use mason jars to decorate your home or party:
- Flower Vases: Mason jars make great vases for fresh flowers or even silk flowers. They can be painted, wrapped with twine or lace, or left plain to create a rustic or vintage look.
- Candle Holders: Create a cozy atmosphere by turning mason jars into candle holders. You can use scented or unscented candles and place them inside jars for a soft, flickering glow.
- Centerpieces: Mason jars can be used as centerpieces for any occasion. Fill them with flowers, colored sand, or even small trinkets to create a unique and eye-catching display.
- Drinking Glasses: Mason jars are perfect for serving drinks at parties or even for everyday use. They can be decorated with paint or stickers to match your decor and add a personal touch.
- Snack Containers: Mason jars make great containers for snacks, especially for outdoor parties or picnics. Fill them with popcorn, candy, or other small treats and label them with cute chalkboard labels.
- Planters: Mason jars can be transformed into mini planters for succulents or herbs. Hang them from a wall or place them on a windowsill for a pop of greenery.
- Utensil Holders: Use mason jars to hold utensils at your next party or BBQ. Fill them with forks, knives, and spoons and decorate them with colorful ribbon or twine.
- Gift Containers: Mason jars make great gift containers for homemade treats like jam, cookies, or even bath salts. Wrap them with a bow or ribbon for a personalized touch.
- Photo Frames: Create a unique photo display by using mason jars as frames. Place your favorite photos inside the jars and hang them from a wall or display them on a shelf.
- Party Favors: Fill mason jars with small party favors like candy, stickers, or small toys. Decorate them with colorful ribbon or washi tape and give them out to guests as they leave your party.
- Spice rack: After growing your own herbs and spices in the garden use your mason jars to organize them in the kitchen.
- Lunches to go: Mason jars make the perfect container for lunches to go. Some of our favorites are quinoa, chicken rice bowls, and parfaits.
- Office organization: These containers make the perfect holders for paper clips, push pins, and staples. even better when you must grab them to go because the lid keeps them nice and tidy!
- Coin collecting: Cut a slit in the top of your jar and slip your extra coins in. Did you know saving like this can help you kickstart larger savings in the future?
- The obvious canning: one of our favorites is picking berries from a local farm then making our own jellies and jams. Mason jars are the perfect way to keep them fresh for an extended period.
As you can see, there are many creative ways to use Mason jars to decorate your home or party. These versatile containers are not only practical, but they also add a touch of charm and personality to any space. So the next time you come across a mason jar, think outside the box and see what creative ideas you can come up with! Do you have a creative way of using mason jars in your home? We would love to know! Share with us here. Thinking about buying or selling a home? Connect with us here.
Best Ice Cream Spots on Whidbey Island
Whidbey Island, is home to some of the best ice cream spots in the region. Whether you are a resident or just visiting for a weekend getaway, add these ice cream shops to your must-try list.
Whidbey Island Ice Cream Company
The Whidbey Island Ice Cream Company is located in Freeland and has been open since 2008. Their one goal? “To bring joy to our community through the deliciousness of ice cream.” All their ice cream is locally made. Check out their website here before you go.
Kapaws Iskreme
Find Kapaws in the heart of Coupeville. This ice cream spot is only open during the sunny times of the year. Tour the town of Coupeville and stop by this ice cream shop for anything from single-scoops, waffle cones, and cake cones! Bring the eager kids who love combining all the different flavors – a must-stop spring/summer ice cream location. Check out their Facebook here before you go!
The Farm Stand
The Farm Stand ice cream on Whidbey Island is a locally made treat using the freshest ingredients from the surrounding area. With a variety of flavors to choose from, each scoop is a unique and delicious experience. Enjoyed at the Farm Stand or taken to go, this ice cream accurately represents Whidbey Island’s bountiful offerings. Learn more about the Farm Stand here before you head out.
Whidbey Farm & Market
Whidbey Farm & Market ice cream is made with the freshest, locally sourced ingredients to provide the best possible flavor and quality. With a wide range of flavors, they are dedicated to creating a memorable experience with every scoop. Whether enjoyed at the farm or taken to go, Whidbey Farm & Market ice cream is a treat like no other. Check out their website here.
Popsies
Grab a cone from this unique dedicated candy store on pioneer street in Oak Harbor while you walk the strip and browse the other local shops downtown. Check out their website here.
No matter which ice cream spot you choose, you’re sure to find a delicious treat on Whidbey Island. These ice cream shops are the perfect way to cool off on a hot summer day and experience a fun outing with friends and family. Share your adventures with us at @windermere_whidbey_Island on Instagram.