Hi everyone – the Fourth of July is almost here!  Are you ready to enjoy family, friends, warm weather, and fireworks? Let’s fire up the grills and pull out the old recipes (how about Great Aunt Tina’s famous potato salad – or –  the family baked bean recipe?).

Yes, those things will be around – and, it is a great way to honor our family heritage – but, what if those things will leave you cranky, tired and not feeling ‘too good’ after the celebration?

It is time to enlist some recipes from the ‘blogosphere’ that are sure-fire hits whether you are hosting – or just bringing something to a pot-luck.

First up… appetizers. And, I am going with tried and true deviled eggs. I always wondered why we use the term ‘deviled’ – well, in the 1800’s it referred to food that was spicy or zesty. So, there is no evil intent here.  Yes – I know that people don’t consider deviled eggs that exciting – but, I guarantee – that these will be the first to go!

smoked salmon deviled eggs

I enjoy this blog site ‘PaleoOMG’ – and here is her recipe for Smoked Salmon Dill Deviled Eggs.

Now, what about a salad? Well – let’s go with the old stand-by: coleslaw. Most slaws are incredibly sweet and so thick with mayonnaise (or eeks – salad dressing) that you really don’t taste the health promoting vegetables in it. This recipe from for “Red Cabbage Slaw with Tangy Carrot Ginger DressingRed Cabbage Slaw with Tangy Carrot Ginger” Dressing from ‘NomNomPaleo’ is not only beautiful to look at – but, delicious as well.

red cabbage slaw

 

So, for the protein – it is OK to eat what is served, or grilled – even barbecue, although your sugar intake will go up a bit. After all, it is the celebration of our country’s birth! But, many of the meats that are chosen are regional – consider seafood on the coasts, beef and pork in the most of the US; beef and lamb in the mountain states. Bottomline, enjoy the food of the region! I would stay away from hotdog buns – but, other than that – you are good to go!

So, what about grilled side dishes? This is one of my favorites “Grilled and Smothered Artichokes“. The recipe is from Stephen Raichlen’s website “Barbecue! Bible”. Artichokes are still in season and this brings out an incredible taste.

 

Photo credit: Matthew Benson

Photo credit: Matthew Benson

Which brings me to my final course – dessert of course, and the recipe comes from the website “The Civilized Caveman”. I have a special place in my heart for this website – because, when I was trying to name my site – I loved the idea of the ‘caveperson’ – also, George’s story is inspiring.

While I am not big on sweets – a holiday like the Fourth begs for one.  Here is one that takes the best of the season – peaches and blueberries!  So, without further ado – here is the recipe for “Paleo Peach Cobbler with Blueberries“.

Paleo-Peach-Cobbler-9-of-13-550x550

I wish all of you a safe, fun, and memorable holiday weekend!

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