Celebrate the Fourth with All American Appetizer Recipes (Twistson Snacks)

When the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4th, 1776 it not only set in motion our path to establishing this great country, it also triggered an annual day of celebration for Americans for centuries to come. As you plan your holiday cookout, we encourage you to think healthy and to think all-American when choosing appetizer recipes.

Lighten Up

If you're planning a party for the fourth, you may be thinking red, white, and blue food. Or you may be headed down the traditional route of burgers and hot dogs on the grill. These are American traditions that certainly have a place in the celebration of liberty. But, if you want to liberate yourself from the usual, or to free yourself from the heavy calorie- laden party food and appetizer recipes, then we have some tips for you.

Keep it light so that you can participate in that sack race, or feel comfortable in that bathing suit you'll be wearing poolside for the cookout. Substitute healthy ingredients in some of your favorite recipes.

Altering favorites

Corn Dogs are a favorite, especially with kids. Try using a lean version of dog, like a turkey dog. Instead of frying, bake until the cornbread batter gets firm. You can cut them in pieces if you're looking for an appetizer recipe.

Potato salad doesn't need heavy mayonnaise; use a light mayo mixed with fat-free sour cream, then add some relish and seasoning to give it some punch.

Potato chips are typically fried in lots of oil. Try making your own. Cut thin slices of potatoes, brush with canola oil or even canola cooking spray, then bake.

Mini burgers, also known as sliders, are a great appetizer recipe. Shrink the standard All-American burger to something people can eat in a couple of bites. This gives you the flavor of this favorite cookout fare without all of the calories. Turkey-burgers are great for this recipe too. Simply grill, then pop on slider buns and let people dress their own.

Fruit skewers are a refreshing appetizer to serve in the heat of a summer cookout. You could also serve them as a healthy alternative to desserts like cheesecake or pie. Slide some blueberries, strawberries, and pineapple on long toothpicks and provide some vanilla yogurt for dipping.

Travel the country by offering some favorites from the 50 states. Here are some All-American eats from Delish you can choose from.

It may be the American way to over- indulges at a party, but you can enjoy the festivities on the 4th of July without feeling guilty the next day. Tweaking appetizer recipes, grilled favorites, and desserts so that they are a bit leaner and healthier provides a whole new sense of freedom.

Happy Independence Day!

Source: http://www.twistsonsnacks.com/celebrate-the-fourth-with-all-american-appetizer-recipes/

We are the best source on the web for delicious, entertaining easy party food and recipes ideas. TwistsonSnacks are sponsored by John Wm. Macy's CheeseSticks. They're known for our award winning, twice-baked and hand rolled gourmet snacks.

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Selecting and Storing Fruit to Use In Summer Party Food Recipes (Twistson Snacks)

One thing we most look forward to in the summer is eating fresh seasonal foods, especially fruit. The colors, textures, and flavors of these juicy sweet goodies can make your summer party food recipes even better. But knowing how to select and store fruits properly can have some people scratching their heads.

While summer fruits can be eaten as is, used in salads, or to make smoothies, salsas, pies and tarts, their limited "shelf life" can be tricky. We pulled together a guide on selecting and storing these gems and have included some great party snack food recipes using fruit.

Let's take a look at the more popular, or common summer fruit choices. While most fruits are available year-round thanks to global shipping, when describing peak availability and freshness, summer fruits are those that are considered 'in season' from mid-June to late September.

Blackberries: Choose berries that are firm and plump, then store at room temperature or refrigerate in a single layer. These need to be used within a day or two. Wash when ready to eat.

Cherries: The stems should be flexible and green. The fruit should not have any splits, or any soft spots. They can keep at room temperature for several days, but will last longer when refrigerated. Do not remove the stems, as this will cause rapid deterioration.

Honeydew melon: Look for smooth green-ish skin and the absence of bruises. If the melon is not quite ripe, keep it in a paper bag at room temperature for 2-3 days. Once ripe, wrap in plastic and refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Mangoes: Mangoes should have a yellow- red skin and should yield a bit when pressed. The smaller ones are typically better. Store mangoes at room temperature.

Peaches: These should have a noticeable sweet scent. Select peaches that have some give, but are not mushy or hard. Leave the soft or bruised ones alone. They can keep at room temperature for a few days or for longer in the refrigerator.

Strawberries: Pick strawberries that have a good red color and the green stems in place. The smaller ones tend to have much better flavor. Keep them refrigerated in a single layer for up to two days.

Watermelon: A ripe watermelon will give a bit to pressure at the stem end and will have a sweet scent. Store these at room temperature for 2-3 days, but refrigerate after cutting.

Here are some simple party food recipes using fruit:

Mango-Peach Salsa

2 peaches peeled & diced

1 mango peeled & diced

1/2 cup chopped red onion

1 jalapeno, seeded, finely chopped

1 tsp fresh lime juice

1 Tbs vegetable oil

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Salt and pepper

Toss peaches, mango, onions, jalapeno, lime juice, olive oil and cilantro together. Season with salt and pepper and refrigerate at least one hour before serving.

Chicken Salad with grapes

1 ? pound chicken tenders

5 cups water

1 ? cups chicken broth

1/3 cup plain yogurt

1/3 cup mayonnaise

1 Tbs Dijon Mustard

1 cup seedless grapes

1 Tbs dried tarragon

Salt and pepper

Boil chicken tenders in water and broth, then dice.

Cut grapes in halves or quarters according to preference

Combine mayonnaise and yogurt, Dijon mustard, tarragon, salt, and pepper.

Add chicken and grapes

Serve on croissants or rolls.

Pick fresh seasonal fruits and use them in some party food recipes this summer!

Source: http://www.twistsonsnacks.com/selecting-and-storing-fruit-to-use-in-summer-party-food-recipes/

We are the best source on the web for delicious, entertaining easy party food and recipes ideas. TwistsonSnacks are sponsored by John Wm. Macy's CheeseSticks. They're known for our award winning, twice-baked and hand rolled gourmet snacks.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad