Can you remember these words? “Blest with victory and peace, may the heav’n-rescued land praise the power that hath made and preserved us as nation!” Right, these lines are taken from “The Star-Spangled Banner”, from the last verse, to be precise.

Despite the fact that this song officially became the national anthem of the United States only in 1931, its lyrics make it quite a decent soundtrack for one of our favorite national holidays, which is more than 240 years old.

On July 4th, 1776, the publication of the Declaration of Independence formally declared that a new nation of free people emerged and that the whole world would have to reckon with that fact. Several years passed before the Independence Day was officially acknowledged as a state holiday and “the great anniversary festival”, as John Adams described it in the letter to his wife Abigail on July 3rd.

Still, the Founding Father was right! The Independence Day of 2017 is going to continue the tradition of bright summertime celebration, with all its parades, flags, illuminations, fireworks, amusing contests and, of course, delicious meals.

Marky’s Gourmet Store is going to throw out to you a few really tasty ideas for the holiday menu. Surprise your nearest and dearest with these striking recipes!

Idea #1: Mock Turtle Soup for a Home Dinner

independence1

In the 18th and 19th centuries green turtle soup was quite a popular treat at local parties. The Fourth of July could not go without it as well.
However, the third millennium tends to pay great attention to environment protection and preservation of endangered animals, including green turtles. That is why Marky’s has found an outstanding alternative for you and your guests!

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 lbs. ground pork loin or beef loin
  • 2 14.5-oz. cans chicken broth or beef broth
  • 6 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
  • 1/2 cup flour mixed with 1 cup water
  • 3/4 cup butter
  • 1 15-oz. can tomato puree
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 2-3 tbsp. lemon & dill sauce or 1 1/2 cups lemon juice
  • 6 stalks celery, chopped
  • Pepato herbs and spices mix
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 6 slices lemon, for garnish
  • 1 cup sherry, or to taste, optional

Directions:

1. On the stovetop, saute the loin, celery and onion in butter until meat is brown and vegetables are translucent. Add to the slow cooker.

2. Add tomato puree, broth, flour mixture, Worcestershire sauce, herbs and spices mix, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir.

3. Cook on low heat for about 4 hours.

4. Add lemon & dill sauce (or lemon juice) and eggs 30 minutes before serving.

5. Immediately before serving add sherry to taste and garnish with lemon slices.

6. Bon appetit!

In case you would like to add something fishy to your celebration, Marky’s is glad to offer you the gourmet collection of caviar, as well as selected smoked salmon treats.

Idea #2: Double-Grilled Antipasto Sandwiches for a Family Picnic

independence2

Throwing a picnic is always a wonderful idea to celebrate a summer birthday. Especially when it is the birthday of the United States. So, let’s get ready!

Let your family Master of Barbeque manage the main dish. You can prepare this marvelous nibble to make sure that everybody will stay safe and sound, while awaiting their steaks.

Ingredients:

Directions:

1. Lay out the prosciutto on its paper and 3 provolone pieces across the bottom of each “sheet” of prosciutto. Roll the prosciutto tightly around the cheese and cut each roll into 2-3 pieces.

2. Thread the rolls onto 2 pairs of skewers and brush with oil.

3. Light a grill or preheat a grill pan. Brush the cut sides of the baguette with oil and grill the bread over moderately high heat, turning once or twice, until toasted, for about 5 minutes.

4. Rub the cut side of the garlic on the inside of the bread, top it with the artichokes and roasted peppers.

5. Grill the prosciutto and cheese skewers, turning until the cheese is melted, for about 5 minutes.

6. Remove the rolls from the skewers and arrange them on the bread. Close the sandwiches and serve.

7. Enjoy!

Plan the route in advance and make sure you can get to the destination early enough in case it is a really crowd place. Do not forget to take your camera and some sun lotion.  

Idea #3: Asian Style BBQ for a Crazy Friend Party

independence3

A healthy tradition, that is the one which has not been turned into a boring stereotype, should be flexible. Even in gastronomy. The US is a multi-faceted country, and that is the thing: you can blend the traditions without breaking them.

So, let your festive BBQ acquire some new tastes. Here is your Teriyaki Shish Kabobs recipe.

Ingredients:

2 lb. pork loin or beef loin, cut into 1-1/2-inch cubes

1/2 lb. medium mushrooms

2 to 3 small zucchini, cut into 1-inch slices

1 small onion, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 large green or sweet red pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 cup tomato cream

2 cups cubed fresh pineapple (or you can try this mustard with pineapple as a seasoning)

1 cup soy sauce

1 cup sugar

2 teaspoons garlic powder

2 teaspoons ground ginger

Directions:

1. For marinade, mix tomato cream, sugar, soy sauce, garlic and ginger.

2. Place pork (or beef) and half of the marinade in a large plastic bag; seal bag and turn to coat. Cover and reserve remaining marinade. Refrigerate meat and marinade overnight.

3. On metal or soaked wooden skewers, thread vegetables and, separately, thread meat with pineapple. Discard remaining marinade in bag.

4. Grill, covered, over medium heat until vegetables are tender and pork reaches desired doneness, turning them from time to time (about 12-15 minutes).

5. In a small saucepan, bring reserved marinade to a boil, stirring occasionally for1 minute.

6. Remove vegetables and meat from skewers before serving.

7. Serve with sauce and enjoy!

Yet, to add more tradition to your celebration, you can serve some exquisite foie gras or a cheese plate.

What You Do Not Know About the Independence Day

Now let us amaze you a little bit with these historical facts.

  • The decision on independence was actually agreed on July 2nd, 1776, but the fancy handwritten copy of the Declaration was signed only in August.
  • On July 4th only John Hancock and Charles Thompson signed the Declaration.
  • In 1781 Massachusetts was the first state to turn the day of July 4 into an official holiday.
  • The United States became an independent nation formally only in 1783, after signing the Treaty of Paris with Great Britain.

Happy Birthday, America! Happy Independence Day to Everyone!