Independence Day Party Planning and Menu Ideas by Jesse Bluma

Independence Day Party Planning and Menu Ideas

Jesse Bluma at Pointe Viven. All rights reserved.

"We hold these truths to be self-evident" are eight of the most important words we can honor with a celebration.  July 4 is in part for remembering new beginnings and cutting ties with England in 1776.  

The following ideas make an excellent blueprint for your next Independence Day party and can be adapted to almost any other celebration you host.  One of the most important steps to take is to backwards plan. Your goal is to celebrate and make it possible for your guests to enjoy it too, while not exhausting yourself.  Keep that in mind and your party will be doable.  

1.  Set a date and time of course.  

2.  Invite guests:  family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, or a mix.

3.  Look at your finances and stay within budget.  A buffet may be your best bet.

4.  Remember to have music:  This could simply be songs you select to play, radio, web or TV station music, or live performances depending on the type of party.

5.  Select one day to bring out any decorations for cleaning and dusting or to purchase any items:  flags, party poppers, theme napkins, balloons, stars on strings (hung up from ceiling using non-stick hanging strips), punched out paper stars, punched out Happy Birthday messages, et cetera.

6.  Select a day to take out your serving platters, plates, glasses, tableware, et cetera to wash, clean, and polish and determine anything that you may need to purchase.

7.  Select a day to go food and drink shopping.  Often guests will offer to bring certain drinks.  If you can have a guest bring clear ice for drinks, that is great.

8.  Make most of the food one to two days before the party.  Purchasing a few gourmet items, such as cookies, cheeses, and specialty meats ahead of time will save you time and energy to prepare other dishes.  The day of the party you can make items such as salads and assemble your dishes.  Keep your food items to a minimal variety as to ensure they are quality dishes.  It is far better to spend money you would have spent on ten bags of potato chips on a quality appetizer or main dish.  

9.  The day before your party is a good day to set the table, iron tablecloths, set out any platters, and label each platter to organize your food.

10.  Games, crafts for kids, and a pre-dinner outing to the beach are good activities to make part of your party.

Table

A printed menu framed on the wall.

(Create this for your party after you have cooked your food, 

in case of any last minute changes.)

Menu

Appetizer

- Genoa Salami and Kalamata Greek Olives

(Slice the salami the day before.)

Dishes

- Roasted Vegetables with Dip

Preheat oven to 425° Fahrenheit or 218.3° Celsius.  Trim stems off 2 pounds broccoli and 1 pound cauliflower.  Cut flowerets into bite size pieces.  Mix broccoli and cauliflower with 2 cups sweet corn.  In a large bowl, in three batches, toss vegetable mixture with 1 Tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, and 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika powder.  Spread on parchment lined baking sheets.  Cook for about 15 minutes in oven.  Dip:  Mix together 1 cup organic yellow mustard, 3 Tablespoons organic honey, 2 teaspoons chili pepper, 1 pinch black pepper, 1 teaspoon olive oil, 3 Tablespoons lemon juice, 1 pinch lemon zest, 1 Tablespoon very finely chopped red onion, 1 Tablespoon very finely chopped shallot.

- Endive Wrapped Sausage Hot Dogs

with dried cherries, apple matchsticks,

goat cheese, toasted walnuts, and

Michigan Dressing

Wash and dry endive lettuce leaves--a mix of green and red Belgian the day of the party.  Grill soy chorizo style sausages according to package directions--you can do this the day before and then warm them up during the party.  Preheat oven to 375° Fahrenheit or 190.5° Celsius.  Crush walnuts into smaller pieces.  Put walnuts on parchment lined baking sheet. Toast walnuts until they begin to brown--5 to 10 minutes.  This can be done the day before as well.  Michigan Dressing:  1/2 cup Honey Greek Yogurt, 1/3 cup maple syrup, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup olive oil, pinch of salt and pepper.  Place in a Mason jar, close lid, and shake.  You may make the dressing ahead of time and remember to keep this dressing cold on the table as it has milk product.  Slice 1 apple per 8 sausages into matchstick size pieces.  Immediately place the apple matchsticks into a bag with lemon juice.  This will prevent browning.  Slice the apple prior to the party.  Include a jar of ketchup as well on the table for guests.  I mixed 1 cup organic ketchup with 1 Tablespoon chili pepper.  Guests can wrap their own sausages with endive leaves and top with their choices of dried cherries, apply matchsticks, goat cheese, toasted walnuts, Michigan dressing, and ketchup.

- Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

topped with baby Swiss cheese and chives

Prior to the party cook 6 ounces of meatless soy chorizo per mushroom following the package directions.  Preheat oven to 425° Fahrenheit or 218.3° Celsius.  Stuff the mushrooms with the cooked soy chorizo and bake portobello mushrooms on a parchment lined baking sheet for 25 minutes.  Carefully remove mushrooms with oven mitts.  Add a slice of baby Swiss cheese to the top of each stuffed mushroom.  Bake for about 5 minutes to melt the cheese.  Wash and snip chives.  Carefully remove mushrooms from the oven and top with a few snips of chive.

- Marinated Garbanzo Beans

Prior to the party soak and cook garbanzo beans according to package directions.  This usually requires soaking over night.  Drain water and allow garbanzo beans to cool after cooking.   Add 1/4 cup olive oil per 15 ounces of garbanzo beans.  1 clove of diced garlic per 15 ounces of garbanzo beans.  1 Tablespoon salt per 15 ounces of garbanzo beans.  1/2 teaspoon chili powder per 15 ounces garbanzo beans.  Mix and serve.  *Note:  If you use canned garbanzo beans then you will need to alter this recipe.

Drink

- Black Cherry-Mint Cocktail

- Orange Mint Water

Make the orange mint infused water the morning of your party and place in refrigerator to cool.

Treats

- Patriotic Sandwich Cookies

- Manhattan Cupcakes

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My Situation with The Situation

Las Vegas Tips

Pointe Viven - Jesse Bluma. All rights reserved.

1.  Prior to visiting search for coupons online for food, entertainment, and activities.

2.  Pack a few water bottles in your checked baggage (double seal in freezer bags), whether hot or cold it is important to stay hydrated with all the walking.

3.  Pack as light as you can to avoid airline charges.  I would recommend including clothing for extreme weather for hot and cold, desert temperatures drop at night even during the summer. 

4.  Leave your belt and coins in your carry on luggage.  This will avoid getting you in trouble with airport security.  Upon arrival you can simply put these on yourself.  

5.  Pack hand sanitizer and carry it with you through casinos, shops, and activities.  

6.  Pack disinfectant spray in your carry on luggage.  Yes, that's right.  The first thing I do when arriving at a hotel room is to disinfect all door handles, TV remotes, light switches, floors, bathrooms, etc.  I also make it a common practice at home and on trips to disinfect the bottoms of my shoes, especially before packing them back in my luggage.  

7.  While visiting the city take stairs instead of the escalators.  This will help keep you fit in a city full of gluttony.  

8.  Upon arrival get your luggage and head to ground transportation at the airport.  The quicker the better, you want to hop on a shuttle bus and start your fun sooner than later.  Purchase both your to hotel and from hotel shuttle ticket at the same time to save a bit of money.  One way tickets are more expensive.  

9.  This is Sin City, that does not mean you need to gamble or pig out.  There is plenty to do besides gamle.  Eating a healthy selection of food and drink is necessary to keep your energy up.  

10.  Remember your cell phone etiquette.  Step to the side away from others to talk on the phone.  Talking on the phone in restaurants, on shuttles, or while gambling is rude and opens you up to identity theft and other crimes.  

11.  Save your energy and avoid higher risk of skin cancer.  Wear sunscreen at the pool and while walking.  Doing indoor activities from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. is a great way to do this too.  

12.  You don't have to bring your Midwest, down South politeness.  This is a big city and you need to use your common sense, be proactive with your safety, and be assertive.  Don't stop to chat with the card flickers, costumed characters, or promoters on the sidewalks.  Always walk with someone or make it look like you are walking with someone.  Walk with confidence, no wallet or purse visible.  Carry your wallet in your front pocket.  

13.  I didn't think I would ever have to say this to anyone.  Don't buy french fries for your children at the airport, spread them on the airport carpet, then have them eat them off the floor.  Disgusting, yet true.  I saw this and could not believe it.  

Paris Las Vegas Hotel

You may be surprised to learn that many of the casinos and hotels in Las Vegas are owned by Caesars Entertainment Corporation.  This includes Paris.  After staying at several hotels in Vegas I would say Paris has one of the best locations, walking distance or short taxi ride to many other casinos, shops, clubs, and restaurants.  

When making your reservation ask for a pool view.

Don't worry about booking your return flight for a time right after your check out time.  Take your luggage to the Paris luggage bellmen.  They will hold onto it while you extend your fun and relaxation, please remember to tip.    

Paris to the right

Paris casino

Paris pool with Cosmopolitan on the right

JJ's Boulangerie at Paris

This is an excellent eatery for a slice of pizza late at night.  There are many other food and drink options.  One special tip is to purchase your coffe at JJ's.  Save the cup and you can get free refills during your stay.

JJ's Boulangerie 

Sugar Factory at Paris

If you enjoy candy, an array of desserts, and a good drink then this is the place for you.  I happened to be there when reality TV star Mike Sorrentino made an appearance (AKA The Situation).  The crowd was energized with anticipation, unfortunately many kids and teens were there with their parents.  We wonder why our society has issues?  OK, that's for another discussion.  

Sugar Factory crepe

The Cosmopolitan

If you are looking for a jewel in the desert, then this is your spot.  Clubs, DJs in the casino, and a young crowd all keep The Cosmopolitan pumping.  It is more expensive, so you can still take advantage of the clubs, casino, restaurants, and shops at Cosmo if you stay at another hotel.  If you are looking for that L.A./N.Y. vibe then this is your spot.    

Earl of Sandwich at Planet Hollywood

Named after John Montagu, the fourth Earl of Sandwich, the inventor of the sandwich.  I really enjoyed the Veggie sandwich made with Feta, Lettuce, Roma Tomatoes, Cucumber, Red Onion, Roasted Red Peppers & Mediterranean Dressing.  The Chicken Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken was also excellent, Field Greens & Romaine, Parmesan Cheese, Fresh Croutons & Classic Caesar Dressing.  The Earl of Sandwich has a good selection of other sandwiches, salads, wraps, and breakfast foods.   

MGM Grand

This hotel and casino may not be the most recent shiny object in Vegas, it does have some good advantages.  The MGM is not centrally located like Paris; however, it does offer many shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.  The Lion Habitat is one attraction to see during the day.  One tip is to stand under the Plexiglas ceiling of the entrance to the Lion Habitat shop.  You can get an awesome view of lions.  

Nathan's Famous at the MGM

If you look for those coupons online before your trip you will probably find a coupon for a free hot dog at Nathan's.  Nathan's originated in Coney Island, New York and has multiplied across the country.  If you avoid eating frankfurters as a regular meal option, this may be your one time to splurge.   These may not be the best dog you will ever eat, yet they are better than a lot of others and it is a good savings.  

New York New York

One eatery I would avoid is at New York New York.  You may come across a coupon for New York Pretzel.  Pass on it.  The cinnamon sugar pretzel I ordered did not taste well cooked and did not have a good flavor.

Guess who was on my return flight home? 

Bai Ling, actress and tabloid headliner 

Paris link

Cosmopolitan link

Sugar Factory link

MGM Grand

Earl of Sandwich link

http://www.imdb.com/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/9817122@N05/3121580668/

Jesse's Hot Dog Recipe

Jesse's Hot Dog Recipe

Jesse Bluma at Pointe Viven. All rights reserved.

Inspiration for these hot dogs comes from a visit back to Pink's in Hollywood.  Pink's is a famous hot dog stand, maybe the most famous.  The original is located on La Brea and Melrose--get there early on a Friday or Saturday night.  I am pleased to say that Foodie in Disguise liked this recipe.

Ingredients

Turkey hot dogs
Turkey bacon
Relish
1 white onion
1 organic lemon
1 large organic tomato
Sauerkraut (Flanagan brand)
Cottage cheese
Plain Greek yogurt
*Grilled hot dog buns on both sides


Directions

1.  Preheat oven to broil.  Or you may wish to grill the hot dogs.

2.  Wrap turkey dogs with turkey bacon.

3.  Broil wrapped hot dogs for approximately 5 minutes-- do not use a glass baking dish.

4.  Peel and dice white onion.

5.  Wash, dry, and juice lemon.  You may wish to zest the lemon after washing and reserve the zest for another recipe.  

6.  Mix the diced white onion with two tablespoons lemon juice.  

7.  Wash, dry, and dice tomato.

8.  "Sour cream": blend until well incorporated equal parts cottage cheese and plain Greek yogurt, plus one tablespoon lemon juice.

9.  Use oven mitts to remove hot dogs from the oven.

10.  Top hot dogs with sauerkraut, onion, tomato, relish, and "sour cream".  

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Credit: pexels.com/photo/grilling-sausages-6025/