YumSugar

10 Regional American Foods to Try This July

Susannah Chen — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 04:15:04 PDT

There's nothing better than hot dogs, corn on the cob, and watermelon for the Fourth. But if you're in search of an adventure and a more creative way to celebrate, might I suggest scoping out the country's regional food scene? Whether you're in Cincinnati or Central Texas, the United States of America is a veritable chest of gastronomic treasures just waiting to be discovered. A few of my favorite local specialties are right this way.

Go All-American For the Fourth of July!

YumSugar — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 03:40:09 PDT

Happy Independence Day weekend! Before you head out to watch the fireworks, take time to fire up the grill, as the nation's birthday is the biggest grilling event of the year. We've been planning for the ultimate Fourth of July meal, but if you're still looking for more inspiration, browse our entire all-American recipe collection and scope out our favorites below.

American Beauty cocktail	BBQ ribs	Potato salad
Jalapeño cheeseburgers	Corn and cotija salad	Flag cake

Fourth of July Food: What Do You Know?

Susannah Chen — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 12:59:15 PDT

Independence Day is right around the corner, and if you're lucky, you're already getting a head start on a spirited celebration. Chances are, food will play a heavy hand in the festivities, particularly barbecue.

When it comes to grilling, the Fourth of July is the most popular holiday weekend. As you whet your appetite for star-studded favorites like burgers, beer, and apple pie, test your knowledge of this holiday's most popular foods.

Are you an all-star? Take our quiz to find out!

Take the Quiz

Fast, Easy, Amazing: Salsa-Baked Goat Cheese

Katie Sweeney — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 10:53:11 PDT

One of the easiest appetizers ever, which I've made countless times, is baked goat cheese. Normally I smother it in marinara sauce and serve it with toasted baguette, but recently I came across a recipe that turns the baked goat cheese into a Tex-Mex-style dip. The marinara is replaced with roasted tomato salsa and tortilla chips stand in for the crostini.

The resulting dip is so good I couldn't help but wonder, "why didn't I think of this?!" If you've got time, make your own salsa, but when you need an app fast, simply pour your favorite store-bought salsa over the goat cheese and pop it in the oven. For a festive Fourth of July spin, serve the red and white dip, hot from the oven, with blue corn tortilla chips. Here's the scrumptious recipe!

Celebrate the 4th With Red, White, or Blue Recipes

Katie Sweeney — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 03:41:44 PDT

The 4th of July is this weekend, and that means it's time to get festive! Show your patriotic pride by cooking with red, white, and blue ingredients. Many of the season's most delicious offerings - strawberries, vanilla ice cream, and blueberries - fit the color scheme, so don't be afraid to get creative. Here are 10 dishes to inspire your all-American celebration.

What's Your Favorite Hot Dog Topping?

Susannah Chen — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 13:18:16 PDT

This weekend will be prime hot dog grilling time, and I'm already scheming about which toppings to offer when I set up my next hot dog bar. I'm not known to turn down any dog, whether it's done up with chili and cheese, Coney Island-style, or with just a slather of ketchup and mustard. But my hands-down favorite is the dog that's been "dragged through the garden" Chicago-style, with mustard, onions, electric-green relish, a pickle, tomato wedges, spicy sport peppers, and a sprinkling of celery salt. I've heard from Colombian friends that potato chips are a great way to go, too. What are your top hot dog fixings?

Source: Flickr User stu_spivack

Red, White, and Blue Pops For a Festive Fourth

Rebecca M Gruber — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 12:16:35 PDT

The fireworks aren't the only thing that will be popping this Fourth of July! Ice cold popsicles not only beat the heat but can also provide grownups and kids with a refreshing mid-afternoon treat. Jumping on the red, white, and blue bandwagon, these ice pops use fresh watermelon, lemons, and blueberries to create a cold and colorful presentation. Best of all, kids will love having a hand in creating the triple decker effect.

Get the recipe with step by step photos when you read more.

View 7 Photos ›

Watermelon, Lemonade, and Blueberry Ice Pops
From Bon Appetit magazine

Ingredients

Watermelon ice
2 1/2 cups 1/2-inch cubes seeded watermelon (from 2-pound piece) 1/4 cup sugar
Lemon ice 1/2 cup water 1/4 cup sugar 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice 1/4 cup orange juice 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Blueberry ice 2 cups fresh blueberries (from three 1/2-pint containers) 1 cup water 5 tablespoons sugar 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice 8 5-ounce disposable paper cups 8 ice pop sticks or wooden coffee stirrers

Directions

For watermelon ice: Blend watermelon and sugar in processor until smooth. Strain puree into bowl, pressing on solids to extract as much fruit as possible. Place cups in shallow baking pan. Spoon watermelon puree into cups, dividing equally (scant 3 tablespoons each). Freeze until mixture is almost frozen, about 2 hours. Cover cups with rounds of foil, sealing tightly at edges. Using tip of small knife, make 1/4-inch slit in center of each foil cover. Push ice pop stick through slit and securely into watermelon ice without hitting bottom of cup. Freeze until watermelon ice is solid, about 1 hour longer.
For lemon ice: Bring 1/2 cup water and sugar to boil in heavy small saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat. Mix in lemon juice, orange juice, and vanilla. Cool to room temperature.Place pan with frozen pops on work surface; carefully fold back foil over each cup without dislodging stick. Spoon lemonade into cups, dividing equally (scant 3 tablespoons each). Reseal foil. Freeze until lemonade layer is solid, about 2 hours.
For blueberry ice: Stir blueberries, 1 cup water, and sugar in heavy medium saucepan over medium-high heat until sugar dissolves. Boil until berries are very soft, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Strain mixture into small bowl, pressing on solids to extract as much fruit as possible. Mix in lemon juice. Cool to room temperature. Place pan with frozen pops on work surface; carefully fold back foil over each cup without dislodging stick. Spoon blueberry mixture into cups, dividing equally (generous 3 tablespoons each). Reseal foil. Freeze until pops are frozen solid, about 8 hours.

(Can be made 2 days ahead. Keep frozen.) Remove foil, then tear or use scissors to cut cup off each pop; return ice pops to pan and freeze until ready to serve.

Print recipe with images | without images

Savory Sight: Fun Fourth of July Table

Yum Community — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 03:37:07 PDT

Throwing a Fourth of July celebration? If so, take inspiration from colorsizzle, who created a festive Independence Day scheme for her dessert table.

Inspired by the Interstate signs while driving one day, I decided to design these cupcake toppers and tags for a 4th of July cookout. That lead to this entire "Sweet Street" theme.

The "street" is actually a black tablecloth and the "painted" lines were done with electrical tape. I think this is an idea that guests of all ages will enjoy.

For more photos and tips on re-creating this, check out her blog. Got your own sweet sightings you want to share with us? Then join the YumSugar Community to upload your own!

Guess What Breed Super Quiz: The American Breeds Edition!

PetSugar — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 10:59:18 PDT

It's almost July 4, a great excuse to have another guess the breed super quiz! I've gathered up pictures of pups from the US, so test yourself and have a happy Fourth!

Question 1 of 8

It's a(n):

Summer Grillout Condiments Galore

YumSugar — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 03:36:42 PDT

Besides sunny skies and record-high temperatures, what else is in the forecast for this coming week? We predict hamburgers and hot dogs - lots of 'em! - with a light sprinkling of house-made condiments for an extra special touch. From DIY ketchup to homemade flavored mayonnaise, we've got the dressing you're looking for to take your grilling to the next level.

Romesco	Ketchup	Barbecue sauce
Harissa	Flavored mayo	Mustard