July 4th is right around the corner and that means one thing: It’s time to start planning the menu. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ or attending an outdoor bash, here are some dishes that definitely deserve a spot on your holiday menu. All of these recipes are straight out of my cookbook, FOOD YOU WANT For The Life You Crave. So make sure to pick up a copy today, either in-store or online.
Serve Salad: Cauliflower Crunch Tabouli
This salad is loaded with brightly colored ingredients that make it totally Instagram-worthy! Aside from the dish’s gorgeousness, this salad is easy to throw together — just toss some raw veggies and herbs into a food processor and then dress it. Plus, it’s packed with refreshing ingredients, like mint and fresh lemon juice, making it perfect for a hot summer day BBQ.
Recipe on page 107
Nothing Screams BBQ Quite Like A Burger
Is a 4th of July BBQ really complete without some good ol’ fashion burgers? Yeah, I don’t think so either! But, I like to think of burger time as another opportunity to sneak in some nutrient-rich veggies. That’s why, in FOOD YOU WANT, I share a sneakily good-for-you-burger that’s jam-packed with fresh vegetables and flavor-boosting sauces. Dare I say it’s the best burger ever? Try it and tell me what you think! Serve it on a gluten-free bun for the kiddos and offer lettuce leaf wraps for the adults who wish to go protein style.
Recipe on page 160
Grab-and-Enjoy Vegetable Skewers
If you ask me, food is always more fun on a stick. So grab yourself some bamboo skewers and turn to page 173 of my cookbook because I’ve got a recipe you won’t want to miss. My Tandoori-Spiked Vegetable Skewers are spiced with a luscious Indian-inspired tandoori marinade that will make your tastebuds dance. While the recipe instructions show you how to bake these babies, just glance over to the “Flip It” section for some grilling inspo.
Recipe on page 173
What are Flips?
Each recipe inside FOOD YOU WANT features flips to help you adapt each dish. Some flips offer inspo to transform the taste while others show you how to morph leftovers into something completely new. Think of the flips as tools to transform 100 recipes into 1,000 different dishes!
Oven Roasted Secret Broccoli
Okay … I know this isn’t an on-the-grill recipe, but, trust me, it’s ahhh-mayy-zzing! To put it simply, you oven roast broccoli that’s been smothered in butter and miso. Ummm … are you salivating yet? Because you should be! I love serving this side dish at parties and it’s always a big hit. I bet your guests will come back for seconds.
Recipe on page 195
Do Dessert The Right Way: With A Frozen Almond Brownie Pie
I’m a firm believer in filling your plate with fresh foods 85-90% of the time and then splurging on indulgent goodies on occasion. So, this July 4th, let loose a little and let yourself enjoy the good stuff. In this over-the-top dessert idea, I use a boxed brownie batter as the “pie crust” and then fold even more brownie bits into a rich almond butter filling. Pop it in the freezer for a few hours (or overnight) to set and you have yourself a wildly delish, crowd-pleasing dessert.
Recipe on page 214
We All Scream For Ice Cream Sandwiches
Speaking of frozen treats …
These homemade chocolate chips cookie ice cream sandwiches are a cinch to throw together an will have your guests oohh-ing and ahh-ing after just a single bite. When you follow this recipe, don’t forget to glace at the “Nail This” section for my tips to really master these ice cream sandwiches.
Recipe on page 223
What are Nails?
Each recipe is paired with success strategies that highlight the most essential elements to master for a dish’s success.
Lightened-Up Lemon Mousse With Drunken Berries
In this recipe, a creamy white mousse is topped with spiked raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries. It’s the perfect red, white, and blue holiday dessert that tastes as great as it looks.
Recipe on page 233
Pour The Passion Fruit Bubbly
In FOOD YOU WANT, Chapter 9 is dedicated to drinks and party nibbles. One of my favorite recipes in this chapter? The Passion Fruit Bubbly! It’s the perfect combination of sweet and tart. Plus, it’s boozy and bubbly. Need I say more?
Recipe on page 241
Sparking Fruit Spritzer
This refreshing fruit-filled drink is sort of like infused water on steroids. It loaded with bubbles and tastes like an over-the-top fresh lime soda. The best part? If you’re making this spritzer for a kid-friendly BBQ then just leave out the liquor!
Recipe on page 242
