Tuesday, July 3, 2012

4th of July Recipe Brainstorming

The 4th of July is again upon us. As I’m sure you’re aware, things are a bit weird this year – we have a bizarrely bisected week with just one day off in the middle. Like the stay-cationer I am, I will be staying in DC, eating too much and spending too much time in the sun (per usual).

Last summer I satisfied my yearly yearning for pyrotechnics by watching the fireworks from Meridian Hill Park, but honestly, I’m really not interested in fireworks unless they are literally exploding above my head. Bonus points if I can smell the smoke. So tomorrow night I plan to be on the National Mall, directly under the explosives, and it will be excellent.

I’ve set my own 4th of July bar pretty high – two years ago I went kayaking and grilled and watched from the Mall, and last year in the span of three days I managed to attend two parties, two bar-b-q’s, and a picnic.

Tomorrow I am undecided on exactly what I want to do (besides the fireworks part – that is set in stone). My family traditionally starts 4th of July with a trail run and the Fireman’s Pancake Breakfast in Tahoe. Alas, there aren’t any easily-accessible trails from my house, and no firemen pancakes that I know of…but I’m thinking I will host the Mollie-DC version: I will go for a run, and then invite my friends over for a pancake extravaganza!

The menu

  • Coffee (well duh)
  • Spinach Feta Greek Yogurt Pancakes
  • Peach or Nectarine Pancakes
  • Frittata – possibly the sweet potato one

I might go to a bar-b-q in the afternoon, in which case I need to brainstorm something to bring. Here’s a list of some of my favorite potluck/picnic recipes, just in case you too need some last minute inspiration:

Real Foods:


And desserts of course: 

Happy 4th of July everyone! Any recipe recommendations for me?