Independence Day Celebrations and Summertime Picnics

Photo caption: Red, white and blue table decor isn't just for the 4th. Enjoy the crisp look all summer long! Solid color dinnerware is so versatile to mix and match, just add seasonal accents to make it festive.  Asheville Red with Chef's Table Whiteware shown here with Paul Revere flatware.

Photo caption: Dessert is as easy as fresh berries and cream in a pretty glass. Shown: Grandville crystal and Paul Revere Iced Tea Spoons.

 Patriotic Party Tips...

• Wrap a flower pots with a red or navy linen and tie with a contrasting ribbon. Plant a red or white geranium in each one. It's a perfect party favor and patio decoration.   
• Swap your regular placemats or napkins for red, white or blue fabric or better yet, bandanas for a cool, casual look.
• Create "bouquets" out of sparklers and party decorations in a tall clear glass or short vase as a table centerpiece (or at each place setting) with a book of matches nearby.
• Freeze blueberries and raspberries on a cookie sheet. Use as ice cubes to keep drinks cold.
• Create great desserts by layering berries, vanilla ice cream and whipped cream in tall dessert glasses.
• Serve all-American foods such as corn on the cob, hot dogs, hamburgers, watermelon, and apple pie.
• Play patriotic music during dinner like the star spangled banner, America the Beautiful and I'm a Yankee Doodle Dandy.
• Set up backyard games like croquet, badminton, jump ropes and capture the flag.
• Make sure to fly your American flag appropriately. Check out the flag etiquette link below.
• If lighting fireworks, make sure there are plenty of fire extinguishers nearby and check with your local authorities for rules and regulations.

Flag Ettiquette Link:  

www.usflag.org/flagetiquette.html

Strange Fourth of July Fact:
John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died on July 4, 1826--the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

Apple Pie, the great American Tradition for dessert any time of year. 

Try out this version for your next summertime picnic.

Dough
2 Cups Flour
1 Tsp. Salt
2/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons shortening
4-6 Tablespoons cold water
 
Pie Filling
1/2 Cup sugar
1/4 Cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon salt
8 cups thinly sliced peeled apples (about 8 medium)
2 tablespoons butter
 
Making the pastry...
Mix 2 cups flour and 1 tsp. salt. Cut in shortening with two knives until particles are the size of small peas. Sprinkle with cold water 1 tablespoon at a time, turning with fork until all flour is moistened. You can add 1-2 teaspoons more water if needed.
Form pastry into ball with clean hands. Divide in half. Shape into 2 flattened rounds on lightly floured surface. Wrap in plastic wrap, refrigerate for about 1 hour until dough is firm and cold, yet pliable. This allows the shortening to become slightly firm and more flaky.
 
Heat oven to 425 degrees. Flour rolling pin and roll one pastry round into glass pie plate 2 inches larger than upside down 9-inch plate. Fold pastry into fourths, place in pie plate. Unfold and ease into flap, pressing firmly against bottom and sides.
 
In a large bowl, mix sugar, 1/4 cup flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Add apples and mix until well coated. Spoon into pastry-lined pie plate. Cut butter into small pieces and sprinkle over apple filling. Trim overhanging edge of pastry 1/2 inch from rim of pie plate.
 
Roll other round of pastry into 10-inch round. Fold into fourths and cut slits so steam can escape. Unfold top pastry over fillinging, trim overhanging edge 1 inch from pie plate. Fold and roll top edge under lower edge, pressing on rim to seal. Flute with fork as desired. Cover edges/rim of pie with 2 inch foil strips to prevent over browning of crust.
 
Bake 40-50 minutes or until crust is brown and juice begins to bubble up through slits in crust. Remove foil strips last 15 minutes of baking. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.