Celebrate Your American Pride with Healthful July 4 Foods
In the week ahead we celebrate the July 4th holiday, which commemorates the day in 1776 that the American colonies declared themselves independent of Britain (for the history junkies out there, it is when the Continental Congress adopted the final draft of the Declaration of Independence). The day serves as an important reminder that we are a free nation under the rule of no other.
No matter if you’re going all out or just laying low, we have plenty of suggestions for tasty patriotic-themed foods to be served at your 4th of July party.
Red foods:
- Apple slices with honey
- Red peppers (grilled on kebabs)
- Tomatoes chopped with onion and basil, served with olive oil
- Watermelon slices
White foods:
- Potato salad
- White bean dip with whole wheat pita chips
- Grilled chicken or turkey breasts
- Mushrooms (grilled on kebabs)
Blue foods:
- Blueberry soup – see our recipe below
- Eggplant (grilled slices or on kebabs)
Of course, while we hope you enjoy our Independence Day recipe ideas (or coming up with some of your own), remember the more colorful foods you eat in general, the better. Scientists have shown that the substances responsible for colors in fruits and vegetables help protect them – and consequently, you – from chemical damage.
From everyone at Modern Menus, have a fun and safe holiday!
Blueberry Soup
Four simple ingredients for this delicious, refreshing blueberry soup. Served hot or cold, our blueberry soup is wonderful as an afternoon snack, a light supper, or as the first course to a formal dinner.
2 qt. blueberries
8 oz. pasta
dash ground cinnamon
sugar, to taste
- Pick over and clean blueberries, removing all stems and leaf debris. Place blueberries in a large soup pot and add enough cold water to barely cover berries. Bring blueberries to boil and reduce heat to a slow simmer. Simmer for at least 15 minutes allowing for berries to soften.
- While soup is simmering, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to boil. Add pasta and cook until tender, about 8 minutes.
- When the soup is ready, season to taste with a dash of cinnamon. Add sugar only if necessary, adding a small amount at a time and adjusting to taste.
- Serve soup hot or cold over well-drained pasta.
- Modern Menus
Have questions regarding this article? Ask the Nutritionist.