Many families shared they are looking forward to gathering with neighbors and friends for a cookout. All the usual yummies are there – hot dogs, hamburgers, baked beans, watermelon, and dessert. Some even splurge with rubs and BBQ!
Military families worldwide shared the way they celebrate the Fourth of July this year.
Neighborhood Gathering
Another shared that they have continued the tradition of a bike parade at each new neighborhood with each move. That once started as a tradition on one coast has now continued to and traveled with them, sparking tradition on multiple bases.
Seeking Out Adventure
Some planned special adventures for the fourth of July. Out camping to a National Park on the bucket list or taking the camper out to a favorite campground to get away, explore a new place and really enjoy time together with family or friends. Take out the new camper to a local destination to see how it drives. Several campgrounds have their own July 4th celebrations with fireworks, meaning no traffic and easy enjoyment from the camper.
Others shared their adventures, including theme parks, to enjoy their celebrations. Places like Legoland California have fireworks show earlier in the day, perfect for younger kids and parents who want to see and experience fireworks but also want to be in bed nearer regular bedtime.
On Post Celebration
Those local to their military base shared that they made it out to their base celebration. “We always have a fun time.” One spouse shared. On-base activities vary across bases from a kid-friendly festival to a beachside concert, varying on the post location.
Checking Out the Nation’s Capital
Some families feel the pull to be in and explore Washington DC. The Memorial Day concert that airs on PBS is amazing in person, but you have to get there early. Seeing the fireworks on the mall being framed by the Washington Monument is an amazing sight. A once in a lifetime opportunity for some, and for those stationed in the National Capital Region, taking in the America’s birthday in America’s capital is a major bucket list item.
In A Hotel
Many military families, ours included again this year, are spending the Fourth in a hotel. They are looking for places to call home at their new duty station or simply waiting for their new home to be available. There won’t be a neighborhood gathering or visits with friends as they are brand new to the base/area and don’t know anyone. It is a reality that military families experience every 1-3 years, so I know we aren’t alone.
One family shared they intentionally checked into a hotel with a nice view to enjoy the fireworks without having to find a parking space or a spot early. She shared that they know the area well, and staying at the hotel with the patio and view of fireworks is something they enjoy doing.
Staying Home
While some want to avoid the crowds, the travel, the traffic and just stay home to enjoy time with family. That doesn’t mean yummy treats aren’t enjoyed, and the Memorial Day Concert can be enjoyed – but this time on television and not in the heat or fighting for parking.
Favorite Eats
It is no surprise that favorite dishes shared were all red, white and blue. When you live the military life, with deployments and work-ups and waking up to morning colors, the red, white and blue becomes a part of you.
No Bake Red, White and Blue Cheesecake
Ingredients:
-15 graham crackers (makes about 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs)
– 1 stick of unsalted butter, melted
– 2-3 TBL granulated sugar
– pinch of salt
– 2- 8 ounce blocks of cream cheese at room temperature
– 1 cup Greek Yogurt
– 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
– 1 cup heavy cream, whipped
– I cup of fresh strawberries and 1 cup of fresh blueberries
Instructions:
Like all great no-bake cheesecakes, this one starts with a graham cracker crust. If you aren’t using premade, add about 15 full graham crackers to a plastic bag and let out that stress with a rolling pin on the sealed bag. Mix the graham crackers, a pinch of salt and 2-3 tablespoons of sugar in a bowl. Mix in one melted stick of butter. Press the graham mix into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
In an electric mixer, beat 2- 8-ounce blocks of cream cheese until fluffy. Slowly add in confectioners’ sugar, yogurt, vanilla and another pinch of salt. Mix until well combined and smooth. Slowly fold in the whipped heavy cream. Once combined, pour this mixture over the graham cracker crust and smooth over the top.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, overnight preferred.
Once ready to serve, pop the cheese cake out of the springform pan and top with the berries. You can change from strawberries to raspberries or even mix in blackberries with the blueberries. The key is to have the red, white and blue represented in this delicious desert.
Triple Berry Angel Food Cake Roll
Another easy, no bake desert featuring the classic red, white and blue. It can be made from scratch, or utilize the shortcut in store bought angel food cake or use angel food cake mix. We went the angel food cake mix way, because time-savers are key and for those military families living in a hotel with a minimal kitchen, this can still be done.
Ingredients:
- 1 Angel Food cake Mix
- ¼ cup and ¾ cup powdered sugar
- One 8 ounce block of cream cheese at room temperature
- 1 and ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 ½ cups strawberries diced
- 1 ½ cups fresh blueberries
- 1 ½ cups fresh raspberries
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the cake mix according to the instructions. Pour into the rimmed baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes. Watch it to ensure the top is slightly golden and no cracks in the center.
Loosen the cake from the pan when it is still warm so the cake can come away easily.
Onto a kitchen towel, sprinkle ¼ cup of powdered sugar. Flip the warm cake onto the towel and peel off the parchment paper. Roll up the cake with the towel inside and let cool at room temperature for 1-2 hours.
While the cake roll is cooling, beat the cream cheese with ¾ cup powdered sugar, vanilla and heavy cream together until fluffy and forming stiff peaks.
Unroll the cooled cake and spread half the filling and half the berries, roll up the cake. Spread the cream filling on top and top with remaining berries. Serve and enjoy!
Caprese Skewers with Blueberries
Caprese skewers take three ingredients: cherry tomatoes, fresh basil and fresh mozzarella balls. On the skewers, alternate tomatoes, basil and mozzarella. Add a pop of blue color to the top of the skewer to complete the red, white and blue.
What is your favorite way to spend the fourth? What recipe do you have to have for the celebration?
Will be staying home and celebrating with family with a pool party