Elements of an All-American Feast

Our nation's independence is a time for great celebration, and for most, that means a BBQ outdoors with family and friends.  The following recipes are staples in my home, and when combined, make for a fun feast of traditional American fare.

Quick, Delicious Chili

I have distinct memories of my mother waking up in the wee hours of the morning so she could begin soaking fresh pinto beans every time she would make her homemade chili.  Great stuff!  I am certainly a product of a generation who wants things faster and easier, so here is my take on chili....lickety-split!

Ingredient List

Four large cans kidney beans (1 lb, 11 oz)
For each can of kidney beans, one small can of stewed tomatoes (14.5n oz size)
1 pound ground turkey, hamburger, or bison (which was what I used)
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Garlic salt
Chili powder
Seasoned salt
Black pepper
Table salt

Begin by seasoning your ground meat with the garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt, and pepper.  Brown your meat in a small skillet until cooked, drain; set aside.

Combine all canned goods, and chop the stewed tomatoes.  Add approximately 1 teaspoon each of garlic salt, table salt, chili powder, onion powder, and garlic powder (or to taste).  Add prepared meat.  Cook altogether on a medium simmer until the beans are tender and all the flavors fuse together.

Serve with shredded cheddar or shredded Colby Jack cheese.


Savory Spicy BBQ Corn

Ingredient List

White corn, shucked and rinsed
Unsalted butter
Garlic salt
Chili powder

In a large stock pot, cook your corn until almost tender, approximately 10 minutes.  Allow to cool.  On a flat surface, lay a sheet of aluminum foil, one for each ear of corn.

Rub corn with the unsalted butter.

Sprinkle generously with garlic salt and chili powder.

  Wrap each ear of corn and BBQ over the grill until hot again, approximately 10-15 minutes.

Simple Potato Salad

I am very finicky when it comes to potato salad, and I like a much cleaner, simpler flavor for mine.  If you are like me, you may also enjoy this very simple recipe.
Ingredient List
10 russet or large potatoes
1 small onion, finely chopped
Approximately 1 cup mayonnaise
6 hard-boiled eggs, cubed
Approximately 3-6 tablespoons yellow mustard
Salt
Paprika for garnish

Peel and boil your potatoes until cooked, but not to where they are a mashed-potato consistency.  They should be a bit chunkier and firmer.  Mix all the ingredients together, reserving the paprika.  Add salt to your liking.  When all of the ingredients are combined, sprinkle over the top of the salad with paprika. 

Savory BBQ Chicken

Begin this recipe with my universal meat marinade.  You can find that recipe in the archives here.
Prepare your meat either overnight or at least 30 minutes in advance. 

Savory BBQ Sauce:

Combine altogether......
1 1/2 cups ketchup
1/4 cup brown sugar
Approximately 5 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoon brown or Dijon mustard
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon liquid smoke flavoring
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
dash tabasco

Once your meat is thoroughly cooked, brush with the sauce.  Cook approximately five minutes more.

Delectable BBQ Burgers

This trick I learned from my uncle makes burgers not only have a wonderful flavor, but they practically melt in your mouth.   Prior to cooking, add a bit of barbecue sauce, mustard, ketchup, and A-1 and/or Worcestershire Sauce along with your seasonings to the meat and mix thoroughly.  Use approximately one-half tablespoon of each per one pound of ground beef.  Serve your burgers on King's Hawaiian buns.  Yummy!


To see these recipes featured in my 2015 Independence Day Celebration, you may visit the post on my other blog, Parsimonious Décor Darling by clicking here.

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