Fun July 4th Recipes!

Hey everyone and happy 4th of July to you all! Looking for last minute quick 4th of July recipes for your BBQ/parties? Look no further, I got you covered. Here is my tried and true last minute 4th of July party menu so you don't have to stress! What's a BBQ without a good burger? So without further adieu here is the recipe to my super juicy and super tasty Jalapeño burger. This flavorful masterpiece has to be my fav burger ever and once you try it I'm sure it will be yours as well! Tony's Jalapeño Burger recipe: Buy or make your own meat/tofu patties of your choice and season them well on both sides with my special house seasonings. If you read my blog regularly then you know how to make it, if not then you might want to start reading my past posts.

Go ahead I'll wait...

Just kidding (Although it wouldnt hurt to check my past posts. Just saying.

Anyway because I love you all so much you can find the link to my blog post featuring the "special seasonings" recipe here. Ok, so now that your all caught up...throw the seasoned meat/tofu on the grill for about 5 minutes per side if you like them well done (which I advise for health reasons) please note that depending on the meat you may have to adjust the cooking times so check the internet for best cooking time specifics.

While the burgers are cooking slice up some Jalapeño (This season is ALL ABOUT the Jalapeño!) and set aside, 1 minute before burgers are done add 1 - 2 slices of Tillamook cheese to each patty and allow to melt slightly. Remove from heat, add patty to bun(s) of your choice, topping off your burger with a couple of pieces of the sliced Jalapeño, lettuce, tomato and red onion. For extra flava flav add 1 - 2 pieces of apple smoked bacon! You will need something cold to balance these somewhat spicy babies so my "perfect pasta salad" is the way to go! Perfect Pasta Salad recipe: (This recipe feeds about 6 people.) Boil one box of rotini pasta In a pan add 1 tablespoon of olive oil wait until oil is hot and glides around the pan easily. Add: 1 teaspoon of crushed garlic 1 teaspoon of crushed red seed pepper 1 diced onion 1 diced green pepper 1 small package of pancetta (or bacon if you prefer) Cook items in the pan fully and empty contents into a strainer so oil is eliminated. Once pasta is cooked (following cooking instructions on box) drain water from pasta then mix pasta and pan contents in a large bowl, add 1 1/2 cups of mayonnaise of your choice and 1/2 cup of hidden valley ranch dressing.

Salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate for 2 hours, serve and absorb the compliments! Cocktails My favorite ;-) It's 4th of July so serve up a most lovely and patriotic Red, White and Hpnotiq Blue Martini! To make it you will need:

2 oz of Hpnotiq 1 oz Citrus Vodka 1 Splash of Lemon Lime Soda 1 Splash of Grenadine Shake with ice, strain into a martini glass and SLOWLY add a touch of grenadine. Garnish with chopped coconut. Enjoy a safe and fun 4th all! Tony Vincente Lifestyle Expert, Interior Decorator, CEO/President of Vincente Living