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Old Fashioned American Classics

Grandma's Red Velvet Cocoa Cake / Brownie Berry Sundae / Plan the Perfect outdoor Celebration

Nothing could be more American or more closely associated with patriotic traditions than the Fourth of July. While many American holidays such as Labor Day, Presidents Day and even Thanksgiving weren't widely celebrated until quite recently in our nations history, the first Fourth of July festivities took place in Philadelphia immediately after the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776. And when Americans up and down the Eastern seaboard got word of the Declaration, they held their own celebrations with elaborate parades, the sounds of cannons, bells and the sight of bonfires and fireworks. Two hundred and twenty-two years later, most of these Fourth of July rituals are still carried out today.

The Fourth of July has always been an outdoor celebration. Americans are not only celebrating their country's independence, but also the height of summer. It's the peak of warm weather and rain usually isn't a concern. To honor their country and enjoy the fine weather, Americans either pack a picnic and take it to the nearest park to watch fireworks or hold a barbecue in the comfort of their own backyard.

"The traditions of Fourth of July celebrations haven't changed much over the years," says Zella Junkin consumer affairs director of Wilton Enterprises, the nation's leading supplier of cake and entertaining supplies. "The only real changes are people's tastes in food and their desire to be creative in the kitchen."

The food at the first Fourth of July celebrations consisted mainly of barbecued sheep and hogs piled high on tables and prepared by the town's best cooks. Desserts were English-style steamed puddings, fruit syllabubs and fools.

Americans today still pile the food high, but the offerings have changed to include slabs of spicy ribs, barbecued chicken, hamburgers, hot dogs, ice cream and cake.

Junkin suggests giving the traditional American classics a creative twist for this festive occasion. "Make dessert the center of your Fourth of July celebration this year. Serve the usual watermelon as a side dish in a fruit salad and tell everyone that you've saved the best for last!"

If you would like a formal and fancy dessert for the "Glorious Fourth," why not revive Grandma's Red Velvet Cake? With a layer of vanilla ice cream between two layers of cocoa-rich red velvet cake, a luscious buttercream icing is dusted with sweet coconut and whimsically decorated with colorful red, white and blue rolled fondant stars.

Or turn the usual ice cream sundae into a festive Brownie Berry Sundae that the kids will love. Bake the brownie in a Wilton star-shaped pan and while the brownie is baking, marinate fresh blueberries and strawberries in lemon juice, triple sec and sugar to bring out the natural flavors of the fruit. After the brownie has cooled, top with vanilla ice cream and the fruit mixture. The result is a delicious and patriotic delight.

This Independence Day why not be adventurous and try something different for dessert. All that's necessary is a festive spirit and a patriotic palate of red, white and blue.

Plan the Perfect Outdoor Celebration

When planning the perfect Fourth of July celebration, there are several things that need advance preparation. You don't want to leave out any details when it comes to celebrating Independence Day. The following tips will help you to plan an outdoor Fourth of July celebration no one will forget.

1. The Guest List: Include family and friends. Plan ahead of time in case some of the guests have made arrangements to go on vacation, you may be able to persuade them to stay. Make sure there is enough seating room for everyone during the meal. This is a celebration for everyone, including the little ones.

2. The Menu: Make sure most of the menu can be prepared a day or two in advance. The party givers should be able to enjoy the celebration too. Try an outdoor barbecue. Choose a main dish that can be started early in the day and served as the guests arrive. Begin with a variety of kabobs that can be served with a dipping sauce. These are light appetizers that won't fill up your guests. Instead of hot dogs and hamburgers try a barbecued turkey or ribs. The traditional side dishes of beans and potato salad will work well. Don't forget dessert!

3. Decorations: To make serving easy, set up a buffet table. Make it colorful by alternating tableware. At one end of the table have festive cups, plates, napkins and silverware. Since you're going to be outside, it may be easier to serve on plastic. Place bouquets on each table as centerpieces.

4. Games: Since you'll want to get everyone involved in this celebration. Plan a game of capture the flag or if you have enough room in the backyard try volleyball or softball or an old-fashioned egg toss.