Fourth of July Menu Ideas
27 June 2013
6:43 PM
As a new mom, it is rare that I get the chance to plan and make a meal that does not involve boiling pasta or a rotisserie chicken! It seems that most days my cooking has been reduced to whatever is quick and easy! Literally the other night we had cereal for dinner….a far cry from the gourmet meals I used to have time to cook! Well for the Fourth of July our family is headed to our lake house in central Florida. I am so excited to get away for the weekend and relax! While we are at the lake I plan on spending lots of time playing with Miss Avery, taking her swimming for the first time with Kris, paddle boarding (my new obsession) and enjoying great food with our family! I am cooking a meal for everyone on Friday night and I am so excited to have the chance to go a little bit above and beyond my normal “pasta and tomato sauce” routine…so boring! Here is the menu I came up with to feed the group of 10 that will be at the lake.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork with Bourbon Barbecue Sauce
This recipe from Billy Joel’s former wife, Katie Lee, is one of my family’s favorites! It rivals the best barbecue I ate while living in South Carolina and is SO easy to make for a large group! I add a little twist to this tried and true recipe by using a bourbon barbecue sauce.
Grilled Corn
Grilled corn is one of the most delicious ways to prepare corn in my mind. I love the flavor added and the char marks make it look so pretty!
Summer Green Salad
With a hearty meal like pulled pork, I love to serve a salad to lighten it up a bit. This summer salad has the perfect combination of fruit, a light dressing and nuts to add crunch!
Strawberry Shortcake Minis
Strawberry Shortcake is one of my favorite desserts for any season, but summer in particular! We have a few kids that will be at the lake house and everything is more fun in mini sizes when you are young! These strawberry shortcakes are so easy to make with frozen biscuits, cool whip and fresh strawberries.
Avery's Baptism & Celebration Party!
11 June 2013
1:06 PM
This past Sunday Avery was baptized at our church, Rio Vista Community Church. It was such a special day for Kris and I. Watching our sweet baby be dedicated to the Lord was amazing and a moment I thought might never happen (see more here). Avery wore a dress that was made from my Mother in Law's wedding dress! I was so nervous that she was going to freak out when water hit her head...she is not a fan of water yet! But she was great and only let out a sweet wimper (not a red faced, back arched cry!) when our Pastor Tom baptized her. After the service we had our friends and family back to our home for a celebration party! I kept it simple with catered sandwiches, salads and some delicious desserts made by my mom and sister! Most of the decor was recycled from my baby shower or handmade so very little was spent! Here is a glimpse at the baptism and party :)
Kris, Avery and I before the service! I wore this Celina Kate Spade dress from Rent the Runway!
Miss Avery playing with her Aunts!
