I think it was the 4th of July!!

            Forth of July, what a crazy holiday. When I was young it was all about hot dogs and fireworks. Then I got older and it became another excuse to party, and I believe there were fireworks and BBQ's involved. Now that my friends and I are getting older, it has evolved again, to BBQ's with a little drinking and fireworks. It is funny how the priorities change as well as develop as the people do, but I have noticed often the food at these BBQ's don’t change. They usually consist of hot dogs, buns, ketchup, chips and baked beans from a can. There is no reason we cannot spice these parties up, and celebrate the day just as much.

            I will admit that I love hot dogs, but we can change it so it is not so boring. You can buy specialty sausages that are flavored, or some bratwurst. Also you can get a variety of buns, such as whole wheat, herb or possibly seeded. If you want to stick to regular hot dogs, try mixing it up with additions and condiments; flavored mustard, BBQ sauce or a variety of hot sauces are a start. You can also make up a few toppings.

            Caramelized Onions:

            2 medium onions (walla walla or some type of sweet type)

            2 T molasses

            1 t olive oil

            3 pieces of bacon

            salt and pepper

           

            Heat up a saucepan and add the olive oil. Chop the bacon into strips, and add to the pan. When fully cooked, remove bacon, and leave around a tablespoon of the oil. Slice onions, and place into the heated pan, and cook until it is caramel, about 12-15 minutes. Add the molasses, salt and pepper, mix well, and then add the bacon. Place into dish and enjoy.

            Drunken Salsa:

            4-6 tomatoes

            8 jalapenos

            1 bottle of beer (prefer Mexican)

            2 T garlic

            ½ red onion

            cilantro

            lime

            salt and pepper

           

            Cut up the tomatoes into quarters, and slice the jalapenos. Place the tomatoes and jalapenos in a saucepan, and pour the beer on top of it. Allow the tomatoes and jalapenos to cook until they are tender, about ten minutes. Slice the onion and cilantro, and cut the lime lengthwise. Place the tomatoes, jalapenos, garlic, onion, cilantro, salt and pepper into a blender. Squeeze the lime into it as well. Blend, and add the liquid from the saucepan as needed to thin the mixture.

            You can always continue to mix things up by changing the sides. Instead of a potato salad make a Waldorf salad; make your own beans, make a tropical fruit salad or even a cold soup such as chilled cucumber. Make crazy drinks to enjoy or even a new type of dessert.