Snap, Crackle and Pop

Upon reading the title, one would lean towards the image of little elves enjoying a bowl of Rice Krispies, however this title expresses my discontent with the holiday and peoples' behavior in regards to holiday fireworks.  I get it.  I really, really do.  I understand the human desire to blow s*&t up and make lots of noise, all while consuming massive amounts of cheap beer and picinic food. But do you really have to make SO MUCH NOISE???  Others, particularly those with sensitive pets, do not find any joy what-so-ever, in this type of behavior.... Anyway, in becoming so wrapped up in my rant (which I should have saved for Craig'sList in the unfortunate event I may offend one of my two fans :-)), I seem to have lost track of my point, which is the fact that E.V. cannot stand fireworks.  Even the sound of Rice Crispies in a bowl of milk sends her scurrying off to hide under the bed.  It's been a long weekend.  Due to the holiday noise, I have no photos to post of her this evening.  She is currently under the bed, where she has been for the last ten hours.

Deciding to take advantage of a day off work, I have used my spare time to celebrate the holiday and make a special mini meal.  Mini in the respect that everything is little, not to be confused with a minimal amount of food. 

I have also been going back and forth on the format of this blog.  I learn so much each day...heck, now I can even change the font on these posts...and coming from me, that is quite a feat.  Anyway, I never wanted to be like the other food bloggers...especially the whole "cast of characters" beginning, where they photograph all components of the recipe.  I just think that is way too over-used.  My previous idea with the cartoonish "food-in-the-raw" approach isn't going to work either.  I think I'm going to scratch that.  But, as I have said before, at least for the first month, this is all a total work in progress...only not in the privacy of my home, but for all to witness, so please bear with me.  On the other hand, you could also bare with me, if you wish to undress :-)

Let's get back to the most important part, the food!  I've gotten way off track.  We will begin with a long-time Fourth of July staple....watermelon! (don't you just love, love, love the mini fork?!?!?!?!?)

The fruit was followed up with a Caesar Salad.  Unbeknownst to me, until this very moment, this salad was actually invented back in 1924...over the Fourth of July holiday, so I suppose it was a wise choice!  Thank you, Caesar Cardini!

Here's the homemade dressing in the rough...Mayonnaise, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, parmesan cheese, sugar and pepper.  All quantities are to taste, of course, to your liking.

Homemade croutons fresh out of the oven.  I cubed a baguette, tossed with olive oil, Italian herbs and garlic.  Then  roasted in a 350 degree oven for about 10-15 minutes until crisp.  I store the leftovers in a canning jar where they stay nice and fresh.  They're salt free!



This is what the croutons and dressing look like when you add them with some Romaine lettuce and shaved parmesan.



Now that the salad course has been finished...we move onto one of the main courses.  Below is a white pizza topped with chicken and prosciutto.

The white sauce consisted of equal parts olive oil and butter, mixed with garlic, basil, oregano and parsley.  I spread the mixture on medallions of bread and topped with cheese, sauteed chicken and prosciutto ribbons.

Lastly, mini cheese burgers with homemade fingerling potato chips were served.

Ground beef, melted cheddar and a mixture of catsup/mayo.  Topped with a pickle and served on toasted baguette. (again, the cute fork!)

Fingerling potatoes, sliced and tossed in olive oil, roasted in 425 degree oven until crisp. 

That about wraps it up for this evening.  I was trying to hold out the post to see if I could capture some images of the fireworks that begin in a few hours...but I'm so over that.  My only regret this evening is that E.V. is still hiding under the bed and I have not one precious photo of her to post.  I suppose I can make up for all of that tomorrow.  Thank you all for joining me, and I hope you have enjyoed my Fourth of July living room picnic!!

Have a great Holiday, I know I won't! :-)