Sparkler Dogs

July 1, 2019 Amanda Plott

The 4th of July is already a pretty big holiday. But, it’s also right there in close to my mom’s birthday and is yet another one’s favorite holiday in the family. So, for us? It’s go big or go bigger. There isn’t much room in between for anything else. I’m not sure when or where, but I saw the idea for these ‘sparkler dogs’ a while back now and have been meaning to make my riff on them for at least a year or two.

Originally, they were pretty plain, plain, plain. So I decided to up the ante a little bit with throwing some 'Everything’ seasoning at them and using some of my other favorites to make them a little more health conscious…

Red White & Blueberry Salad (With Champagne Vinaigrette!)

July 2, 2018 Amanda Plott

This year for the 4th of July we've got some visitors in town for a few days. Amidst the usual chaos of the holiday, I thought it was high time to make a fun, easy, little patriotic salad that could be easily tossed together and enjoyed as a festive side or even as lunch!

I basically started this salad off with one of the most easy and tasty vinaigrettes I've ever had. It's simple and so easy to make with just three basic ingredients; plus some salt and pepper! What goes better with celebrating Independence Day other than with some champagne, anyway? Even if it is in the form of a vinaigrette…

Healthy 7 Layer Fourth of July Dip

July 2, 2017 Amanda Plott

It's the fourth of July weekend! While I'm spending it rather lazily at home as I recuperate from a few weeks of busy, busy, busy - I'm still finding the time to have fun and be festive! With an impromptu visit from my brother, I decided to toss together a quick 'snacky' meal that we could all graze on throughout the day at our leisure.

Naturally, my first inclination was a 7 layer dip. I think that's because it's one of those things that has something it in that everyone likes! It's one perfect montage or mashup of everything I love. Plus, it's perfectly light and cool for a hot summer day. And of course, since it's around the 4th of July, you just know I had to arrange this dip into the shape of the American flag to be all the more cute and festive!...