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10 Regional American Foods to Try This July

Susannah Chen — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 04:15:04 PDT

There's nothing better than hot dogs, corn on the cob, and watermelon for the Fourth. But if you're in search of an adventure and a more creative way to celebrate, might I suggest scoping out the country's regional food scene? Whether you're in Cincinnati or Central Texas, the United States of America is a veritable chest of gastronomic treasures just waiting to be discovered. A few of my favorite local specialties are right this way.

The Americana Holiday: Lonely Planet’s Best Places to Celebrate Independence

Guest Writer — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 05:00:06 PDT

Editor’s note: Summer travel season has officially begun! The following guest post was written by Robert Reid, the US travel editor for Lonely Planet. He will be guest blogging on Savvy for the next two months, helping you find some great ideas of how to get your vacation on this Summer.

For most of us, July 4 - unlike family-oriented holidays like Christmas or Thanksgiving - is a true Americana community day. It’s when the modern world takes a backseat to simple pleasures like hot dogs and Little Leaguers marching in small-town parades. Basically we all become a bit more like a character in a John Cougar Mellencamp video.

For Lonely Planet’s 15 Summer Weekends website, we’re highlighting a drive that cuts through the heart of Americana - Route 66. But that’s only one of a few classics to consider if your July 4 plans aren’t set in stone. Probably the best place to be – everyone should try it once – is where it all started, Philadelphia, where independence was signed and the first Fourth of July celebrations were staged a year later in 1777. The parade, centered around Independence Hall downtown, is a colorful mix of international dancers, Civil War reenactors, drummers, and the like. At night, homegrown band the Roots takes over the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, capped with a fireworks show. Stick around to July 8 for the reenactment of the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence. I volunteered as a Loyalist last year.

Read on for more places to celebrate Independence.

Let's Dish: What Are You Eating For the Fourth?

YumSugar — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 10:30:43 PDT

Happy (almost) long weekend! In the City by the Bay, the sun's shining, skies are fair, and it looks like it'll be perfect weather for busting out the barbecue. Which brings me to an important question: what will you be eating over the holiday? Are you going the all-American route with hot dogs, burgers, and macaroni salad, or do you have plans to do something different?

I'm returning to my hometown of Houston to spend time with the fam. I'll undoubtedly hit up one of my favorite Bayou City spots, Goode Co., for brisket and perhaps even a slice of pecan pie. I'm also looking forward to spending some time in front of the charcoal with Dad, which means there'll be some beautiful barbecued chicken, steak, and corn to look forward to. What are you noshing on while you celebrate your independence?

Open House: How Do You Decorate for Fourth of July?

CasaSugar — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 05:30:29 PDT

For some of you, using a blueberry and raspberry tart as a centerpiece is the extent of your patriotic décor. Others may hanf red, white, and blue bunting and American flags galore all over your property - in addition to the requisite Old Glory toothpicks in every mini appetizer you serve. I usually go with some festive table linens and a few flags. But I have an aunt who one year bought out Lillian Vernon's entire stock of patriotic décor. Tell me, how do you decorate for Fourth of July? What accessories and linens do you use? Are you reserved or is your patriotism visible to every neighbor on your street?
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Come Party With Me: Independence Day - Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:45:03 PDT

On a hot day, there's nothing quite like a tall glass filled with a tart mojito. Although the drink was created in Cuba in 1943, it's now considered a classic cocktail by America's top bartenders.

Since it's one of my favorite Summer sips, I'm serving them at my Independence Day party. While there's plenty of variations, from cherry to mango, I'm serving the traditional rum, lime, and mint version. The party is sure to last several hours, so don't forget to stock up on beer, soda, and wine.

For the mojito recipe,

Healthy Side Dishes and Desserts

FitSugar — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 04:30:46 PDT

Barbecues are a great way to chill out with your friends, but they can be a disaster for your waistline. Be proactive and bring side dishes and desserts you know are healthy and diet-friendly. This way you can spread the health while ensuring you have something to eat. Here are some ideas.

Come Party With Me: Independence Day - Dessert

partysugar — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:30:39 PDT

While one could easily serve red, white, and blue parfaits at a 4th of July party, I prefer to give guests a more all-American dessert - in the form of a crowd-pleasing cupcake. When I saw these adorably patriotic cupcakes in the current issue of Martha Stewart Living, I knew they would be on the menu at my Independence Day celebration.

The vanilla cake batter is dotted with fresh blueberries before being baked. Each individual cake is iced with fluffy seven-minute frosting and topped with a single plump raspberry. These pretty cakes are a light sweet treat, ideal for Summer entertaining. If you're interested in reading the recipe, do so after the break

Come Party With Me: Independence Day - Menu

partysugar — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 09:00:45 PDT

Although I don't consider myself the most patriotic person, I love a good 4th of July celebration! With its warm weather, barbecue dinner, and fireworks finish, chances are you enjoy the nation's birthday party, too. If you haven't decided what to serve your family and friends, consider whipping up a meal that is all-American.

Start things off with finger-licking-good chicken wings. The sweet and spicy sauce is so simple it can be made with items you already have in your pantry. Next move on to a beloved classic: a bacon cheeseburger with all the fixings. No backyard party is complete without several stellar sides, so plate up a generous helping of creamy potato salad.

A platter of plump in-season heirloom tomatoes drizzled with olive oil rounds out the menu. Are you enticed by the sound of these dishes? Check out the recipes when you

Barbecue Food Breakdown

FitSugar — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:01:06 PDT

By the time the weekend hits, grills across the country are going to be fired up. Chances are you'll find yourself at a barbecue - maybe even two. But before you eat every single thing on the menu, know the nutritional info of basic barbecue fare. Oh, and don't forget how many calories condiments can add - the numbers may surprise you. I'm saving room in my belly for some barbecue chicken or a hot dog, how about you?

	Calories	Fat (g)	Cholesterol (mg)	Sodium (mg)	Carbs (g)	Fiber (g)	Protein (g)
Hamburger patty with bun, no fixings	345	16.5	76	289	20	1	25
Cheeseburger with bun, no fixings	409	9	90	628	23	1	28
Cheeseburger with bun, lettuce, tomato, and ketchup	436	9	5	770.3	29.4	1.5	28.9
Veggie burger with bun, no fixings	220	1	10	630	41	6	9

Find out the info for grilled sausages, hot dogs, and chicken when you

Let Freedom Run: Independence Day Races

FitSugar — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 03:00:00 PDT

July Fourth is just around the corner, and you can celebrate the day with more than just a barbecue and some sparklers. You can run. There are a bunch of Independence Day races all over our fair nation, so you can get some exercise while showing some patriotic pride.

Dressed in your red, white, and blue running gear, you can race in the Celebration 5k in Jacksonville, FL, or in the Rotary Firecracker 1k, 5k, and 10k in Santa Cruz, CA. There are races from the redwood forests to the Gulf Stream waters (I know Jacksonville is on the Atlantic side, but it is so close). You can search for races in your area here. Will you be racing with Uncle Sam?

	Calories	Fat (g)	Cholesterol (mg)	Sodium (mg)	Carbs (g)	Fiber (g)	Protein (g)
Veggie burger with bun and cheese	300	5	30	970	41	6	13
Veggie burger with bun, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and ketchup	327	5	30	1,112.3	47.4	6.5	13.9
Hot dog with bun, no fixings	250	3	30	540	22	6	14
Hot dog with bun, ketchup, and mustard	306	3	31	1,1027	33	6	15.2
Tofu Pup and bun, no fixings	180	.5	0	530	25	2	12
Tofu Pup and bun, ketchup, and mustard	236	.5	1	1,017	36	3	13.2
1 piece barbecue chicken	176	2	68	240	7	1	24
1 grilled sweet Italian sausage	290	9	65	800	1	0	14
4 oz. grilled salmon	318	3.4	56	1,104	13.2	.1	20.3