Summer Strawberries

We had the chance to be in the nations capitol for the fourth of July!  We felt great patriotism for all of our past and current men and women who have done and continually do so much for our country!  We watched fireworks from the Air Force Memorial, which couldn't have been a better way to celebrate the birth of our nation!

And here is a fun, cute and simple festive treat to make to take with you to your next 4th of July or any patriotic holiday summer party!

I was a little bit skeptical about a white chocolate dipped strawberry {I am partial to my milk and dark chocolate}. But the white chocolate actually complimented the strawberry perfectly! 

I will definitely be dipping strawberries in white chocolate more often!

Crunchy Granola

Granola

10 cups rolled oats

1 cup wheat germ or flax seed

1/2 lbs coconut (optional)

3 cups chopped almonds

1 1/2 cups brown sugar

1 1/2 cups water

1 cup oil

1 cup honey

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

3 teaspoons cinnamon

3 teaspoons vanilla

In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, wheat germ/flax seed, coconut, and almonds and mix well.

In a large saucepan, whisk together brown sugar and cinnamon. Then heat together sugar, water, oil, honey, salt, cinnamon and vanilla until sugar is dissolved.  Do not boil!

Pour syrup mixture over dry ingredients and stir until well coated.  Grease or place parchment paper on 3 cookie sheets with sides, and spread mixture evenly between the 2.

Bake at 300 degrees for 15-20 minutes stirring occasionally. Cook 10-15 minutes longer for crunchier granola.  Once cooled, store in an air tight container.

YUM

{Have a nice bowl of granola with milk and fruit for breakfast or make a yummy parfait!  I also love having this on hand to snack on when I have the munchies as a healthier alternative.  It is also extremely filling which makes it extremely and deliciously satisfying!}

Fiesta Salsa

This salsa is perfect for any summer party, or for a late night craving!

Fiesta Salsa

4-5 medium sized roma tomatoes
1 avocado
1 1/2 cups frozen corn (defrosted but not heated)
1/2 onion (red or yellow)
1 can black beans (rinsed and dried)
2 Tablespoons lemon or lime juice
1 teaspoon salt
chopped cilantro
hot sauce (optional)

Chop the tomatoes, avocado, onion and cilantro.  Add ingredients and mix well.  Chill until ready to serve.

{If you're like me, you won't be able to wait to dip that first chip right in}

Party Ideas:

Fill "Tostitos Scoops" tortilla chips and arrange platter to serve.