4th of July Weekend

My sister Kendra, niece Jill and baby Haden all flew in Thursday, June 30th to spend the weekend with the family. We all got to meet Haden the dream baby. He just went with the flow and we all enjoyed him:)

Friday, July 1st we went to Lauri's for an afternoon lunch. Above is one of the appetizers she served. Ranch dressing with veggies. Aren't they cute! We had a fabulous lunch and enjoyed each others company.

Saturday, July 2nd sister Lauri and husband Jim came for dinner. They had never had escargot and they really enjoyed it. I made a yummy salad and lobster tails with mashed potatoes. We had American in Paris martinis and then drank champagne. We had dutch chocolate and coconut Geloto for dessert. After dinner we went to the lake and watched fireworks. Fabulous evening:)

How about a sweet tea.....
Sugar Syrup Recipe:
1- 1/2 cups cold water
1 cup granulated sugar
In a small saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Stir over low heart until the sugar is dissolved. You can tell: the gritty sound stops. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook for about 10 minutes. The mixture should be syrupy. It also will be very hot, so be careful. Let cool. Pour into steeped tea or other libations. Refrigerated sugar syrup will keep for about a month, tightly covered.
Sunday, July 3rd the picnic was at my house. I made hot dogs in the crock pot, mom brought potato salad, I sliced the watermelon and made baked beans. Didn't get a picture of the lovely salad Lauri made, it was a good one. Lauri always gets asked to bring the salad because she does it so well. Her salads are the best. Caty brought fresh fruit. And the Pickle Pot was a big hit. We had wine and beer, flavored water for the kids. Have you tried the liquid MIO. It is a great way to flavor water.
Baked Beans Recipe:
2 (1-lb 13oz) cans pork and beans
1 cup brown sugar
1 pound lean bacon cut in pieces
2 medium onions, cut in chunks
1 large green pepper, cut in chunks
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 cup catsup
Mix together. Bake covered in 325 degrees oven for 3 hours. Stir occasionally. Uncover last 30 minutes.

I made this cheese ball and found these wonderful crackers. I also had some New York State Champagne Cheddar Cheese....WOW was it good. I picked up some Sharp Cheddar Bites by World Table. The best little cracker.....they tasted home made. Cousin Sheila brought Hummus and veggies. I also served Langostino's (baby lobster) with cocktail sauce, and Rotel dip with chips.

Cream Cheese Ball Recipe:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup (1 stick butter), softened
1 cup fresh herbs (from my garden) chopped
Cream the cream cheese and butter together. Add herbs. Shape into a ball. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours.

Cara made Macaroons. I didn't get a picture of them, but they were soooo good. Sheila made a wonderful Lemon Tart. I made the chocolate chip cookies and Kelly put together the brownie bites:)
This week I will be joining:

These Chicks Cook

Full Plate Thursday

Foodie Friday

Fresh Food Friday