An Independence Party, KSW Style!

Celebrations on the 4th of July hold such a special place in my heart.

Growing up, I remember the most outrageous get togethers involving most of our town … uh, it was a small town. You see, my grandfather celebrated his birthday this weekend and well, he was one incredible fellow. He had a way of making folks feel like they belonged and like they were a part of something much larger than themselves. Folks just sort of gravitated to him and his birthdays seemed to get bigger and better every year. I remember impromptu rodeos, 4 wheeler races, outdoor concerts, shrimp boils, fish frys, heck – even an occasional catfish wrestle Yep, we sure knew how to celebrate in the South.

Tons of folks remembering the things that mattered ~ Family, Friends, Good Food & Good Times – and all of it somehow centered around our farm and my grandfather. Man, how I loved that man. Remind me to tell you more about him, he could be a blog all on his own.

Anyway, since I haven’t been home for one of these celebrations in over a decade and well, I love to throw a good party … I thought I’d celebrate with you guys instead. If I could, I would gather us all together for a no-fuss, late afternoon backyard get together

{Image via Martha Living by way of the city sage}

We’d unwind over a few glasses of Teo’s punch (spiked if you’re willing)

Snack on some fresh salsa & tortilla chips

{Image via Houndstooth Gourmet}

Then fire things up with some Honey Chipotle BbQ Sammies

{I’d use rotisserie chicken, so I could spend more time conversing & less time cooking }

Then round things out with a fabulous tribute to America, Apple Blackberry Ginger Pie

And of course, what Southern gathering would be complete without Sweet Tea

We’ll make it summer refreshing by doing it granita style, how cool is THAT!

Recipes

Teo’s Punch via Cooking Light
Fresh Salsa – I’m partial to this one from The Pioneer Woman (YUM!!)
Honey Chipotle BBQ Sandwiches via Cooking Light
Apple Blackberry Pie with Ginger via the Kitchen
Frozen Sweet Tea via Cooking Light

There would be music playing, people laughing, kids playing, sparklers sparkling and all the other best parts of the 4th. Wouldn’t that be fun

And what kind of hostess would I be without giving you a little something to take home. This time its a playlist you can use to recreate your own perfect backyard BBQ. Preview it with the cutie pie IPOD Nano (some versions I was only able to find live on the IPOD do-hicky) or download the original songs from Amazon or ITunes and you’re good to go. Just doing my part to make this a summer you’ll always remember.

Happy Independence Day!!!

Say Hey (I Love You) by MichaelFranti
(If You’re Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To by Weezer
Let Me Go by Cake
Animal by Neon Trees
Fireflies by Owl City
Check Yes Juliet by We The Kings
Time After Time by Quietdrive
Break Even by The Script
Sweetness by Jimmy Eat World
Change Your Mind by The Killers
When Did Your Heart Go Missing by Rooney
The Best of Me by The Starting Line

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