Photo: Pinterest
This week will be a Friday FOUR lineup instead of FIVE because…well, it’s the Fourth of July weekend!
The Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays for getting together with family. My parents’ house has always been the place to gather after a long day on the beach: we all go back covered in sand, salt and sunblock, grab an ice cold beer or glass of wine and feast away-usually on burgers and dogs- and hang out some more. No agenda, no pressure, just relaxation and fun!
1. FOOD
This year I wanted to start a new food tradition and have a Maryland Crab Feast (aka crab boil/seafood boil). We are blessed to have fresh seafood at our finger tips and are admittedly spoiled here on the East Coast. While I love a good clam bake, crab feasts are more geographically appropriate in terms of ingredients: delicious blue claw crabs, sweet Jersey corn, savory sausage, hearty baby potatoes, and local clams, mussels and shrimp thrown in, too. You can find a few recipes here and here for measure but I like to make a few additions or swap some things out: add in some chopped shallots in addition to cipolini onions, the crabs MUST be cooked in beer, use this seafood spice blend, MUST use Old Bay, and I like to have a little Hank Sauce and melted butter on the side for dipping. Don’t forget the mallets and lemon wedges! I also want to make mini lobster rolls…OK, now I’m starving!
Even though there are trimmings in the actual boil, have some summery sides to accompany and complete the spread. A red baby bliss, blue cheese and bacon potato salad is always welcomed by me, grilled Jersey asparagus with lemon zest, and fresh tomato and basil salad dressed in balsamic glaze. Some grilled or baked crusty bread is great for dipping! For dessert, grilled peaches with a little ice cream or a Sambuca laced fruit salad are sure to be crowd pleasers, while kids can enjoy popsicles, crab shaped cookies and fresh fruit (Sambuca-free of course). The best part of this time of year is that Jersey produce is AMAZING and you can easily go to any local farm or farm stand to grab some. No having to wait in long grocery lines for squishy, picked over produce!
Don’t forget beverages for adults and kids. Have a mix of beers- lager, ales, and shandy- white and rose wines- I prefer this Sauvingon Blanc and these roses- and some other fun drinks like White Claw or Spiked Seltzer. For non-drinkers, Arnold Palmers with fresh mint or fruit infused water will hit the spot. Check out my Pinterest Crab Boil board for more inspiration!
Domino
2. FUN
The best thing about this food prep and display is that you don’t all have to sit down and eat at once. Have a few yard games set up and play some American tunes. Encourage everyone to keep the relaxed pace of the beach going. Baggo, bocce and yard dice are easy to use at both the beach and the backyard.
3. FASHION
Beach attire is encouraged to be worn until after indulging in the boil; just make sure it’s clothing that can get dirty! Once you wash the sand and crab off, then it’s time to change into fireworks gear. Depending on the weather it can be jeans or shorts, tanks with a light sweater over top and sandals, slip on sneakers or boat shoes. No matter where you’re headed, pack a cozy cotton blanket! My favorite are Dash and Albert cotton throws. They are HUGE, super soft and surprisingly warm. If you’re in Ocean City or Stone Harbor, stop by The Spotted Whale to pick one up. I promise you won’t regret it!
Cardi // Fitted Tank // Loose Tank // Star Sweater // Jeans // Shorts // Tote // Star Throw // Rugby Stripe Throw // Flip flops // Sneakers // Sandals
4. FIREWORKS
Both a celebratory symbol of our freedom and a reminder of the warfare (the ramparts red glare, the bombs bursting in air) that allowed us to have our independence, fireworks are undoubtedly the biggest association with celebrating the Fourth. Read this short little article from Smithsonian Mag.
When I was younger we went to a field to watch the fireworks but in the past few years we have watched them from afar, especially with little kids. Whether your place to view fireworks is out on a boat, laying in a grassy field or relaxing on the cool night sand of the beach, fireworks are the exclamation mark of this fun-filled holiday weekend!
If you’re in the Cape May County area here is a list of places, dates and times of fireworks displays. Have a fun + safe weekend!
What are your plans for the holiday weekend?