food to glow

Happy 4th of July! Once again, a holiday sneaks up on me and I am here, at the last gasp, tippy tapping away trying to write a relevant post. My excuse is that as an ex-pat American living in the UK we of course don’t celebrate the 4th. While the US is celebrating getting away from past religious intolerance and heavy taxes (no comment), we – the offending country – might have a little shelf at Tescos with red, white and blue foods. Aside from fresh berries, it is all unnatural. Of course.

But I know that Stateside the only way to not know it is The Fourth of July (it has to be in caps, btw) is to be in sedated in hospital, or living deep in a wood somewhere with only bears and wolves for company.  I trust none of you fall into those categories.

Like Thanksgiving and even Christmas, The Fourth is about family and food. Or food and family, depending on how well you like your kith and kin. But unlike these other holidays the Fourth is almost always outdoors: kids running around like demented bees, balls thwacked into leather gloves, fireworks set off just a little too close for comfort, and of course long tables set out with more food than anyone could possibly hope to eat. Much of it will be barbecued – mainly meat, but things like devilled eggs and colourful salads also feature very highly.

It’s been awhile since I was involved in Fourth of July preparations, but from what I see on Pinterest the weekend (not just a day this year) all is still red white and blue. Even BBQ ribs will probably have a little miniature flag stuck into them.

If I were going to a Fourth of July celebration this is the salad I would bring. It is not red, white and blue of course, so I may be disqualified in some neighbourhoods, but it is a perfect foil to the heavier fare typical of the holiday. And the ‘magic’ dressing could go on just about any salad (grain ones too) and even be used to marinate chicken and fish.

Speaking of marinating, this is one of the top tips from the American Institute of Cancer Research on how to barbecue more safely. You see, the acids in vinegar (and citrus) help to neutralise some pretty nasty compounds being formed while grilling meat. Homemade marinades taste pretty awesome and tenderise too. If you want more healthy tips on grilling safely, visit their page, and also my friend Conner’s page over at Modern Mediterranean. Trust me, if you grill meat you will want to read how best to do it safely and healthily for your family and friends.

So to the salad. The magic ingredient is nectarines. Or peaches. They blend up so creamy and light that you won’t want or need to add any oil or dairy. Not that oil is bad of course, but I like to have a bigger helping of pecans and avocado rather than a extra oil where it it isn’t absolutely required. Try it for yourself. The great bonus – other than the texture and flavour – about a salad like this you can keep the dressing and salad separate and mix on the spot. You don’t have to worry about refrigerating the dressing and can keep the cool bags and boxes stocked only with ice lollies. Some of these coming tomorrow :-). Healthy ones, natch. Here’s sneak preview from my phone

Incidentally, I mention raspberry vinegar but just use any fruit vinegar you like or all apple cider vinegar. The raspberries and raspberry vinegar give an extra flavour – peach melba-ish I suppose, but I like it just fine without. If you want to capitalise on raspberry season beyond the usual desserts and jams, raspberry vinegar is very simple to make. Here is a link to my fruit vinegars recipe if you want to give it a try. And go on, have a look at my post on blackcurrant and raspberry jam while you’re at it – it’s my favourite jam Ever.

Before I give you the recipe, don’t forget to comment on my last post for your chance to to win a bakeware set from Viner’s. UK only, but new kale crisp recipes up too!

What salads are you having this Fourth of July (include a link to your recipe if you like)? Are you celebrating with family and friends? Or, are you elsewhere and at work, wishing you could have red white and blue BBQ ribs/tofu? 🙂