Delicious Appetizers to Prepare this Fourth of July

by Rohit Bumrah Writter

Fourth of July calls for some celebration in America. In the spirit of celebrating the joyous occasion of Independence Day, many people host a lawn or garden party. If you are planning to host a party on the 4^th of July, check out simple recipes that you can put together for your guests.

• Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze:

In a bamboo skewer, arrange cherry tomatoes, sliced bocconcini, folded basil leaves. To make balsamic glaze, heat balsamic vinegar in a saucepan along with some brown sugar. Dip a fork in the glaze and drizzle over the skewers.

• California Sushi Roll:

Place cooked sushi rice on a sushi mat. You can also use organic basmati rice to make this sushi roll. Add cream cheese, dill leaves, julienned cucumber and carrot. Roll the sushi using the mat to fold. Sprinkle some black sesame seeds on top. Serve cold with soy dip, wasabi, and pickled ginger. You can also use the best basmati rice to make the sushi rolls.

• Grilled Halloumi Steaks with orange Drizzle:

In a hot grill pan, put fresh halloumi cheese slices. Brush a light marinade made with olive oil, lemon, salt, and pepper. Grill until the cheese gets char marks. To make the orange sauce, heat orange juice in a pan along with lime juice, orange zest and castor sugar. Set it to a gentle simmer in low heat until it thickens. Garnish with pomegranates, fresh mint leaves and drizzle over some orange sauce. Serve warm with a handful of fresh arugula leaves.

• Lemon & Garlic Hummus:

In a food processor add boiled chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, roasted garlic cloves, extra-virgin olive oil, sea salt, pepper, and blitz until smooth. Spread the hummus on a serving dish. Drizzle some extra virgin olive oil, sprinkle some sumac. Serve with fresh pita bread.

• Loaded Bruschetta:

Slice some baguette and layer with some hummus. On some toasts, add diced olives and sundried tomatoes. On another toast, add some fresh tzatziki. Add pomegranate seeds and chopped mint leaves. Finish with a grating of orange zest.

• Pasta with Kalamata Olive & Fresh Italian Herbs:

Enjoy this summer pasta salad. Cook orzo pasta and let it chill for 2-3 hours. In a large mixing bowl, add olives, rocket leaves, sundried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, capers, roasted garlic, thyme, fresh basil, crumbled feta, cucumber, olive oil, salt, pepper, and oregano. Add the cooked pasta and coat well with the ingredients. Serve warm or cold with some focaccia bread.

Some great mocktails to serve for the party are watermelon mojito, Lychee spritzer, Citrus & Lemongrass cooler. Enjoy the fourth of July weekend with all your friends and family.