LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — As families get ready to celebrate Independence Day, the food and drinks can be just as memorable as the fireworks.

America's CEO Tim Laird stopped by WDRB Mornings with festive recipes and patriotic sips perfect for backyard barbecues, cookouts and holiday gatherings.

Blanton's Old Glory Old Fashioned

Makes: 1 cocktail

In a mixing glass with ice, add:

  • 2 ounces Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon
  • 1 ounce iced tea
  • 1 ounce maple simple syrup, recipe below
  • Stir and strain into a rocks glass with ice
  • Garnish with a cocktail cherry

Maple Simple Syrup

  • 1 part maple syrup
  • 1 part water

In a small saucepan, over medium heat, combine the maple syrup and water. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until well combined.

Hot Dog Flag

Create your own hot dog flag by lining up hot dogs in buns and using blue corn chips for the field of blue with white cheese for the stars.
 
Let your guests build their own dogs with a variety of toppings over and above the standard ketchup and mustard. Try serving these options:
  • Crumbled bacon
  • Sliced tomatoes
  • Sport/Hot peppers
  • Banana peppers
  • Pickle spears
  • Sauerkraut
  • Diced onions
  • Black olives
  • Feta cheese
  • Tzatziki
  • Pico de gallo
  • Avocado slices
  • Jalapeño peppers
  • Queso
  • Caramelized onions
  • Crumbled blue cheese
  • Hot sauce

Bottle Rocket Cheese Skewers

  • Mozzarella Sticks
  • Pretzel Sticks
  • Marinara sauce
  • Skewers
Cook mozzarella sticks according to package directions. Thread each mozzarella stick onto the skewers. Insert the pretzel stick into the bottom to resemble a fuse. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
 
Red, White and Blue Burgers
Serves: 4 – 6
  • 2 pounds lean ground beef
  • ½ white onion, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 pinch mustard powder
  • 16 hamburger “slider” buns
  • 8-ounces blue cheese, formed into 16 ½ -ounce patties
  • 4 Roma tomatoes, sliced
 
Preheat grill to high heat.
 
In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, onion, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, parsley, basil, oregano, pepper and mustard powder until combined.
 
Form into 16 2-ounce patties. Grill patties for 3 to 4 minutes per side on the hot grill or until well done.
 
Serve on buns with a slice of tomato and blue cheese.
 
Note: Since not everyone likes blue cheese, you might want to leave it off some of the burgers and offer it on the side.
 
Patriotic Popping Parfaits
 
To make this festive dessert simply layer blueberries on the bottom of your serving bowl, then whipped cream, sliced strawberries, and top with red and blue popping candy. This can also be made in individual 9 ounce plastic cups for easy serving.

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