Red, white, and delicious!

Nothing like the Friday of an extra long holiday weekend to put some jump in your step!  Some treats to fix for your holiday get-togethers this weekend.  In the tradition of a Friday list, let's see what's out there on the great interwebs

1. Classic caprese salad.  Check out The Pioneer Woman's absolutely s-t-u-n-n-i-n-g photographs -- they're practically art! -- and amusing commentary while you're at it.

2. Firecracker whoopie pies... or moon pies... or gobs, depending on your beliefs, on Annie's Eats.  

3. Refresh yourself and others with a tall glass of watermelon lemonade courtesy of Confections of a Foodie Bride.  Have you ever seen a brighter more summery looking drink?  I think not!

If you need some help planning your menu for the day, let me kindly offer a few suggestions.

For breakfast, try a slice or two of banana strawberry bread to start your day off on a fresh, patriotic foot.

Next up, a cool coastal lunch of Maryland-style crab cakes with a fresh salad, followed by a sweet single scoop of your favorite ice cream with homemade strawberry topping.  And yes, to answer your question, you absolutely deserve dessert after lunch :)

Finally, fire up the grill for dinner and make a batch of stuffed turkey burgers that will ooze gooey melted cheese when you bite into them.  Then, when everyone thinks it can't possibly get any better, bring out a big red velvet cake as the Pièce de résistance.  "See?  I told you it gets better."

Still looking for a showstopper for your upcoming party?  For a bigger list of picnic-friendly foods, check out my previous lists and posts.  In the meantime, three cheers for this fantastic country of ours!  Have a great weekend! :)