Okey dokey friends.

The 4th of July is here and we still need to wear masks and keep our distance from others. Which is all very annoying, yes, but that’s the fact, Jack. So let’s do this thing.

My wonderful, fun, creative neighbor has put together a super-fun plan for our street, to turn all this physical distancing to an advantage, and actually make this 4th of July even more memorable than any other! So I’m sharing it here, in hopes that it can give you and your family some inspiration for your own festivities.

The agenda (see the picture) speaks for itself. The idea is that each family’s base of operations for the festivities will be their own front lawn, eating their own food and drinking their own drinks. But we’ll also come together - at a safe distance - for activities that involve everyone.

I am super excited, and I can’t wait for my own family to have fun with this!

Here’s to a happy, healthy, friendly and fun 4th of July for everyone.

4th of July menu ideas…

I’m frankly not quite sure what I’ll be cooking for the 4th! It’s a bit complicated because I’ll be staffing our farmers market booth that day, so won’t have time to prep anything fancy. My thinking is to keep things super simple, with whatever fresh fruits and veggies I can find at the farmers market that morning, grilled up with a little olive oil and Sumac and Sage, or just salt and pepper, depending. Maybe I’ll do a quick grilled skirt steak taco situation for dinner…? I’m thinking I’ll roll our gas grill to the front of the house, so I can be grillin and chillin along with everyone else (and maybe even dip in and out of the Super Soaker fight while things are sizzling on the grill!)

Below are some links to recipes and ideas for inspiration for your own celebration. Have fun!

(PS - If you’re new around here, welcome! Adventure Kitchen is a local, small-batch maker of original spice blends and prepared foods, and I’m the founder and chief creator. Separately, I send a weekly email with recipes and cooking suggestions. If you’d like to follow along with that, you can sign up on this page. And if you’d like to support my small business, you can buy our spices online. We ship everywhere of course, and we deliver locally for free!)