top of page

Recipes for 4th July Holiday Weekend

The following recipes are coordinated with the ingredients in this week's Organic Fruit & Vegetable basket.

To sign up for a Weekly or Bi-weekly Organic Basket click here https://www.gdorganics.com/book-online


Ingredients

Romaine Lettuce

Round Salad Tomatoes

Cabbage (In the large and Jumbo baskets)

Green Rainbow Carrots

Sweet Yellow Onions

Purple Potatoes!

Celery (In the Jumbo baskets)

Bananas

Red Plums





Menu #1


Red, White, and Blue Potato Salad

This recipe uses a trio of potatoes and makes a festive July 4th recipe.

Use only one type if you prefer.

Yield:

6 servings (serving size: 1 cup)

Ingredients


2 cups fingerling potatoes, halved lengthwise (about 10 ounces)

2 cups small red potatoes, quartered (about 10 ounces)

2 cups small blue potatoes, halved lengthwise (about 10 ounces)

¼ cup finely chopped red onion or sweet

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill

1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives

3 hard-cooked large eggs, finely chopped optional

¼ cup red wine vinegar

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 ¼ teaspoons salt

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 garlic clove, minced


Directions


Step 1

Place fingerling and red potatoes in a saucepan; cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 15 minutes or until tender. Drain; cool slightly. Place potatoes in a large bowl.

Step 2

Place blue potatoes in a saucepan; cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 10 minutes or until tender. Drain; cool slightly. Add blue potatoes, onion, parsley, dill, chives, and eggs to bowl; toss gently.

Step 3

Combine vinegar and remaining ingredients. Pour over potato mixture; toss gently to combine. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled.

Chef's Notes

Blue potatoes are starchier than the others and tend to bleed, so cook them separately. If you need to, prepare this dish a day ahead, but add the blue potatoes just before serving. If your potatoes are larger than the ones we call for, cut them to a uniform size.

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving:

250 calories; calories from fat 27%; fat 7.5g; saturated fat 1.5g; mono fat 4.4g; poly fat 0.9g; protein 6.9g; carbohydrates 39.6g; fiber 3.9g; cholesterol 106mg; iron 2.7mg; sodium 576mg; calcium






GRILLED ROMAINE LETTUCE WITH PARMESAN CHEESE

A super easy grilled side dish recipe that will make you a lover of grilled lettuce forever!



INGREDIENTS

2 hearts of romaine

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese


INSTRUCTIONS

Heat grill to medium high heat.

Slice romaine in half lengthwise, keeping the stem intact. Brush both sides with olive oil and sprinkle on the salt and pepper.

Grill cut side down for 3-4 minutes until charred well. Flip and grill another 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat.

Drizzle cut sides with vinegar and parmesan cheese and serve immediately.




Tomato Salad

Serves 4 as a side dish

PREP TIME12 minutes

INGREDIENTS

1 small or 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced into half-moons

1 1/2 pounds heirloom tomatoes (about 3 medium tomatoes)

1/4 cup packed fresh herbs, such as basil, cilantro, dill, parsley, or a combination, coarsely chopped

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

Place the onion in small bowl and cover with cold water. Let stand while you prepare the rest of the ingredients, about 10 minutes.

Core the tomatoes and slice into 1/2-inch-thick half-moons. Place in a large bowl. Add the herbs, oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Drain the onions and add to the bowl. Toss to combine and let stand for at least 10 or up to 30 minutes before serving. Taste and season with more salt, pepper, vinegar, or oil as needed.





4th of July Firecracker Bananas


INGREDIENTS

Colored chocolate candy melts

Bananas

Lemon juice

4 th of July Sprinkles

Cherries with stems

Sherri's Stabilized whip cream

Food Grade Paraffin wax


INSTRUCTIONS

Lay a large piece of wax paper on a cookie sheet

Cut bananas into 1 1/2 to 2 inch sections

Dip bananas into lemon juice, don't let the bananas sit in the lemon juice, it will make them soft.

Melt chocolate candy melts and paraffin wax in a bowl.

Dip bananas into chocolate, shake off excess chocolate

Shake the sprinkles over the melted chocolate.

Set on wax paper to cool.

Add a dollop of stabilized whip cream.

Place chocolate dipped cherry on top.

Serve and enjoy!







Menu #2




"KFC" Coleslaw Recipe

5 from 16 votes

This KFC Coleslaw Recipe is as close as you can get without actually ordering it from the restaurant directly. The taste is simply perfect!

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 12 hrs

Total Time: 12 hrs 20 mins

Servings: 10 (about 1 cup per serving)


Ingredients

For the Coleslaw

8 cups finely chopped cabbage

1/4 cup finely chopped carrot

2 1/2 tablespoons very finely minced yellow onion


For the Dressing

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup whole milk

1/4 cup buttermilk

2 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon ground pepper


Instructions

Chop the vegetables very fine: the cabbage, carrots, and onions are all chopped very fine, almost like the size of rice. You can chop them with a sharp knife, or if you have a food processor with a shredding attachment, use that and then finely chop with a sharp knife. (See note about using a pre-shredded coleslaw mix.)

In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients for the dressing. Whisk until smooth.

Add in cabbage, carrots, and onion; mix well until everything is thoroughly coated.

Cover and refrigerate overnight. (If you have time - and can remember! - stir it occasionally. This will give you the absolute best results.) Stir again before serving and enjoy!




shaved rainbow carrot sesame salad

SALAD:

1 1/2 lbs (680g) carrots, peeled and ends trimmed

1/4 cup finely chopped scallions

2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

2 tbsp chopped fresh basil

1 1/2 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted


DRESSING:

3 tbsp rice vinegar

2 tbsp sesame oil

1 1/2 tbsp low sodium Tamari (you can also use soy sauce)

1 tbsp mild white miso

1 tsp sriracha

1 tsp coconut sugar

1 tsp finely minced fresh garlic

1 tsp of fresh ginger, grated


INSTRUCTIONS

Heat a small pan to medium, then add 1.5 tbsp sesame seeds and toast for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat once they’re lightly browned and fragrant.

Wash and peel carrots. Then julienne the carrots and put in a large bowl. We used 1.5lbs or 680g of carrots in this recipe. Add chopped 1/4 cup chopped scallions, 2 tbsp cilantro, and 2 tbsp basil and toss well to coat.

Add all of the dressing ingredients to a small blender or food processor and blend for 15-20 seconds. If you don’t have a small food processor or blender, whisk the miso and tamari together until there are no lumps left and then add the rest of the dressing ingredients and whisk until mixed well. Pour over carrots and toss to coat well.

Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour to let flavors meld together. Serve topped with a few more toasted sesame seeds and some red pepper flakes.

NOTES

Carrot prep: Julienning is a way of cutting that results in long, thin strips. The best way to learn how is to watch this video as typing it out will make it sound more complicated than it actually is. You can also try out a specialized tool like this one from OXO.

Carrots: if you want to add some color to this dish, you can opt for rainbow carrots. Totally optional, though – regular orange carrots are great!

Sesame seeds: if you have an allergy in the family, you can opt for sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds or even peanuts.

Storage: this is a great salad to meal prep, and you can dress the salad and then store in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You don't have to worry about storing the dressing separately, just dress and store.



Hot Dog Onions

I love the push cart hot dogs, mainly because of the onions they serve on top...so I mixed and matched many different ingredients until I came up with the perfect combination for this recipe! This tastes just like the kind of onions I often would get from my favorite hot dog stands!


Ingredients


2 tablespoons corn oil

1 extra large onion, thinly sliced

1 ½ teaspoons hot pepper sauce (such as Frank's RedHot®)

1 teaspoon prepared yellow mustard

1 teaspoon white sugar

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

½ cup water

2 tablespoons tomato paste


Directions


Step 1

Heat the corn oil in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in the onion; cook and stir until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the hot sauce, yellow mustard, sugar, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low, and continue to cook for about 5 minutes. Stir in the water and tomato paste; simmer until liquid has reduced, about 20 minutes.

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving:

109 calories; protein 1.5g; carbohydrates 11.1g; fat 7.2g; sodium 717.3mg.




Summer Plum Cake

Gently spiced, this jammy plum cake celebrates the summer-into-fall season. Serve it as a brunch cake or for dessert topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Servings: 8-10

Prep Time: 20 Minutes

Cook Time: 70 Minutes

Total Time: 1 Hour 20 Minutes


INGREDIENTS

1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned into measuring cup and leveled-off

1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/8 teaspoon cardamom

1/2 teaspoon salt

8 tablespoons (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened, plus more for greasing the pan

1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar, divided

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup milk (low fat is fine)

1 pound plums, pitted and quartered


INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 350°F and set an oven rack in the middle position. Grease a 9-inch springform pan. (Alternatively, the cake may be made in a 9-inch cake pan or pie pan and served directly from the pan.)

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and salt.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or beaters, cream the butter and 1 cup of the sugar until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla and beat on low speed until well combined. Gradually add the flour mixture, alternating with the milk, and beat on low speed until smooth. (Note: the batter will be quite thick.)

Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and smooth the top with an offset spatula. Arrange the plums on top, skin side up, in a circular pattern so that they mostly cover the batter. Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar over the plums.

Bake for 60 to 70 minutes, until golden on top and set in the center.

When the cake is hot out of the oven, run a knife around the edges of the pan and then remove the springform edge, leaving the base in place (if using a springform pan). Let the cake cool on a rack completely. Slice and serve with ice cream or whipped cream, if desired.

Note: This cake keeps well, loosely covered at room temperature, for several days.

Freezer-Friendly Instructions: The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. After it is completely cooled, double-wrap it securely with aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place it in heavy-duty freezer bag. Thaw overnight on the countertop before serving.









Menu #3





Roasted Purple Potatoes

Roasted Purple Potatoes are a delicious, simple to prepare and full of health benefits! Roasted in olive oil and seasonings and ready in about 30 minutes.

Prep Time5 mins

Cook Time25 mins

Total Time30 mins

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: purple potatoes

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 240kcal


Ingredients

3 pounds purple potatoes

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons fresh minced parsley


Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with nonstick foil and spray with cooking spray.

Rinse and scrub potatoes clean and pat dry. Peel if desired, then cut into bite sized chunks and place into a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat.

In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt and black pepper. Sprinkle seasoning blend and parsley over the potatoes and toss to coat, then repeat with the remaining seasoning.

Arrange potatoes on the prepared baking sheet in an even layer. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until tender. Time may vary depending on the size of the chunks.

Let stand 5 minutes before serving.



Vietnamese Pork Lettuce Wraps

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 25 min. + standing Cook: 10 min. YIELD: 8 servings.

Casual, flavorful and low in carbohydrates, these Vietnamese Pork Lettuce Wraps are a perfect and low-fuss way to feed a group. Place the ingredients in separate dishes and let your guests assemble their own wrap, which allows them to personalize to suit their tastes. —Gretchen Barnes, Fairfax, Virginia


Ingredients

1/2 cup white vinegar

1/4 cup sugar

1/8 teaspoon salt

2 medium carrots, julienned

1/2 medium onion, cut into thin slices


FILLING:

1 pound ground pork

1 tablespoon minced fresh gingerroot

1 garlic clove, minced

2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce

1 tablespoon mirin (sweet rice wine)

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 teaspoon fish sauce, optional


ASSEMBLY:

8 lettuce leaves

1/2 English cucumber, finely chopped

1 small sweet red pepper, finely chopped

3 green onions, chopped

1/2 cup each coarsely chopped fresh basil, cilantro and mint

1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped

1/4 cup salted peanuts, chopped

Hoisin sauce

Lime wedges

Directions

1. In a small bowl, mix vinegar, sugar and salt until blended. Stir in carrots and onion; let stand at room temperature 30 minutes.

2. In a large skillet, cook pork, ginger and garlic over medium heat 6-8 minutes or until pork is no longer pink, breaking up pork into crumbles; drain. Stir in soy sauce, mirin, salt, pepper and, if desired, fish sauce.

3. To serve, drain carrot mixture. Place pork mixture in lettuce leaves; top with cucumber, red pepper, green onions, carrot mixture and herbs. Sprinkle with jalapeno and peanuts; drizzle with hoisin sauce. Squeeze lime juice over tops. Fold lettuce over filling.




CREAMY CELERY SALAD

So many recipes call for a stalk of celery, and then you're left wondering what to do with all the rest.

This celery salad is your answer. Crunchy celery, sweet bites of raisins, a scattering of walnuts, all wrapped up in a creamy dressing. It's delicious!

PREP TIME: 10 MINS

COOK TIME: 0 MINS

TOTAL TIME: 10 MINUTES

YIELD: 4 SERVINGS

INGREDIENTS

8 celery stalks, sliced thin

¼ cup EACH: raisins, toasted walnuts, and minced red onion

3 tablespoons plain yogurt

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or 1 teaspoon white vinegar)

½ teaspoon pepper

¼ teaspoon salt

Optional add fresh chopped apple when serving (do not store mixed in with celery salad)


INSTRUCTIONS

Place all of the ingredients into a large mixing bowl.

Mix until everything is well incorporated.

This salad lasts up to 5 days in the refrigerator when stored without the apples





Chocolate Plum Banana Almond Bread Recipe

Yields one loaf pan of size 8 x 4 inches or a 6-inch round pan

Measured dry ingredients using fluff, scoop and sweep method


INGREDIENTS

Dry ingredients

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

6 tablespoons whole wheat flour

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

4 tablespoons brown sugar

3 tablespoon granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

a pinch of salt

1 tablespoon finely chopped almonds


Wet ingredients

1 large egg, room temperature

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup mashed banana

1/4 cup buttermilk/laban

2 plums, diced

1/4 cup melted butter


Topping

1 tablespoon chopped almonds


METHOD

Preheat the oven to 180°C.

Grease and line the 8 x 4 inches loaf pan with baking paper.

Make the batter: Add all the dry ingredients to a large bowl and whisk to combine.

Add all the wet ingredients to a smaller bowl and whisk until combined. (make sure your melted butter is not too hot)

Fold in the wet mixture into the dry mixture bowl or vice versa and continue folding just until combined. Do not over mix.

Use a rubber spatula to transfer the batter into the lined loaf pan, sprinkle the chopped almonds all over the top.

Make the banana bread: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until it passes the toothpick test.

Serve warm or cold with coffee or tea.

Store the remaining banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 to 3 days or refrigerate




USA Flag Fruit Kabobs

These festive fruit kabobs will be a hit at your next 4th of July get-together!


Ingredients (see fruit alternatives below)

2 lbs. strawberries, sliced

4-5 bananas, cut into 1″ slices (soaked in lemon juice)

1 pint fresh blueberries

10 12″ wooden skewers


Instructions

Remove the stems from the strawberries and slice large strawberries in half; small berries can be left whole.

Slice bananas with peeling paring knife in fruit kabob video

Cut the bananas into 1″ slices.

Dip banana slices into lemon juice to prevent browning.

On the first 5 skewers, with the pointed end, spear 10 blueberries through the middle, in a row.

After you have speared 10 blueberries add a banana slice, a strawberry, another banana slice and then end with another strawberry. It looks best if the strawberries all point the same way. Repeat this pattern on 4 more skewers.

On the remaining 5 skewers, pierce 1 strawberry, followed by 1 banana slice, followed by 1 strawberry, repeating this pattern until you have used 5 strawberries and 4 bananas.

Repeat the strawberry/banana pattern on the remaining 4 skewers.

Arrange the skewers on a serving tray or cookie sheet to make the patriotic flag design.

Serve immediately or refrigerate until you are ready to serve Flag Fruit Kabob! These red, white, and blue fruit kabobs are sure to be a hit!


Don’t worry if you are missing one of the red, white or blue ingredients listed for the flag fruit kabob recipe, these substitutions will work also:


Red

Watermelon

Red plums / pluots

red raspberries

red seedless grapes

pitted cherries

White

marshmallows

apples with the peeling removed and cut into squares (make sure to dip in lemon juice to prevent browning)

pound cake cut into squares


Blue Fruit

blackberries

black plums

black seedless grapes



bottom of page