4th of July - Lake Bluff Style

It is a fabulous day in Lake Bluff for the 4th of July- 75 degrees, sunny and a slight breeze. The lake is bright blue and soft waves are gently coming on to the shore.  It's perfect!

The houses in town are decorated to the nines for the holiday! 

 

Here are a few of my favorites this year!

 

                  These homeowners even painted their lawn with red, white, and blue stars!

 

                      Time to get a few red, white and blue touches out on my porch-
 I love to unpack these vintage "Old Glory" pillows every year for the fourth of July.

 

Add a few more touches -

 

Pull out the flow blue platters and dishes.

Couldn't resist putting flowers from the garden in this British tea caddy- very red, white and blue too!

 

Some patriotic cupcakes from Goodfellows in town.

 

A big bowl of strawberries for munching.

 

And an old fashioned favorite- so American-

 

Strawberry Pretzel Salad served parfait style in American eagle compotes.

 

 

Finally time for the annual parade -

 

 

 

So from our house to yours-

 

Happy 4th of July!  It's great to live in America!

 

Recipe for

 Strawberry Pretzel Salad

 

CRUST

2 2/3 cups crushed pretzel sticks

1 1/2 sticks butter, melted

3 T. sugar

 

Mix crushed pretzels, butter and sugar. Press into a 9 by 13 baking dish. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 10 minutes. Cool

 

 

FILLING

 

 

1 8 oz. package cream cheese, softened

1 c. sugar

2 c. Cool Whip

 

 

Blend cream  cheese and sugar together.  Blend together with Cool Whip.  Spread over cooled crust and chill.

 

 

TOPPING

 

6 oz. pineapple juice

6 oz. box strawberry jello

2 10 oz. unsweetended boxes frozen strawberries

 

 

For the third layer, add enough water to pineapple juice to make 3 cups of liquid and bring to a boil.

Add Jello and stir until dissolved.  Add frozen strawberries and mix well.  Refrigerate for about 30 minutes or until the mixture is mostly conjealed.  Pour on top of Cool Whip layer and let chill for 4 hours. Serve that day or next day. (Pretzels get too soft after that) Serves 12