Friday, July 7, 2017

The 4th - Fun and Food


We had a fabulous time on the 4th.  Our daughter hosted a party at her house for several friends and family.  Our son was able to drive back in for the fun, too.  There was a lot of food and laughter until time to move our chairs further out along the driveway in order to see the fireworks show that started at 9:30 pm.


Kim had her house beautifully decorated for the 4th.  I didn't take as many photos of her decor as I did the food.  Guess what's most important to me?  lol  


The food was plentiful and delicious.  Every one loves the pinwheels she makes.  The pasta salad and Mexican dip in the background were 2 dishes I brought as well as a pan of meatballs.


The weather turned out to be perfect, but there was rain in the forecast so grilling wasn't in the plans this year.  I made meatballs using a tried and true recipe that I've had for many years.  Everyone loved them, in fact I think you can see a couple of spots in the photo where 2 or 3 had been fished out for sampling before the party started.  :)

Barbequed Meatballs

Meatballs:
3 pounds ground beef
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
1 cup oatmeal
1 cup cracker crumbs
2 eggs
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 teaspoons chili powder

Sauce:
2 cups catsup
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke or to taste
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 cup chopped onion

To make meatballs, combine all ingredients (mixture
will be soft) and shape into walnut-sized balls.  Place
meatballs in a single layer on wax paper-lined cookie
sheets; freeze until solid.  Store frozen meatballs in
freezer bags until ready to cook.  To make sauce, 
combine all ingredients and stir until sugar is dissolved.
Place frozen meatballs in a 13x9 inch baking dish or pan;
pour on the sauce.  Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour or
until done.  Makes 80 meatballs.

I didn't freeze this batch of meatballs and it still took
nearly an hour baking time.  I also never come out 
with 80 meatballs since I must make mine a little 
larger than walnut-sized. ☺ 


Throwaway dinnerware was used for easy cleanup.  Some ate out on the deck and others inside around the table.  There was so much food as others brought dishes, too.  One brought some yummy dips and my Mexican dip was a big hit, too.   It's quick and easy as is the pasta salad.  Many asked for my recipes and I'll share another time  how to make the pasta and dip.

Have a terrific day and weekend!  I've not been able to be online much lately but I'll be visiting as soon as I can. 

Happy Friday to you!
xo Cheryl

17 comments:

  1. it all looks delish to me... and I wish I had one of those little pinwheel sandwiches right now. I had forgotten about making those in the past.

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  2. Your meatballs look so yummy. And I must say I have never seen a more delicious looking recipe for meatballs. The pinwheels look divine, wish I could taste one! How does she make them, with tortillas? The petunias are beautiful! We are having our party tonight, and I have the same napkins.

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  3. The food looks so good. Good food and time with family are the best ways to celebrate.

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  4. The food looks so good and no doubt it was a great time!

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  5. That's some good looking spread of food you've got there!
    Brenda

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  6. What a great celebration, Cheryl. We party quite alike! The food looks outstanding, the pinwheels definitely!

    Happy Summer!

    Jane

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  7. those meatballs look yummy, for sure. looks like the perfect 4th. glad you had a good time celebrating.

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  8. What a great celebration and wonderful time together! The meatballs look seriously delicious!

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  9. Good food shared with family and friends always makes for a good day, and good memories. This will be a day to look back on with pleasant memories.

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  10. I have saved your meatball recipe. I have made some twice and they were a big hit. I think yours sounds better. The food all looks wonderful and having family to celebrate with is the most wonderful thing of all.

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  11. Family, great food (those meatballs look yummy) and having someone else host the event is splendid. We got totally rained out here. Glad you were spared.

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  12. First of all, those red, white and blue petunias are stunning! I have never seen blue ones before! Mmmm, all of your food looks so delicious to, especially your meatballs...thanks for sharing your recipe. Enjoy the rest of your weekend and week ahead!

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  13. It sounds ad looks like it was a fabulous 4th of July party, Cheryl! We also had a family barbecue bit I was so busy I did not take photos. I made beef tacos for a change and we had the usual hamburgers and hot dogs and chicken. Your meatballs looked good and i look forward to hearing how you made the Mexican dip

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  14. Good morning!!! It's time I write a comment on your blog!!! Forgive me! I read everyone of your posts and my brain thinks of comments- then life happens I guess. Anyway, your 4th sounded wonderful!!! Those meatballs look so nummy!!!! What a great tip to cool them before cooking them. I've never heard of that before. I'm anxious to try some thank you for that wonderful recipe Hope all is well with you...we're in a hot wave here. Uggg

    Blessings
    Gert

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  15. Not sure what is happening --but I've tried to leave a comment 3 times now and it just disappears.... Sounds like you had a wonderful 4th.... We did too...

    The food looked delicious especially those meatballs.. YUM.

    Neat that you could watch the fireworks from your yard....

    Enjoy your July (the rest of it)... HOT HERE.
    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  16. I am a little late in reading this post, Cheryl, but your holiday looked colorful and delicious. What a great photo of those colorful petunias and those barbecued meatballs looked great. Thanks for including the recipe too.

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  17. I have saved your meatball recipe. I have made some twice and they were a big hit.


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