4th of July Throwdown

There's something cute and charming about sitting around watching fireworks and relaxing. Unfortunately, that is not on my agenda for this year...

The parents are hosting a shindig in the backyard for the 4th of July. Because, pre-made beef burgers and hot dogs are not even an option with my family at these kinds of things, food is taking over the house.

Large get togethers  have always been something my parents love and stress over at the same time. We are expecting about 26 people here on Saturday from 2 on. We will have the pool open and it will entertain the children and the ongoing Buckets Tournament will entertain the adults. At night, you can watch the fireworks that the local university puts off from the backyard.

Buckets? Buckets is a "redneck game." Our version of horseshoes. You throw large washers at large coffee cans in hopes to make it in the hole. Really, its that simple, and yes, it's worlds of fun. We will even have a small trophy for the winners.

The Plan:

• Smoked Ribs (rents)
• Pulled Pork (rents)
• Blackened Chicken (maybe rents)
• Spinach Dip (Linda)
• Cheese Dip (me)
• Baked beans (Dee)
• Pasta Salad (Wade)
• Potato Salad (Ks-mom)
• Deviled Eggs (Heather)
• Brownies (Amanda)

Pretzels, chips, and sodas will also be provided by friends and family.

The cheese dip: Really nothing special and a whole lot of not good for you....

• Block o' Velveeta
• Can of Campbells cheddar soup
• Small container of sour cream
• 2 packages Ortega taco seasoning
• 1 chopped red pepper
• 1 chopped green pepper
• 1 chopped onion (because I don't dig the pre-chopped canned stuff)
• 1lb Spicy sausage
• some frozen corn

(it should be noted that this recipe is ever changing and I haven't really made up my mind on it yet.)

Brown sausage in a skillet. Throw everything in a crock-pot. Let it get all melty, stir it and serve it. Ta da!

Pictures on this post will come later. >.< sorry!!!

As for 'My agenda'... It's the 3rd. And I just need to make it through the rest of the month, then I'll play with fireworks. Fingers crossed.