Fun and festive foods for the 4th of July

(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Looking for some fun and festive foods for a 4th of July celebration? Chef Janon Bourgeois joined FOX21 Morning News on Wednesday, July 3rd with some tips and twists on fan favorites. She also shared how to have a backyard BBQ without a backyard, or a BBQ and great snacks to pack for fireworks show that don’t create much trash.

Cows in a Blanket (makes approximately 12)

• 1 lb Ground Beef
• Salt & Pepper
• 1 Pizza Dough
• 1 Cup Semolina Flour
• 12 Pickle Slices
• 1 Tbsp Everything But the Bagel Seasoning
• 1 Head Green Leaf Lettuce
• Optional – Thinly sliced Onion

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees and line a baking sheet with foil.
• Form ground beef into 12 equal “meatballs”
• Fry over medium-high heat in a high-sided pan until cooked to desired doneness. Season with salt and pepper only after they are in the pan and press them only once, after flipping. Set aside to cool.
• Divide pizza dough into 12 “dough balls” and gently roll in semolina flour. Then stretch out and place on a piece of parchment paper.
• Place a pickle slice (and onion if desired) in the center of each dough ball and top with a mini burger.
• Gather together the sides and seal the appetizer, then invert (seam side down) onto the baking sheet that has been drizzled with a bit of semolina flour.
• Sprinkle with the EBTB seasoning and bake for 9-12 minutes, until golden brown.
• Place atop leaves of green leaf lettuce and dip in some bangin’ burger sauce! (See recipe below)
• Enjoy!

Bangin’ Burger Sauce

• 4 Tbsp Mayo
• 4 Tbsp Ketchup
• 3 Tbsp Creamed Horseradish
• 2 Tbsp Pickle Relish
• 1 Tbsp Yellow Mustard
• 1 Tbsp fresh Lemon Juice

• Mix all ingredients together and store in the refrigerator until serving.

Star Spangled Apple Turnovers (Makes 6)

• 2 Apples (Honeycrisp preferred)
• 2 Tbsp fresh Lemon Juice
• 1 tsp Cinnamon
• 2 Tbsp Honey
• 2 Tbsp Maple Syrup
• Pinch of Salt
• 1 sheet of Puff Pastry
• Optional – cookie icing and seasonal sprinkles

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees and line a baking sheet with foil
• Thinly slice apples and toss in lemon juice to avoid browning
• In a bowl, combine cinnamon, honey, maple syrup and salt. Stir to combine then pour over apples to soak.
• Divide your puff pastry into 6 rough squares with a sharp knife or pastry cutter.
• Layer apple slices in the center of each square and pinch together the opposite edges.
• Bake for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown and bubbling.
• If you prefer a little dazzle, drizzle with cooking icing and add festive sprinkles.

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