This year, for the fourth, it’ll be a small celebration, but nice to have even a small group gathering again. I’ll be hosting a small BBQ celebration for my mother and stepfather, along with their new golden retriever, my daughter and her boyfriend, my hubby and me, and our son and dog. If the weather behaves, we’ll be taking a hike on our trail, enjoying some delicious food, yard games, swimming, lots of great conversation, and ending the day with an evening movie on the outdoor screen, as well as watching fireworks on the screen from past fireworks shows. This year may still look different, but fun is ready to be had! I understand that life has been different and many times rough, but slowly, life seems to be returning to people coming together again, though it is also a bit different. I am liking the changes.

In this time I have reflected on my own life, had more time to get things done and spend time with my loved ones, some at home and some on Zoom. I have been finding out more about my health and have been working on finishing my book. Speaking of that, the countdown started yesterday and the book will be out in 2 more days!! I am beyond excited to see this 4 years of work come to completion and be able to present it to everyone!! The book is Plant-Based Living for the Gluten-Free Cook. There will be recipes for main dishes, hors d’ oeuvres, soups and salads, desserts, beverages and more! Look for it on Amazon in 2 days!! I’ll announce when it’s ready!

A recipe from the book:

Our Independence Day Menu:

Barbeque Chicken for the meat eaters (I use a sauce that’s sugar free and gluten free)

Veggie burgers

Corn on the cob, grilled

Nana’s 3 Bean salad

Tossed salad greens with homemade dressing

Potato Salad with no mayo

Fruit salad

Homemade Baked Beans

Chips and Guacamole

Desserts:

Cupcakes (made by my mother)

Homemade ice cream with homemade waffle cones (both dairy, sugar and, gluten-free)

Beverages:

No sugar flavored seltzer with 100 percent cranberry juice, vodka optional

Watermelon/ Strawberry with Lime Mock Margarita

For the movie viewing later that evening:

Stove top popped corn made with coconut oil and pink himalayan salt topped with melted grass fed butter

Homemade dark chocolate pieces

Tea, coffee or flavored no sugar seltzer