Tag Archives: 4th of July

Rocket Dogs

Hebrew National 4th of July Rocket Dogs

Rocket Dogs

Hebrew National 100% Kosher Beef Hot Dogs turned “Rocket Dogs”

How super cute are these “Rocket Dogs,” y’all?!  I had a chance to do a 4th of July entertaining segment on WPIX in New York yesterday and showcased some delicious ideas on set!  I also kept my theme of pairing various grill items with specific beers to bring out the flavor of your party spread. When you’re serving Rocket Dogs, try pairing with an Amber lager which is going to have a malty backbone and a slightly soft bitterness which will really bring out the beef flavor.  On set, I used Toasted Lager, from New York’s Blue Point Brewing Company.

When entertaining for Fourth of July weekend, it is important to start with a premium quality base like Hebrew National 100% kosher beef franks. Their hot dogs are made of only premium cuts of beef and contain no artificial colors, fillers, flavors or by-products. 

And they have variety for every hot dog lover— including their regular, quarter pound dinner frank, bun-length, 97% fat free, reduced fat, franks in a blanket and bagel dogs.  For the health conscious grillers out there, Hebrew National offers a 97% Fat Free Frank that tastes great and is 45 calories and 1.5 grams of fat per serving.  Yes, hot dogs can be delicious and guilt-free!

The first thing you need to do is get some wooden skewers (I found them at the grocery store) and soak them in some water for about 5 minutes.  This is going to prevent them from burning when you bake them.  Skewer through the entire Hebrew National hot dog and wrap with crescent roll dough to create a spiral effect.  Then, just bake for 10 minutes at 350.  Cut a triangle of cheddar (or your favorite cheese) and pop it on top of the dog.  Such a fun recipe to make with the kids!  (And even easier to get picky eaters to enjoy them!)

And congrats to the lucky WPIX viewer who won this amazing grill from Kenmore– It’s pretty sweet!  The Kenmore Elite 5 Burner Dual Fuel Stainless Steel Grill has everything you need for grilling success!  You can slow cook sauces and sides while you’re grilling your main dishes.  There’s an infrared rotisserie, and 2 halogen lights so you can keep rocking the grill long after the sun goes down!  A huge thank you to Kenmore for providing such a phenomenal product for the show!

Kenmore Grill

Kenmore Elite 700 Series 5 Burner Dual Fuel Stainless Steel Gas Grill

Here it is on set before the Give Away!  

Kenmore Grill

On set with the Kenmore Grill before the Give Away

Get your grill on and enjoy your 4th of July!

*This is a sponsored post but all opinions are my own.

Rocket Dogs with Hebrew National Hot Dogs
A fun and creative way to turn hot dogs into 4th of July Rocket Dogs
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Ingredients
  1. one pack of Hebrew National Beef Franks
  2. wooden skewers
  3. Cheese cut into triangles
  4. Pillsbury crescent rolls
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350
  2. Soak skewers in water for 5 minutes to prevent them burning in the oven.
  3. Skewer through hot dogs, leaving about 2 inches at the top of the hot dog.
  4. Lay out crescent rolls-- each one will be in the shape of a long triangle. Using a knife, cut off the ends of the triangle so the dough is one long rectangle. (This makes them easier to wrap around the hot dog evenly.)
  5. Skewer the end of the dough to secure it to the rocket dog and wrap around the hot dog in a spiral pattern.
  6. Repeat with the rest of the dough and hot dogs.
  7. Lay down on a cookie sheet sprayed with cooking spray.
  8. Bake for 10 minutes until dough is golden.
  9. Let cool and skewer triangles of cheese on top.
  10. Serve and enjoy!
What's on Parker's Plate? http://whatsonparkersplate.flywheelsites.com/
Pebbles Cheesecake

Pebbles No Bake Cheesecake and Marshmallow Stars

Pebbles Cheesecake

Ice Cream Pebbles No Bake Cheesecake and Marshmallow Stars

I love to entertain with desserts that are low maintenance and don’t require an oven!  This is a spin on my original No Bake Cheesecake that is always a hit.  Post Cereals just launched Ice Cream Pebbles, and this is the kind of ice cream that doesn’t melt— it’s yummy, crunchy bits of Pebbles in Rainbow Sherbet flavor.  I incorporated these into both the crust and the cheesecake!  You can use Oreo cookie crumbs or Graham Cracker crumbs for the crust— I tried both and liked the Oreo version the best.  To make it even easier, though, buy the premade crumb crusts– in regular size or even mini for little versions of the cheesecake.  Super easy, super cute, super delish!

You can also use Ice Cream Pebbles to make adorable Marshmallow stars which I put on Lollypop sticks.  Another really imaginative and fun thing you can do Ice Cream Pebbles that is a great activity for the kids and a great way to celebrate the 4th of July in rainbow Star Spangled fashion!

*This is a sponsored post but all opinions are my own.

Pebbles No Bake Cheesecake and Marshmallow Stars
Turn No Bake Cheesecake into a Rainbow Sherbet with the addition of Ice Cream Pebbles and Star Spangled Marshmallow Stars
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For the cheesecake
  1. 1 block full fat cream cheese
  2. 1 regular sized tub of whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
  3. 1/4 cup sugar
  4. 1 tsp vanilla
  5. 1 cup Ice Cream Pebbles (plus more to sprinkle on top of cheescake)
For the crust
  1. 2 cups of Oreo crumbs or Graham Cracker Crumbs
  2. 1 stick butter
  3. 1 cup Ice Cream Pebbles (turn into crumbs by smashing them up a bit)
For the Marshmallow Stars
  1. 3 Tb butter
  2. 1 (10oz) package of Marshmallows
  3. 4 cups Ice Cream Pebbles
  4. Star shaped cookie cutter
  5. Lollipop sticks
For the No Bake Cheesecake
  1. Combine room temperature cream cheese, whipped topping, vanilla and sugar in a standing mixer. Add Ice Cream Pebbles.
For the Crust
  1. Melt 1 stick of butter in a large sauce pan. Add in Oreo or Graham Cracker Crumbs and Ice Cream Pebbles. Stir to combine.
  2. Press into the bottom of a springform pan.
  3. Pour in No Bake Cheesecake batter over crust.
  4. Sprinkle with more Ice Cream Pebbles on top.
  5. Cover with tin foil and freeze.
  6. Take out of freezer 30 minutes before serving.
For the Marshmallow Stars
  1. Melt butter in a large sauce pan.
  2. Add marshmallows and let them melt on low/medium heat.
  3. Add Ice Cream Pebbles and stir to combine.
  4. Press into a 9 x 11 cake pan and let cool.
  5. Using a star cookie cutter, cut out stars from the cake pan.
  6. Skewer bottom of each star with a lollipop stick.
What's on Parker's Plate? http://whatsonparkersplate.flywheelsites.com/
4th of July Table

4th of July Entertaining

4th of July Table

Beer, Food, Fashion. Repeat.

The 4th of July is right around the corner and it’s the #1 Beer Drinking Holiday of the year, y’all!  

And that’s great news because it’s one of sumer’s most versatile beverages.  When it comes to summer entertaining, beer pairings are really hot right now— it’s a great way to not only taste new beers but learn more about how certain beers can really bring out the flavor of your grilled foods.

Gotta have your flame broiled burger, right?  Pair grilled burgers with an American Lager like a classic Bud Light – lagers offer crisp and well balanced flavors with malty sweetness which accentuate the rich, juicy flavors of a burger, even served with spicy chili sauce or cheese.  And serve a Lager in a Tumbler or Pint glass.

Nothing says summer liked BBQ chicken seasoned with your favorite spice rub, marinades and BBQ sauce— Pair it with an IPA.  An India Pale Ale has floral notes and a distinct bold hoppy character, which accentuates the spices and creates a really dimensionalized flavor combination. If you’re local to Altanta, check out Hopsecutioner IPA from local Atlanta Terrapin Beer Company here today.  Serve IPA’s in a Snifter glass.

One of my favorites from the grill, Spicy Pork Sausage: Pair with an Amber Lager like Michelob AmberBock that has a malty backbone, with a soft bitterness from the hops that goes great with meat like spicy pork sausage that has a kick to it.  Pour that baby into a Tulip Glass and have a toasty cheers!  You can find more info if you click on Lets Grab a Beer.

And, of course, what goes better with beer than Pizza?!  Domino’s has an entire spread for your 4th of July Party if you don’t feel like cooking and you want to concentrate on the party!  Domino’s has a two-fer.  Choose two of the following for $5.99 each: 2 Topping Medium Pizza, Crispy Bacon and Tomato Specialty Chicken, Pasta Primavera, Chicken Habanero Sandwich and Parmesan Bread Bites.

Domino’s Carryout special just got a day better. Now Monday thru Thursday you can carryout large three-topping pizzas for just $7.99 each. Remember, you must ask for this offer. Availability and charges may vary.

Conveniently order Domino’s from anywhere on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch. Build your pizza just the way you like it or choose one of their specialty pizzas. And with the Domino’s Tracker ® you can follow your order from the moment you place it until it’s out for delivery or ready for pickup!

My Go-To Party Snack?  Wonderful Pistachios.  This is a super healthy way to satisfy those salty snack cravings.  This is a flavor fiesta, for reals.   Sweet Chili and Salt & Pepper are so delicious and even better—  Crack open 30 pistachios for about 100 calories!  Pistachios are one of the lowest calorie, lowest fat nuts and offer more nuts per serving compared to any other snack nut.

A Harvard University study even suggests a daily handful of nuts, such as pistachios may have a role in health and longevity.  And last time I checked, they were pretty smart at Harvard, so Get Crackin’!

Now, let’s talk Star Spangled Style…

My new favorite Atlanta boutique, The Bilt-House (and my new favorite OWNER of my favorite Atlanta Boutique, Shannon Kotze) talked 4th of July fashion and I am obsessed with her finds.  Not only did I buy my SECOND pair of UPP Pants (they’re a Canadian brand and I swear make you look a size smaller) but I was gifted this gorgeous necklace by Theia Jewelry.  Gorg. Just GORG!

Bilt-House fashion

White UPP Pants paired with an Aum Couture silk top and Theia necklace from The Bilt-House

4th of July Fashion

Johnny Was Clothing Tunic, Henry and Belle Dress

And, for all of you Atlanta & Company fans, hhgregg has a very special offer for viewers!  This Thursday is the Great Grill Giveaway!  Tune in to the show on Thursday at 11am to find out how you can win this Monarch Broil King Gas Grill to bring home for your 4th of July party!

Monarch Broil King Gas Grill

Monarch Broil King Gas Brill

Check out the segment below!

*This was sponsored content, but all opinions are my own.