The big July 4th edition ☀️
Fun food for sharing! Sunny salads, dips + more
Hello friends, and happy 1-week-before-the-big-summer-holiday™!
I hope this email finds you with festive plans for July 4th. This day is all about being outside, enjoying some fizzy cold drinks, and celebrating alongside those you love. This country is so, so far from perfect, but take it from an immigrant: there are many wonderful things here to be grateful for, things I try to never take for granted (not the least of which is the lack of drones flying overhead).
Below, I’ve rounded up 8 of my favorite contributions to al fresco potlucks, picnics, cookouts, etc. I hope you’ll be inspired to make one or a few of them for the big day.
As always, please let me know if you try one of my recipes - I love hearing from you! You can leave a comment on the recipe page or tag me on Instagram with your creation.
Barbecued Tempeh Sandwiches with Homemade Coleslaw
If you’re looking for a meat-free take on a bbq sandwich, this saucy tempeh number has your name on it. It’s surprisingly simple to make (the tempeh is cooked in a skillet - no grill needed) and both elements can be prepped in advance.
Dill Potato Salad with Capers
There are countless directions in which to take potato salad. But this herby one that forgoes mayo in favor of a mountain of dill, capers, and lemon-mustard dressing, is my signature version, and I have no doubts you’re gonna love it too.
Easy Beet Hummus
This fuchsia take on the classic chickpea dip can convert even the biggest beet skeptics. A lot of beet dip recipes have you roast the beet, but this version uses a boiled one instead, which is a bit more summer-friendly, I think.
Cucumber Kimchi Salad
Dressing cucumbers in kimchi is an excellent shortcut for infusing them with a ton of flavor. Smashing and pre-salting the cucumbers before making the salad ensures all the seasonings will seep into every crevice of each piece.
Muhammara (Roasted Red Pepper and Walnut Dip)
I make this Middle Eastern dip for most parties I host/attend, and it is always a crowdpleaser. Traditionally, muhammara has pomegranate molasses to thank for its sweet-sour personality, but I find that reduced balsamic works just as well.
Smoky Creamed Corn
No offense to your family recipe, but this is not your grandma’s creamed corn. With coconut milk, miso, smoked paprika, and a few drops of liquid smoke (if you have it), this savory version is sure to become a staple. [Instructions for making this with either fresh or frozen kernels included.]
Charred Corn Salad with Avocado and Cilantro
This light and bright summer salad starts with cutting the kernels off the cobs, and charring them in a cast iron skillet (or any really hot skillet, really). Then those sweet, juicy bits are layered with cherry tomatoes, creamy avocado, red onion, chili powder, and a ton of cilantro.
Mexican-ish Black Bean Dip
A super simple, no-cook dip flavored with cumin, cilantro, and lime. It’s especially great with plantain chips. Alternatively, you can use it as a spread for tacos!
This Substack is the newsletter companion to my site, thenewbaguette.com. You can find all my recipes published there in full, with helpful tips and step-by-step photos. You can also follow along on Instagram, where I share video tutorials and behind-the-scenes tidbits.