FOURTH OF JULY ROUNDUP 🇺🇸

grilled queso dip....yes, please

Jul 02, 2025

With only a few days left until Fourth of July weekend, we’re sending the Digest out midweek in case you’re still in need of a little inspo (not always easy these days 🤦🏻‍♀️ ). Luckily, the Fourth is also about nostalgia and summer vibes, which so happen to be two of our favorite things! So consider this Digest a summer guide of sorts, showcasing what we’re loving, cooking, and drinking during these long, hot days!

Spending the Fourth at our cottage in Grand Haven is as nostalgic as it gets for us. As kids, we used to high-tail it into town to watch fireworks on the waterfront (it always ended with a little brush fire on the launching hill, and so we’d get another show watching the hoses put it out). In recent years, we’ve given up on that tradition mostly because we prefer relaxing on the deck with drinks lol.

We also like to hit up the local Meijer and find a few clearance Star Spangled shirts and hats just for funsies.

WHAT WE’RE LOVING

We will always love our patriotic Meijer duds, but there are a few other things we’ve been slightly more into lately 🤪🇺🇸. From French sunscreens and moisturizers (that you can get on Amazon!) to the much derided Crocs (not for everyone, but honestly, the most comfortable things we’ve ever put on our feet), you can shop all our faves here!

SHOP WHAT WE'RE LOVING

WHAT WE’RE COOKING

We like to switch up our Fourth of July spread every year so we don’t have any traditional meals, but as with all of our holiday weekend family get-togethers, food is usually the center of the celebration.

Last year we had ribs, hot dogs, brats, potato salad, and coleslaw

When we’re at our cottage during blueberry season (it starts now btw), we love to go blueberry picking at one of the U-pick fields nearby (or skip the picking altogether and just buy a big box there lol). A few summers ago, instead of freezing the leftovers, we decided to turn them into a delicious, simple syrup that can be used on pancakes or ice cream, in cocktails, lemonades, or coffee. We ended up making delicious blueberry cold foam cold brew coffees from ours and were very impressed.

We either have a large lunch and a catch-as-catch-can dinner (nothing planned, just eat whatever leftovers you can find) or vice versa. So most of our recipes tend to be something that can be eaten for either. Cowboy caviar and heirloom tomato, peach, and burrata salad with prosciutto can be made as appetizers, lunches, or dinners. Add a little chicken to your cowboy caviar for protein, and a fresh baguette or any chewy bread to your tomato burrata salad for a more filling DIY sandwich option.

No Fourth of July spread is complete without mentioning grilled queso dip. Obviously, what makes this queso unique and superior to other queso is that you cook it on the grill. Not only is this just a cool thing to do and tastes incredible (although we never met a queso we didn’t like), it’s the perfect recipe for a Fourth of July get-together. If you’re planning on bringing this to someone else’s house, we recommend you fill a throw-away aluminum pan with all the prepared ingredients and bring it with you. Then, when you’re at your destination, put it on the grill, melt all the cheese together, and serve straight from the pan.

If you ask us, desserts will always be the best part of any holiday. Our aunt is usually the provider of freshly-baked post-dinner delights, but when we are in charge, we opt for something easy. And nothing is easier than our good ol’ five-ingredient banana cream pie using a store-bought crust, an instant pudding/cool whip mixture, and fresh bananas. Even Cece can make it! 😘

GET RECIPES

BONUS SAMMY:

Our mom’s bff Ponce once whipped up some sandwiches for a boat ride. They were simple, but you could still tell he put some extra thought into making them. We recently developed a craving for it, and asked our Mom how Ponce makes his delicious boat sandwich. She had no idea what we were talking about and insisted that it is she who makes the best sandwiches. A back-and-forth group chat ensued, Ponce was finally added into the fray, and luckily, he knew what we were talking about and we finally got the recipe to that boat sando. Enjoy!

Sometimes the simplest sandwiches are the best sandwiches….

WHAT WE’RE DRINKING

It isn’t a Pantry Digest without us talking about a spritz. Last year, we created a fun and festive blue spritz using Blue Curaçau and edible glitter. There is something so nostalgic about having a blue-colored drink. And this spritz tastes like a grown-up version of a tropical blue kids’ punch. The glitter also adds a festive touch.

Here are some alternatives if you aren’t into blue hues lol:

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Non-Alc Options: Hil’s Favorites

I’ve tried my fair share of non-alcoholic drink options and have to say most are nothing to write home about, but these few are surprisingly delicious:

Wolffer Estate Spring in a Bottle Blanc de Blancs and their Sparkling Rosè is the only non-alcoholic wine to buy IMO. I have yet to find a red that fits the bill, though 🫤.
Mionetto Alcohol Removed Sparkling Wine tastes just like the real deal.
Spritz del Conte Non-Alcoholic Aperol Spritz, as a spritz connoisseur, this definitely hits the spot!
Trader Joe’s Triple Ginger Brew is wonderful in a glass with ice, lemon, and mint for a Moscow Mule vibe.
Ritual Zero Proof Tequila is perfect to add to a virgin Paloma or Margarita.