“Italian Pasta Salad” For Your July 4th Celebration!

Wishing you, my readers a Happy Fourth of July! We're so grateful to live in this country and to celebrate the birth of our Nation. Most of us celebrate with family, picnics, BBQ’s, parades, and showing a great emphasis on the American tradition of Freedom. The most common symbol of Independence Day is the American flag, but other symbols include the Statue of Liberty in New York harbor and Macy’s fireworks display viewed all over the United States. I have to mention “thank you” to the servicemen and women who have been fighting for our freedom and keeping our country safe. These are the people that our founding fathers would have called our heroes!

Independence Day, is the anniversary of the publication of the Declaration of Independence. How it all began was in 1775, people in New England began fighting the British for their independence. On July 2, 1776, the Congress voted for independence from Great Britain. The Declaration of Independence was first published two days later on July 4, 1776. John Adams wrote in a letter to his wife, Abigail how the day should be celebrated. He described “pomp and parade, with shows, games, bells, bonfires, and illuminations” throughout the United States. Interesting trivia: Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, both signers of the Declaration of Independence and Presidents of the United States, died on July 4, 1826 - exactly 50 years after the Declaration of Independence.
 

Fireworks have been used by Americans for July 4th since the nation's very beginning. The earliest documentation of fireworks dates back to 7th century China, where they were invented. The fireworks were used to accompany many festivities. It is a part of the culture of China and had its origin there; eventually it spread to other cultures and societies. The first recorded display in England celebrated the wedding of Henry VII in 1487. 

In 1986 the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Statue of Liberty on July 4th lit up the skies over New York Harbor with a dazzling fireworks display destined to surpass any others held in this country, or the world. The "Statue of Liberty Centennial Fireworks Spectacular" was an international display, with fireworks from many different countries including Japan, China, Germany, Italy, England, France, Spain, Canada, Australia, Taiwan, and Brazil. As I recall when I was young, my dad would always buy a few packages of sparklers. When it got dark out, he would light them and watch us as we swirled them around in the sky. This was a lot of fun and it made us feel like we were part of the celebration.

My son, Paul "1986"

Fireworks come in so many different shapes, colors, and sizes such as stars, rotating circles, fish, and even 3D shapes. They are sometimes programmed to music as in Disney World where the fireworks are fired off to music with colors. Fireworks are used in celebrations of theme parks, Olympics, Halloween, Christmas, New Years, and Political events. States such as New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Delaware ban all consumer fireworks completely. Only legal professional authorities can be approved to operate firework displays. Please be responsible and do not use fireworks unless a professional person is on hand. Please be sure to keep your pets inside where it is safe. They do not like the noise and tend to hide.  

My recipe this week is an appetizing cold dish which can be served at your July 4th celebrations. This delicious dish is called “Italian Pasta Salad” and it contains all the freshest of ingredients. It is very simple and everyone loves the combination of the Italian flavors. So have a Happy Fourth of July, be safe, and enjoy the fireworks!

“Italian Pasta Salad”

Ingredients:
1 lb. cooked spiral pasta, rinsed with cold water
1 1/2 tsp. of salt
1/2 tsp. of fresh ground pepper
2 medium red onions, chopped
3/4 cup of Sun Dried Tomatoes, chopped
1 cup of Artichoke hearts, marinated, drained, chopped
2 medium green peppers, diced
12 oz. green olives, chopped
3 oz. black olives, chopped
1/2 lb. of hard salami, diced
1/4 lb. of pepperoni, diced
1/2 lb. Provolone cheese, cubed
1 bottle of your favorite Italian Dressing

Directions:
Mix well, with about 1 cup of dressing and let set at room temperature for 3 hours before serving.

Notes: you can use the Tri Color Pasta spirals and add whatever vegetables you like. (just chop small) If you choose you can substitute Balsamic Vinegar and Olive Oil for dressing instead of bottled.

Till Next Time………………………………..

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