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Every year, on the 4th of July, you would find the American streets all decked up in red, white, and blue, with carnivals and parades reigning the day. What makes this day so special in the US is the fact that the country gained independence on this very day centuries ago. For the unversed, several colonies of the US were under British rule until 1776 when America was set free as an independent nation. Wearing patriotism on the sleeve, the US rejoices this day every year with a lot of pomp and show. The highlight of the celebrations is definitely the food. From lavish brunches to picnics, several delicacies are prepared in the colours of the American flag to reflect the feeling.
There are a plethora of dishes that are whipped up, ranging from savouries like barbeques, hot dogs and corn on the cob to desserts like strawberry shortcake and fruit pies. Each of them embodies the colours of the US flag and are symbolic of the freedom and liberty that the citizens of the country enjoy. Here are some traditional dishes that are prepared on the 4th of July every year in the US.
1. Corn On The Cob
Did you know that corn is one of the most cultivated crops in the US? So, it makes complete sense that the corn kernels are barbecued on Independence Day. The corn is charred on the cob and dusted off with some lime juice and spices. This is a popular food choice on the Fourth of July as it is a delicious treat amid meaty bites. Although corn on the cob is commonly eaten across the world today, it is believed that corn is about 9000 years old and was known to the US even before Europe.
2. Hot Dogs
Any Fourth of July celebration is incomplete with scores of hot dogs being gulped down by millions of people on a single day. Hot dogs, although not directly originating from the US, are believed to have been brought to the country by immigrants. The idea of dunking a sausage in a bun is somewhat similar to the German frankfurters. While the meat is barbecued, the buns are tossed up and down and slathered with lettuce and cheese mustard. This is a delightful treat that is commonly eaten on the US Independence Day.
3. S’mores
An abbreviation for some more, S’mores are a decadent bite for the sweet tooth. This dessert is often prepared on the 4th of July to mark the essence of the day. S’mores, for the uninitiated, are Graham crackers packed with marshmallows and chocolate. Since they look like sandwich cookies, it is often said that the idea emerged from the Victorian era. Other beliefs suggest that the recipe was mentioned in an instruction guide for girl scouts and since then, has become a campfire treat across the US. It is also popular in Canada.
4. Barbequed Meats
A preferable way of cooking meat and serving hot on this special day, Fourth of July is all about picnics and get-togethers. To make the most of the pleasant summer weather, people usually stay outdoors and eat barbeque food. Not only is it perfect for the weather, it is also a quick way to prepare hot food on a large scale. From ribs to steaks, several meaty delights are grilled to the core and paired with dips and vegetables.
5. Strawberry Shortcake
A sweet treat that amps up the whole mood, this fruity shortcake is an overload of strawberries. Commonly-grown during this time of the year, you’ll find strawberries featuring in scores of desserts but the best one is this shortcake. The soft and moist cake is slathered with some whipped cream on the base. This is topped with a thick and sweet strawberry sauce and finally, finished off with some sliced strawberries. It is said that the strawberry shortcake underwent several variations, from a biscuit base to a soft cake bottom.
