Fourth of July Meal

2 pounds chicken tenders

¼ cup olive oil

Juice and zest of a lemon

2 cloves garlic pressed

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil.

4 pita loaves

1 tomato sliced thin

½ Cucumber sliced thin

½ Red onion sliced thin

4 Lettuce leaves

Salt and pepper to taste

Tzatziki sauce

In a zip top bag combine olive oil, lemon, garlic, pepper, dried herbs and mix well. Add chicken and marinate in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours. Heat grill to medium high. Salt and pepper chicken and cook on both sides for 6-8 minutes until it is cooked through. Assemble souvlaki by warming bread in oven or toaster. Build souvlaki by layering bread with lettuce, chicken, onions, cucumbers, tomato, lettuce and Tzatziki sauce.


TZATZIKI SAUCE

2 4 ounce containers plain Greek yogurt

½ cucumber grated and strained

2 tablespoons sour cream

1 clove garlic

1 teaspoon dried dill

½ teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon lemon zest

Salt to taste

Place all ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Hold in refrigerator until using.


CORN ON THE COB WITH BASIL BUTTER

½ cup basil

½ stick butter

¼ cup parmesan cheese

6 ears of corn

Heat grill to medium, grill corn for 8-10 minutes until some kernels are blistered and all are shinny. Meanwhile, add basil, butter, salt and parmesan cheese to a small food processor and process until smooth. Slather cooked corn with butter and serve immediately.


BLUEBERRY STRAWBERRY CRUMBLE

Fruit

2 cups fresh blueberries

1 ½ cups fresh strawberries hulled and chopped

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

½ cup sugar

¼ cup flour

Crumble Topping

1 cup flour

½ cup brown sugar

1 cup whole oats

1 stick butter cubed and softened

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare fruit by adding all ingredients to a bowl and mix. Pour fruit mixture into a deep 9 inch pie plate. For the crumble, mix all dry ingredients in a bowl, add butter and mix by hand or cut in with 2 knives until you have a crumbly mixture. Top fruit with crumble and bake for 40-45 minute until fruit is bubbly and crust is browned.


4TH OF JULY COOKING TIPS

1. Skip the boring burger this 4th and opt for a flavor packed grill favorite, Chicken Souvlaki.

2. Produce is at its finest right now so load your plates with the season's bests.

3. Add flavor to the ordinary with fresh from the garden herbs.

4. Whether you opt to grill indoors or out, these recipes will be a crowd pleaser.

5. Don't forget a red white and blue inspired dessert for the backyard fun, our Blueberry Strawberry Crumble can be made the day ahead for easy transport.

Compliments of Lorie Fangio and www.loriefangio.com.