How to Make Classic Blueberry Pancakes Recipe

[ad#co-3]

Blueberry Pancake Ingredients:

200g self-raising flour
1 tsp baking powder
A little butter
1 egg
300ml milk
150g blueberries
Maple syrup
Sunflower oil (optional- you can use butter instead)

Pancake Directions:

1. In a large bowl, mix flour, baking powder and a pinch of salt.
2. Beat egg and milk together and gently whisk it into the above prepared dry mix. Whisk to achieve a thick consistency.
3. Beat in the melted butter, and gently mix half of the blueberries in the batter.
4. Heat a teaspoon of oil or a little butter in a non-stick frying pan.
5. Put a large tablespoon of the prepared batter on the pan, to make a pancake 7 cm across. If using a large frying pan, you can prepare 3 to 4 pancakes at a time.
6. Cook for about 3 minutes over medium heat on one side. When small bubbles start appearing on the surface you can flip the side and again cook until golden, which should take another 2 to 3 minutes.
7. Make layers of pancakes (3 to 4 pancakes), blueberries and maple syrup.
8. To serve, garnish with maple syrup and the remaining blueberries.

Seasonal fruits make their way into our meals in pretty interesting ways and when you have something as inviting as these Blueberry Pancakes, breakfasts are going to be fun affairs. Go grab your bite!

If you love blueberry recipes as much as we do, take a look at these others on Stagetecture.

But there’s no fun when accidents happen. Although there are only a few isolated cases that are linked to fireworks, but then it should not be taken for granted. Safety precautions are needed and should be observed at all time.

Safety Tips to Ensure Fireworks Safety this 4th of July Holiday

To ensure fireworks safety this 4^th of July, here are some helpful guidelines:

Only buy fireworks from authorized dealers

Safety starts from where it begins. Always buy from authorized dealers or retailers for your fireworks. These stores know exactly how to use, distribute and preserve the fireworks, Also, these stores ensure that the fireworks you buy are authentic and passed the safety standards. You can be sure that it will fire and work as desired. The National Council of Fireworks has essential fireworks safety tips on their site.

For Fireworks Safety: Know the Type You’re Buying

Fireworks are created in various ways. There are those that fly and fire while others are a fountain of fire. Whatever fireworks you have, it is very important to know exactly how it works. You have guidelines on how to use it on its label. This procedure should comply strictly. If it’s too small for you to read, ask for assistance from the store you are buying it. Here are some backyard fireworks tips to ensure your family stays safe.

Designate a Person in Charge of Fireworks Safety

This person should be a responsible adult who can handle the fireworks very well. He or she must be an experienced individual who knows how to do it. The person-in-charge doesn’t have to be an expert about fireworks but someone who don’t drink and fire. Also, it is important that this person is in-charge of the safety materials like fire extinguishers and water.

Bear in mind that not all areas allow fireworks without asking permission to designated authorities. It’s a sure fun-filled 4^th of July experience that you will definitely remember.

For more 4th of July ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Delicious Apple Dumplings Recipe

[ad#co-3]

 

Prep- 30 min
Cook time- 1hr

Apple Pie Ingredients:

1 pastry recipe for double crust pie or 2 (10-ounce) cans of Pillsbury crescent roll dough
6 large granny smith apples, peeled and cored
½ cup of butter
¾ cup of brown sugar
1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg
3 cups of water
2 cups of white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

 Apple Dumplings Directions:

1. To start the Fourth of July Recipe, preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Then get a 9X13 inch pan and grease it or purchase a non-stick 9 X 13 in pan.
2. Then lightly flour a cutting board or just your counter top and begin to roll out the pastry double pie crust (or crescent dough) into a large 24 by 16 inch rectangle. Then cut the rectangle into 6 even square pieces.
3. After the dough has been divided off, place an apple on each pastry square with the cored opening facing upward. Then cut your butter into 8 pieces, then take 1 piece of butter and place it at the opening of each apple, take the left over butter and set it aside for the sauce.
4. Next, get the brown sugar and split it up among the apples. Put some in the core of the apples then around the base of each apple. After the brown sugar has been used start to sprinkle the cinnamon followed by the nutmeg over the apples.
5. Gently wet your fingertips and carry one corner of the pastry square to the top of the apple. Repeat the same process with the opposite corner of the square pressing them together and do the same for the last two corners.
6. Faintly seal the dough at the sides to be sure the apple is completely sealed in. Make sure that you do the same for the rest of the apples. After all apples have been sealed, place them in a baking dish.

Apple Sauce:

1. Take out a saucepan and mix in; the water, white sugar, vanilla, and the left over butter. Then place the combination over a medium heat and bring it to a boil. Boil it for about 5 minutes or until the sugar has completely dissolve
2. After the sauce has been made, carefully pour some of the sauce over the apples. And place the apples in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes. Then when the dumplings are finished place each one into a dessert bowl and scoop out the left over sauce onto each of the dumplings and ENJOY your Fourth of July Dessert Recipe!

*For extra sweetness you can add a few scoops of Vanilla Ice Cream to the tops of the dumplings.

Did You Know Apples are Perfect for your Health?

We love this article from Well-Being Secrets – 34 Science-Backed Health Benefits of Apples. Discover why apples are so delicious and good for your health.

For more dessert recipes on Stagetecture

The 4^th of July is here and what better way to celebrate than with savory bbq food, friends and family? I love bringing out patriotic red, white and blue colors and sprinkling in summer colors and dinnerware to set the scene. I’m excited to of paired with Villeroy & Boch to feature their new BBQ Passion and Pizza Passion lines. If you remember in the past I’ve highlighted the gorgeous dinnerware, crystal ware and entertaining ideas on Stagetecture with Villeroy & Boch. Of course you and I will never forget the unforgettable night in Frankfurt, Germany I spent with BlogTourAmbiente and the Villeroy & Boch family!

My 4^th Of July BBQ Entertaining Ideas with Villeroy & Boch

All images via: ©Stagetecture.com

Today I want to show you how to bring patriotic colors together with their lovely white dinnerware to set a memorable 4^th of July BBQ table this holiday season.

Set your 4^th of July table with party food and patriotic colors

While the traditional red, white and blue are a necessity I always like to bring in summer colors such as pops of yellow and green to give the table dimension. I started off with red burlap fabric and denim fabric runners for added texture under the table settings. I think it’s fun to mix and match patterns! So I used nautical blue and white striped napkins and red linen napkins to bring a casual and formal mix to the table.

Villeroy & Boch’s Nek Mini Vase in Deep Cherry and the Numa Vase in Midnight Sky held my happy sunflowers perfectly. When I have a lot of dishes on the table I like to keep the centerpiece simple.

Choosing the right dinnerware to fit your bbq party food recipes

Villeroy & Boch’s new BBQ Passion line includes beautiful steak plates in two sizes to fit your entertaining needs. I enjoyed how they have a sauce indentation in the dish that enables you to put your condiments or favorite sauces right there on the plate without interfering in your presentation. I also used their Artesano dip bowls and trays for barbecue sauce and horse radish – perfect for the shish kebabs! The beautiful wood Artesano Salad Servers complement any salad you’d like to serve your guest in the Artesano Original Salad Bowl.

Decorating in style with colorful accessories for your holiday table

One of the elements that is often forgotten when decorating a festive table is to bring color through glasses. Villeroy & Boch’s Boston colored Highball Beer Tumblers in blue and red paired nicely with the decor and who doesn’t love to sip out of a festive red and white or blue and white striped straw? Cooling down on the 4th of July couldn’t be sweeter than with these glasses to complement the white Artesano Original Pizza plate in the center of the table.

Instead of pizza I piled our corn on the cob and shish kebab skewers in the center, but a cheesy flatbread, or big loaf of French bread would have worked just as easily!

What color variations will you try at your 4th of July holiday table? We’d love to hear! If you’re interested in any of the Villeroy & Boch BBQ Passion dinnerware visit them online to see different sizes and styles available!

To see other Villeroy & Boch past articles on Stagetecture, see our archives.

If you’re not done yet with your menu list, try the grilled lime corn recipe. This healthy grilling recipe It’s a perfect grilled recipe for your Independence Day celebration. You can have it done on the side of your main grilled meat recipe. You will never fail to impress your guest with this tasty grilled lime corn.

Grilled Corn on the Cob with Lime Recipe

Corn on the Grill Ingredients:

8 ears fresh corn, husks removed

Vegetable cooking spray

Salt and freshly ground pepper

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced

1 small garlic clove, pressed

1 tablespoon lime zest

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

2 teaspoons chopped fresh cilantro

Garnish: lime zest

Grilled Corn Directions:

1. Preheat grill to 350° to 400° (medium-high) heat. Coat corn lightly with cooking spray. Sprinkle with desired amount of salt and pepper. Grill corn, covered with grill lid, 15 minutes or until golden brown, turning occasionally.
2. Meanwhile, stir together butter and next 5 ingredients. Remove corn from grill, and cut into thirds. Serve corn with butter mixture. Garnish, if desired.

You should be able to serve at least 8 persons with this tasty grilled lime corn recipe. And this can be done in around 30 minutes only. This is not only easy but a quick grilled recipe that you can make. The lime doesn’t only provide a great flavor but an appetizing aroma as well. You definitely have to try this one of a kind grilled corn recipe.

For more summer food recipes on Stagetecture, click here.

Spicy Chicken or Beef and Pepper Subs Recipe

Substitute beef for chicken for a classic Philly Sandwich!

[ad#co-3]

Serves: 4 subs

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon of Canola Oil
4 (3-ounce) Whole-Wheat Hoagie Rolls; (Split in Halves)
½ teaspoon of Dried Oregano
1 pound of Chicken Breast Tenders
¼ teaspoon of Kosher Salt
1 large julienne-(long, thin cuts) Yellow Bell Pepper
A jar of Mild or hot Banana Peppers
¼ teaspoon of Freshly Ground Black Pepper
½ cup of lower-sodium Marinara Sauce
2 ounces part-skim Mozzarella Cheese, shredded (approx. ½ cup)

Grilling Sandwich Directions:

1. Preheat your broiler to high.
2. Next, hollow out the top and bottom halves of the hoagie rolls, being sure to cut out 1-inch-depths within the shells, and take the cut out bread and set it aside for other usage.
3. Place the hoagie rolls on a baking sheet with the cut side facing upwards, then place the sheet in the oven and let the rolls broil for about 1 minute or until the rolls are toasted.
4. Take out a large nonstick skillet and place it over a medium heat. While the skillet is heating, add in the canola oil and coat the entire skillet with the oil by swirling it around.
5. The next step for this Fourth of July Chicken Recipe is to season the chicken; evenly sprinkle the chicken breast with the oregano, pepper and salt. Then place the breast into the pan, and let them cook for about 7minutes; turning them sporadically.
6. Add in the yellow bell pepper and a few of the banana peppers (7-10) to the pan and allow them to cook for about 2 minute or until the bell pepper becomes tender and the chicken is finished.
7. Time to add in the marinara sauce and once the marinara sauce has been added let it cook for about 30 seconds or until the marinara sauce has been cooked thoroughly. Then set the burner on low or you can turn it off.
8. Go back to the hoagie rolls and place them on a plate. Then divide the chicken mixture equally on to the bottom halves of the rolls and put the mozzarella cheese on the top halves of the rolls, then broil them for about 1 minute or until the cheese melts.
9. Turn off the oven and take the rolls out. Put the top rolls on the bottom rolls and ENJOY your Fourth of July Chicken Recipe!

*You can use Jalapeño Peppers instead of Banana Peppers, just to add more color and a more flavor.

For more easy recipes on Stagetecture, click here.

Fun Memorial Day Kids Crafts for the Memorial Day Weekend

Patriotic Pebble

Image via: SNS Designs

[ad#co-1]

Kids Crafts Materials

Pencil

Smooth, flat pebble or large rock

White, blue, and red tempera paint

Acrylic varnish or shiny varnish

Paintbrushes

Instructions

1. Mark off the upper-left corner of the pebble where the stars will be. Color the area with blue paint.
2. Paint the other part of the pebble white and leave it to dry.
3. Once the color has dried, paint red stripes on the white area and white stars on the blue area.
4. Put a coat of acrylic varnish for a shiny finish.
5. Firecracker Photo Album

Kids Crafts Materials

Chipboard album

Red paper – we like getting a construction paper pack

White paper

Glue stick

Ribbons

Star stickers

Adhesive letters

Patriotic Photo Crafts

1. Apply glue stick to the red paper and use the paper to cover the base of the album.
2. Cut out two thick stripes from the white paper. You can make lovely patterns on the borders of each paper.
3. Use glue stick to overlay the white pieces for the stripes.
4. Trace a triangle on the blue paper and cut it to use as a firecracker tip.
5. Add the ribbons, star stickers, and adhesive letters.
6. Fill the album with your photos or patriotic photos.

Patriotic Plant Pot

Image via – Etsy – Pots and Stuff Store – Patriotic Crafts

Materials

A terra cotta plant pot

Paintbrushes

White acrylic paint, blue acrylic paint, and red acrylic paint

Patriotic Crafts Directions:

1. Paint the flowerpot’s rim blue and the lower part white or vise versa.
2. Apply the white paint again for added depth.
3. Add red stripes to the white part and white stars to the blue part.

These Memorial Day kids’ crafts can be done by children in preschool, kindergarten, and elementary school. They are a great way to show off your American pride as you grill some barbecue and enjoy the hot weather. Make them with your kids and create wonderful memories together.

For more patriotic kids’ crafts on Stagetecture, click here.

How to Make Delicious Grilled Vegetables

[ad#co-1]

Many people stay traditional and others try new things in the menu of their Labor Day party. Whatever you try, a veggie menu will be a great choice given that the abundance of summer produces at this time. Check out some recipes for vegetables for your Labor Day party or dinner.

Grilled Vegetables Main Dishes:

Roasted vegetables are both mouthwatering and good for health. Grilled green beans, peppers, and other garden produce can be served beside the main dish. Alongside this grilled recipe, you can opt for grilled eggplant Panini for your party. This end-of-summer yummy treat is simple to make. You will need sliced eggplant, mayonnaise, bread, mozzarella cheese, roasted red peppers, red onion, basil olive oil, and garlic salt to make this rich and creamy delicacy

If you are not too strict with the word ‘veggie’, you can make a mix of vegetables and delicious shrimps for a relishing main dish. Make kebabs with juicy plums, shrimps, fresh jalapenos, lime juice, chopped cilantro, lime zest, sesame oil, and salt. You will be happy to know that this deluxe meal will not take more than 35-40 minutes to be prepared.

Need tips for grilling your vegetables perfectly? Take a look at these 5 tips from Eating Well.

Roasted Vegetables Side Dishes:

At this time of the year, you will have a number of options for healthy veggie side dishes. Corn is probably the most available option for a party or dinner menu. Grilled sweet corn with smoky chipotles and fresh lime will make a juicy, mouth-watering, and wonderful side dish. Pesto-tossed roasted zucchini or a grilled salad made of a mix of grilled bell peppers, sweet tomatoes, and salty olives can make its place to your table too. The great thing about the grilled salad is that you can easily turn this dish into an appetizer by topping it with crostini mixed with goat cheese.

We love these Top 10 grilled vegetable recipes from Taste of Home

Accompany your Vegetables with a Dessert

A fruit pie, especially a raspberry-peach pie, will be the best choice to complement a Labor Day meal. A sweet and sour combination of raspberries and peaches coupled with a lightened piecrust will make a healthy, winning dessert. The same raspberries can be used to make delicious drinks. Use frozen raspberries, raspberry-flavored syrup, fresh mint, seltzer, and ice cubes to make this super easy and refreshing drinks. It will serve as a low-calorie alternative to sugar-laden sodas normally served in parties.

These delicious but easy end-of-summer recipes served on a casual table decorated with flags and red, blue, and white colors will rock your party and take care of your health at the same time.

For more healthy grilled vegetables recipes on Stagetecture, click here.

Free Labor Day Patriotic Kids Crafts & Activities

[ad#co-1]

Here are just a few fun and free activities that your young party goers can do:

Patriotic Printables or Coloring Pages:

It looks like this Labor Day is going to be a hot one! So maybe set up a blanket or picnic table under a nice shade tree and turn it into a coloring station. Fill colorful bins with crayons and markers and print out some free coloring pages online. There are numerous sites that offer free or low cost coloring printables that follow the Labor Day theme. For example, Enchanted Learning.com has free printables that allow children to color in images of what kind of job they would like to do when they grow-up ̶ what a perfect theme for Labor Day!

We love these Etsy shops coloring pages for your kids:

Patriotic Printables

These printables are cute for 4th of July or Labor Day activities

Patriotic Kids Crafts: Make a Patriotic Flag:

What better way to celebrate this iconic American Holiday than by waving around the red, white and blue stars and stripes of our flag?

Children can easily make their own flags with construction paper, straws, and tape. Simply have them color a flag on a sturdy piece of construction paper and then tape or staple the straw to the side of their homemade flag. They will be sure to have fun waving their own creation while singing our anthem.

Another, easier option is to download printable flags such as the ones on examiner.com and have the children simply cut them out and glue or tape them to a wooden dowel or straw.

This patriotic banner kit is perfect for little hands to make from Etsy shop Sweet Pea Sprout.

Patriotic Sparklers:

A Labor Day bash is not complete without sparklers! Provide sparklers for all your party goers’ ̶ young and old alike! Just be sure to have Mom or Dad light the sparklers and assign a parent to watch over the kids while using them – the sparklers may be small, but they can get hot!

Have a fun and safe Labor Day weekend!

For more patriotic kids crafts on Stagetecture, click here.

4th of July Grilled Pulled Chicken Sliders Recipe

[ad#co-3]

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Yield: 18-20 sliders

Ingredients:

For Barbecue Sauce

¾ cup ketchup

¾ brown sugar

1/3 cup apple cider vinegar

2 tablespoons whole grain mustard

2 tablespoons maple syrup

3 dashes worcestershire sauce

2 teaspoons cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon chili powder

For Sliders

6 chicken pieces (Note: A mixture of thighs and breasts works well, but use whatever you have on hand.)

3 tablespoons prepared chicken seasoning rub

18-20 slider roles

Sliced white onion, for garnish

Bread and butter pickles, for garnish

Cole slaw, for garnish

Shredded cheese, for garnish

Directions:

1. Set up your grill. If using charcoal, create a hot side and a cool side. If using gas, turn one burner to high, one to medium, and one to low.
2. Prepare the chicken by rinsing it, drying it thoroughly with paper towels, and seasoning it with the dry rub. Don’t be afraid to use your hands to ensure the chicken gets completely coated.
3. Place your chicken on the grill with the breasts over high heat and the thighs on low to account for their different cooking times. Allow the chicken to cook for 30 minutes, turning once it starts to brown.
4. While the chicken cooks, combine the ingredients for the barbecue sauce in a small saucepan. Adjust seasonings to taste and cook it over medium heat until it reduces down and thickens into a glaze. (Note: This step can be done up to 3 days in advance.)
5. After the chicken has browned on all sides, lower the heat on the grill below 265 degrees F to prevent the sugars in the sauce from burning. Then, baste the sauce over the chicken and close the lid to allow the chicken to cook for 5 minutes.
6. Then, flip the chicken and baste the other side before cooking it again. Continue until all sides are coated with a generous layer of sauce.
7. Once the glaze has darkened and the juices run clear, remove the chicken from the grill and allow it to rest for five minutes.
8. As the chicken rests, prepare the garnishes for the sliders.
9. Pull the cooked chicken meat using two forks or by slicing the meat into bite-sized pieces.
10. Serve the meat alongside the garnishes and rolls for a make-your-own slider bar or assemble them by placing a generous portion of meat inside of each bun and topping as desired.

Sense this meal is easy to prepare, tasty, and fun to eat, your family will want it every week. While Fourth of July grilling seems extra special, you could easily adapt this recipe to be made in a slow cooker during the colder months. Just add the chicken to the slow cooker with the barbecue sauce and a little extra liquid – some chicken stock or even beer – and you’ll have succulent sliders in just a few hours. Whichever cooking method you choose, these little guys are bound to be a success.

For more 4th of July recipes on Stagetecture, click here.