June 28th, 2009

4th of July Food Ideas?

Need some food ideas for a fabulous 4th of July celebration? You’ll love this Perfect Pulled Pork with a side of Ultimate Baked Beans. They’re great for holidays, parties with friends, and summer days when you want to have fun with your family and not spend all day in kitchen! :) Like yesterday for example- we hung out by the pool all day and when we got home, the last thing I wanted to do was think about what to fix for dinner. We could’ve stopped for fast food on the way home- but we didn’t have to. :) We had delicious pulled pork sandwiches and hearty, meaty, ultimate baked beans waiting on us. The pulled pork cooked in the crock pot all day and took less than 5 mins to pull apart because it was so tender, juicy and falling off the bone. The baked beans were made ahead and all I had to do was get them out of the fridge and pop ‘em in oven.

You can check out the Ultimate Baked Beans recipe for specifics on how I did the pulled pork in the crock pot. Another reason to check out it out? See that bacon up there? I cooked it in the oven. :D

I’ve been doing it this way for awhile now and it turns out *perfectly* done. Check out the recipe- it tells you exactly how I do it! :)

BTW, have you tried whole wheat hamburger buns? Let me be the first to say, I *hate* whole wheat bread. Okay, hate is a strong word. I really, really dislike whole wheat bread. I love bread, but unfortunately for my bathing suit, I really, really dislike whole wheat bread. :p Maybe it’s the texture, or the color, or the aftertaste, or I don’t know what. But I actually really like whole wheat hamburger buns! I can’t tell the difference! lol. Especially with these pulled pork sandwiches. I got two different kinds the other day, just in case- regular buns and whole wheat buns. I had one of each last night and I couldn’t tell the difference. I’m sold! If you’re a whole wheat bread hater (er, disliker?) like me, give these a try sometime. They might surprise you! :D

We had plenty of leftovers, so I think I’m going to fix myself another sandwich right now. :D

But before I go, I want someone to have this $25 gift certificate to B Johnson Jewelry!

blog giveaway jewelry

Isn’t it just delightful? So pretty and summery. :) Someone I know should *definitely* have those earrings.

To be entered to win the $25 gift certificate to B Johnson Jewelry, leave a comment on this post- you can…

1. Leave a link to what you’d get! I’d love to see!
2. Tell me about your 4th of July plans- got any great recipes you’re looking forward to making? :)
3. Or you can just say whatever comes to your mind! ;)

One entry per person please! :) The winner will be chosen by his or her comment number, which will be picked by Random.org’s number generator. But hurry! The contest ends MONDAY night, June 29, at 10:00 pm CST.

Thanks so much for looking and GOOD LUCK!!! :)

blog giveaway winner

Congrats to #53 Rachel E.! You won the $25 gift certificate to BJohnsonJewelry! Contact me to claim your prize! :)


128 Comments



  1. 1
    Blythe Evans says:

    That looks super yummy Amanda! So does all the fiber cancel out all that bacon?? LOL!

  2. 2
    Merredith says:

    Amanda,
    I am definitely going to try the ultimate baked beans next weekend. They look so good.
    I enjoyed looking around at BJohnson Jewelry. If I win the $25 Gift I would most likely purchase these earrings:
    http://bjohnsonjewelry.com/store/item/206376.xml
    Happy 4th!
    Merredith

  3. 3

    I just became a fan of your site today, I’m loving it! Thanks for being such a great blogger!

  4. 4

    Ok, so you have tried the pulled pork in the crockpot since you orignially posted your recipe? Did you do anything differently? This is something I’m totally thinking about making for dinner next week…but I don’t want to leave my oven on all day.

  5. 5
    Kimberley Jumper says:

    The first necklace is a sparkle of beauty and i would love to see it in person.

  6. 6
    renojax says:

    we have a BIG family bash this year over the 4th—this looks as though it will travel easy (7.5 hour drive) and what better time to load up my boys with beans than when they will be outside in a tent lol-lol-lol thanks for the recipe I’ll let you know how it comes out
    jax

  7. 7
    Julie Bogart says:

    http://bjohnsonjewelry.com/store/item/206508.xml

    I love the summer flower #2 earrings. Thanks Amanda!

  8. 8
    ALLISON* says:

    All the jewelry there is lovely! I would definitely get this: http://bjohnsonjewelry.com/store/item/206370.xml becuase breast cancer is a terrible thing, and everyone should have hope for a cure :)

  9. 9
    Nita says:

    That pulled pork looks wonderful.

  10. 10
    Kimberli says:

    I love this….http://bjohnsonjewelry.com/store/item/206525.xml

  11. 11
  12. 12
    Katy Howell says:

    I’d buy these:
    http://bjohnsonjewelry.com/store/item/211531.xml

    They are gorgeous!!

  13. 13
    Ashlee says:

    The jewelry is beautiful! I was looking at some of your pictures from the Blueridge Mountains, they turned out great! My husband and I went there on our honeymoon and took some pictures in front of a lot of the same waterfalls. We even had our dog all muddied up, too!

  14. 14

    Hi Amanda!
    The baked beans look great! The bacon looks so decadent, I know this is a total guys recipe that isn’t too fru fru to take to a good home style BBQ!

    I love this necklace http://bjohnsonjewelry.com/store/item/206325.xml
    Its so my style and has my name written all over it!

    This 4th of July I always make a pasta salad, I tried one today in the deli at Safeway that was Artichoke and Herb Pasta Salad I think I’m going to try to mimic that one!

    xoxo
    Samantha
    http://www.twoheartstogether.com

  15. 15
  16. 16
    Rechelle says:

    I love the Brass Leaf Branch Bracelet # 206367 – it’s gorgeous!
    Thanks!

  17. 17
    Sherri says:

    This recipe sounds too tasty……I won’t be able to wait until next weekend to make it……..Looks like my family will try it out tomorrow evening! You always have THE BEST RECIPES!!! :o)

  18. 18
    marissa moss says:

    my fouth of july schedule includes firework watchin’ and summer fruit eatin’
    *delightful!

  19. 19
    Gail says:

    Amanda, I make my pulled pork almost exactly like you do. The only exception is that I coat mine with a thin layer of yellow mustard before putting on the dry rub. I think I’ll be making pulled pork for the upcoming holiday weekend!

  20. 20
    Carla says:

    I just love BBQ for the 4th. It’s so great for everyone to get together and chit chat, and make great food dishes. What goes even better with food, jewelry. I hope to win that beautiful jewelry.
    8 – )

  21. 21
    Karen says:

    Thanks again for sharing such great recipes. I can’t wait to try the pulled pork and baked beans this week. I have it planned for Tuesday. I also LOVE the idea of “baking” the bacon. I will definitely give it a try at the same time. Have a great holiday week. I do have to say this is one of my favorite holidays. The family time and traditions are lots of fun!

  22. 22
    Lisa says:

    WE have no plans for the 4th, sadly. I am hoping someone comes thru with an invite (esp. someone with a pool!)

    Love all the jewelry – thanks so much!

  23. 23
    Abby says:

    Bacon in the oven??? I’m going to have to give that a try! We always spend the 4th with family and friends, attending a parade and cookout. In Columbus, OH. the fireworks is a huge ordeal and it’s always done on the 3rd downtown. It’s great because here we get to celebrate two days in a row.

    ~Abby~

  24. 24
    Amy says:

    Thanks for sharing that great idea for baking the bacon. I definitely have to try that. My hubby and I are taking my mom and sis (who will be visiting) to Southern Oregon to see Crater Lake for the 4th. But your recipe ideas now have me wishing I could just stay home and have a great bbq! Amy

  25. 25
    Kori says:

    That does look yummy. I might have to wait for a while to give it a try. It is hot where I am (without AC) so I avoid the oven at all costs! For the 4th of July we are planning on going to the festival at Turtle Bay Resort here on Oahu! I can’t wait!!!

  26. 26
    Elizabeth says:

    Love the jewelry, especially anything in the amber color.
    We will be home my husband has week end duty and has to stay
    close. We have a pool and will be enjoying it. The weather
    has cooled down some here and will be in the high 80’s.
    The pool water is 92 and a little like taking a bath without
    the soap – but enjoyable. Decatur, IL.
    Your beans look great. Oven is a great way to cook bacon too.
    Enjoy your holiday and thank you for you blog. E

  27. 27

    I am hungry now and it is all your fault!

    This necklace says Gwen to me…http://bjohnsonjewelry.com/store/item/206362.xml

    I have been cooking up tons of raspberry mint jam for gifts on the 4th. I just hope that I don’t devour it before then!

  28. 28

    http://bjohnsonjewelry.com/store/item/206508.xml
    Love these earings!!!!

    Can’t wait to make those beans! :)

  29. 29
    Wendi says:

    Love the jewelry!! If I win, I’ll probably get the Lily of the Valley bracelet. My sister is getting married and she’s into vintage, so the bracelet would be PERFECT!

    As always, I love your posts!

  30. 30
    Gina says:

    Bacon in the oven ?!?!? WOW! I have to try!

    LOVE those earrings!

  31. 31
    Kat says:

    I can’t decide between the two swallow bracelets! pink of blue… hmm… or even the sweet romance necklace!

  32. 32
    Andrea says:

    Hey Amanda :) For the 4th we’re either going to my parents for a fish fry, pool party and big fireworks display or we’re going to a waterpark with some family on my bf’s side and then to their house for a cookout and fireworks! Can’t decide!

  33. 33
    Lori says:

    We will be spending the 4th of July holiday with our family and two beautiful labs Rupert & Roscoe! The meal will be hamburgers, various salads, chips, and of course flag fruit cake! I wish you and your family a wonderful 4th. Lori

  34. 34
    Andrea says:

    Mmm… I going to have to try that pulled pork. That sounds perfect for the 4th!

  35. 35
    Becky says:

    Great food and beautiful jewelry…..What more could a woman ask for ? Someone to fix the food maybe…. :?

  36. 36
    Anna says:

    Those baked beans look delicious! I would love to get those cute earrings on your post.

  37. 37
    Brooke says:

    Thanks Amanda!
    4th of July is my favorite time of year so I was browsing the internet for some cute ideas to take to a party we are attending and I found these super adorable Corn On The Cob-Cakes. So cute, I can’t wait to make them.

    http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/corn-on-the-cob-cupcake?lnc=92f9cf380e1dd010VgnVCM1000005b09a00aRCRD

    Hope everyone has a safe 4th!

  38. 38
    Katy says:

    Amanda, I’m pretty sure you’re a genious! I’m so gonna make theses beans for our Fourth of July party! Thanks!

  39. 39
    Debi says:

    Hi Amanda,

    The pulled pork looks wonderful for the 4th! Add to it, a few cold salads, maybe some watermelon, and some kind of red white and blue dessert. Would love the earrings! Happy 4th to you and yours!

  40. 40
    melanie says:

    Love this bracelet! http://bjohnsonjewelry.com/store/item/206335.xml

    4th plans… family picnic and then fireworks! I want to make a really good macaroni salad, one with some cubed cheese it in. Any ideas?

  41. 41
    Linda says:

    I’m going to watch fireworks at the Calgary Stampede!

  42. 42
    Jen says:

    You do the most fabulous things for other people!!! Thanks for everything.

  43. 43
    Heidi says:

    I am so excited for the 4th every year including this year. We have an annual pool party at our house with family that comes in from all over the country. I can’t wait!! They start arriving on Tuesday.. Whahooo!!

    This pulled pork recips is a great idea because I don’t like heating up the house and I want to spend my time outside.

    Thank you!

  44. 44
    Nancy says:

    I love your blog! Thanks for taking the time to give us great ideas and recipes and chances to win stuff!! Since it is my 54th Birthday on the 4th of July (yikes – am I that old!??) I would love to have some pretty earrings! Thanks!

  45. 45
    Shelby says:

    my 4th of july plans include time at the lake house with friends! lots of cool drinks, swimming and food! i am definately bringing a tomato and mozzarella salad and a fun cake!

  46. 46
    Tiffany says:

    I love your website. I love the fonts, recipes, everything. I would love to get a bracelet.:)

  47. 47
    Mindy says:

    Just bought whole wheat buns for chicken sandwiches tomorrow night. First time. Hope we like them, too

  48. 48
    Jackie says:

    I think we are headed to some friends house for the 4th. That pulled pork is something I might have to try !! Thanks for the chance to win !!!

  49. 49
    Chandani says:

    I Love all the jewelry from this site. I have no clue which I would pick as of now. As for the fourth, I will be in Atlanta accompanying 55,000 other folks as we take on the Peachtree Road Race :)!

  50. 50
    Andrea says:

    Amanda,
    I can’t wait to try out the beans with the bacon, and the bacon in the oven, I’ve never tried it, but it looks super!

    Thank you for all of your fabulous posts. This website, I do have to say, is one of my favorites!

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