Our Final Hebrew National Winner

Well, the Hebrew National 4th of July fun here at 5 Minutes for Mom has come to an end. It sure was a blast, wasn’t it? I especially enjoyed talking party planning at the Hebrew National Twitter Party . Thank you to all of our 4th of July Virtual Backyard Barbecue participants. I loved looking at your pictures and sharing with you in your day. I also enjoyed checking in with the winner of our Hebrew National $1,000 Fourth of July Barbecue of Your Dreams, CyberGwen . I Laughed along

Tea Leaf-Smoked Chicken

For the past few years, every Fourth of July has proven a raucous night of rooftop reveling not even close to climaxing with the nine o’clock fireworks spectacle. So this year, I hopped across the Hudson bright and early to “get away from it all” at my parents’ suburban backyard barbecue. Funny, I thought I’d be escaping the smog and fumes of the city. Instead, I found myself ensconced in a different type of smoke altogether, that of black tea leaves and dry rice grains crackling gently, inside

Five easy meals for summer

by Terry B on July 8, 2009 With the fourth of July weekend in the rearview mirror, summer is officially in full swing. And as much as we may like to cook, there’s no shortage of diversions ready to lure us from the kitchen. These five recipes run the gamut, from quick cooking to outdoor cooking to no cooking at all. Gathered from the Blue Kitchen archives, they’ll help you get great summer meals on the table with minimal time and effort in the kitchen.1. Tomato Basil Salsa Cruda with PastaCookin

Top Tips for Most Popular Outdoor Cooking Holiday of the Year

RISMEDIA, July 4, 2009-Consumers will fire it up for the Fourth of July: the most popular outdoor cooking holiday of the year. According to the Hearth, Patio Barbecue Association (HPBA), more than two-thirds of Americans (69 percent) will turn to their grill, smoker or fryer for a delicious, convenient, no-mess meal this Independence Day. “Outdoor cooking is a popular American past time, especially on the Fourth of July,” said Leslie Wheeler, HPBA Communications Director. “From appetize

A Fourth of July salute

Between the backyard barbecue and the fireworks, you might enjoy these photos from an event last month honoring the work of our friends at the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. Have a happy Fourth of July! Jon Zilber

South Carolina Serial Killer Has Residents Terrified, Holed Up Their Homes

GAFFNEY, S.C. — Terrified residents canceled Fourth of July plans and holed up in their homes Friday as investigators hunted a serial killer believed to have shot four people to death. Tanya Phillips had been looking forward to a backyard barbecue at her brother's house but instead planned to stay home with her doors locked.

Dating on a Budget: Fun 4th Festivities

The Fourth of July weekend is the easiest weekend to be downright cheap on a date. As cities across the country plan festivities, most of them are also eating the cost. Parades, revolution re-enactments, festivals, musical entertainment, and the fireworks lend themselves to the best thrifty dates. Even if there is an entrance fee-it’s probably minimal. However, you will need to be cautious about the events you attend. The funnel cake, candy apples, beer gardens, and cute trinkets sold by thos

Roundup: Fourth of July DIYs

Are you hosting a Fourth of July party this weekend, or heading to a parade or backyard barbecue? Whip up one of these cool patriotic projects to celebrate Independence Day! Source View Slideshow ›

Juneteenth: A New Birth of Freedom

The Fourth of July isn’t the only Independence Day in America. On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger arrived at Galveston, Texas, bringing news to the town that the Civil War had ended and that all slaves were free. This was nearly two and a half years after President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation . Before long, the former slaves in southeastern Texas began to celebrate June 19th as Emancipation Day. Eventually, they shortened the name to Juneteenth.