Cajun Fourth of July Favorites

Almost time for one of my favorite holidays and I've been tweaking my menu and planning our annual Fourth of July cookout. It's supposed to be hot and humid, so this will definitely be a poolside bash. And this is what I have on the menu, so far, and who knows what else I'll be adding! Plus, we'll be boiling some fabulous Spicy Cajun Boiled Crabs, since crab season is in full swing here in Cajun country. And when I tell you that it's all out of this world, then you know that I mean it, cher!  Bon appetit!

Cajun Jalapeno Cheeseburgers

2 lbs. lean ground beef
1 tbs. Tabasco sauce

1 tbs. liquid smoke
2 tbs.'s minced garlic
1 tbs. prepared horseradish
1 bunch green onions, including tops, chopped 
1 tbs. Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp.'s salt
2 jalapenos, sliced
8 slices cheddar cheese

Melted butter
Hamburger buns

Place beef in large bowl and add all other burger ingredients, except jalapenos and cheese. Mix gently and form into 8 (1/4 lb.each) patties. Place one pattie on a plate and layer with jalapenos and cheese slice.  Top with another pattie and seal edges together. Grill directly on a medium hot grill for about 10 to 15 minutes on each side. Brush buns with melted butter and grill on indirect heat until toasted, while burgers are cooking. Garnish with your favorite hamburger fixins. FAB! Makes 4 (1/2) pound burgers.

(click on title to view recipes)  

Spicy Cajun Crab Dip

Bayou Buffalo Wings

 Spicy Cajun Dogs

Spicy Boiled Shrimp Salad

Cajun Crawfish Casserole

Deviled Egg Potato Salad

Bayou Bourbon Beans

Cajun Margarita Cake

 Bourbon-Praline Brownies

 Strawberry Lemonade

1 (1/2) cups sugar
4 cups water
2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled, washed, and cut in half
1 cup lemon juice, 4 large lemons

Combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water in small saucepan and cook and stir on medium heat until dissolved. Set aside to cool.

Combine the remaining 3 cups water, 1/2 cup sugar, and the strawberries in blender and blend until smooth. Transfer to a 2 quart pitcher and add cooled sugar mixture and lemon juice. Stir well and add crushed ice. Garnish with lemon slices and strawberries.

Frozen Pina Coladas (my favorite)

1 1/2 oz. light rum
2 oz. cream of coconut
4 oz. pineapple juice
1 cup fresh frozen pineapple chunks
1 cup crushed ice

Place all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth and creamy! Serve in your favorite cocktail glass and garnish with a pineapple wedge.

Wishing ya'll a very happy and safe 4th of July weekend!!! Merci beaucoup for passing by, cher!