Hellobee Boards

I make a mean guacamole! So that's my usual staple.

Either that, or I also make a good 3-ingredient sausage dip. It has to be heated, but let me know if you want the recipe!

I usually bring a dessert of some kind, but for the 4th I'm bringing a BLT pasta salad. It's so yummy! http://www.fullforkahead.com/2011/08/03/blt-pasta-salad/

It depends, but I usually bring something I like to eat, like pasta salad made with pesto and shredded vegetables. I also like to bring a dessert option, esp. since I am watching what I eat.

I usually bring deviled eggs or bake a dessert. We always bring beer too! My DH works for a brewery so it's understood that we will be bringing beer to all family functions.

I like to bring salads - pesto pasta salad (or creamy pesto pasta), shrimp and macaroni, or this amazing smoked mozzerella, spinach and penne pasta salad. Or a green salad with fun stuff like candied nuts, goat cheese, avocado, strawberries, etc.

Guacamole is easy, so that's always a good option too. Or strawberry shortcake - it's easy to make a good poundcake and strawberries are in season! Add blueberries and whipped cream to make it patriotic!

@Adira: no recipe, but it's super simple!

1 pound pasta, I like bow ties
1 jar premade pesto
2 carrots
1 zucchini
1 jar olives, either black, or kalamata
1 container of the tiny mozzarella balls
salt, pepper, balsamic vinegar if necessary

Cook pasta and cool. Add everything else and stir!

For family get-togethers I try to bring something mildly healthy to snack on since everyone else always brings heavy foods that make me feel sick by the end of the day.

For 4th of July I would bring cut up watermelon (in star shapes if feeling fancy!) with blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries in a big bowl.

I make an Asian Slaw Salad that is a hit everywhere I bring it. Pasta Salad. Desserts are always good.

What's the entree?

If in doubt we bring a caprese!

@Adira: Here you go! It's a very tasty salad!
http://www.melskitchencafe.com/2011/04/smoked-mozzarella-and-penne-salad.html

@Adira: You can make it as spicy or mild as you like depending on the Ro-tel tomatoes and sausage!

1 lb of loose sausage (I usually use Hatfield Country Sausage, but you can use their hot sausage as well, depending on what you like)
1 8oz Philadelphia Cream Cheese
1 can Ro-tel tomatoes...I use mild as my DH hates hot stuff!

Fry the sausage breaking it up so that it has the consistency of ground beef. Pour over a softened bar of cream cheese. Drain all but 2 tablespoons of the juices from the tomatoes...pour the 2 tablespoons along with the tomatoes in with the sausage/cream cheese, and mix up with a spoon until totally blended together. Put in a square pyrex dish safe for baking, and bake at 350F for about 15 minutes or until it's heated through mixing it occasionally.

Serve with Fritos Scoops or Tostitos!

I"m makring corn black bean salsa:

1 can drained corn
1 can drained/rinsed black beans
red onion
green onion (I usually leave this out)
cilantro
1/3 cup lime juice
4 Tbsp. oil
garlic salt
pepper

Mix and stir...a huge hit in our circle.

I'm also bring mini fruit pizzas in the shape of stars with strawberries and blueberries on top (to be festive)

@Adira: Sure! I just do sugar cookie on the bottom and make as normal and frost with a mixture of cream cheese, powered sugar, and a little lemon juice. Then top wtih strawberries and blueberries They are addicting and a hit whenever I take them places!

I'm making tabbouleh for Thursday ( we are drowning in mint) and broccoli salad for my family this weekend (we have a ton of broccoli in our garden!)

@Adira: Ooo ooo ooo! Take cheesecake filled strawberries!
http://www.estherandjacob.com/cheesecake-filled-strawberries-recipe-easy-party-finger-foods/

@Adira: It's like killing 2 birds with 1 stone... Cheesecake plus fresh fruit! Yum!!

i usually make a dessert, like key lime pie or banana pudding, or we bring tequila and margarita mix.