The 4th of July holiday is here, once again. Warm breezes, picnic food, good friends, celebrations and fireworks – all part of this great day that represents our freedom. It, like many holidays, gives us a little boost, some rejuvenation. However you decide to spend the 4th, take a moment, and as my sister Nellie likes to say, relish the moment!

We've included some great new recipes in this newsletter for your celebrations.

Looking to catch the fireworks in Chicago? Check out some great viewing spots!

Prefer to stay in the suburbs? Check out these 4th of July festivals throughout the area.

Director and Evanston native, Michael Frolichstein, presents his documentary which explores what we can do individually and as a society to advance the conversation and raise awareness about celiac disease.

Evanston Public Library
1700 Orrington Avenue
Wednesday, July 8th at 7:00 pm

Screening to be followed by a panel discussion. All are welcome, but please register online or by calling 847-448-8620 to guarantee your seat. Complementary treats will be provided by Sweet Ali's.

Event Information
Film Trailer

Zucchini Bruschetta

4 Sweet Ali's focaccia bread, sliced and lightly toasted in oven
3 or 4 garlic cloves, sliced in half
2 large tomatoes, cut in half and remove seeds, chopped
1 large zucchini, ends removed and chopped
1/4 cup fresh basil, finely chopped
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 T balsamic vinegar
½ tsp salt

Place last 6 ingredients in a bowl and mix well; set aside. Rub garlic on toasted focaccia just to coat. Drizzle focaccia with a bit of additional olive oil, if desired. Divide the mixture among the slices and serve immediately. Makes 16 bruschetta

What to put on your Sweet Ali's hamburger bun? There's nothing like a traditional all-beef burger! However, if you're looking for something different, try these:

Salmon Burgers with Spicy Mayonnaise

1 salmon filet (about 1 lb)
½ cup yellow bell pepper, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 bunch green onion, trimmed and finely chopped
1 large egg, lightly beaten
6 T Sweet Ali’s bread crumbs
2 tsp GF soy sauce
1 tsp lemon juice
¼ cup mayonnaise
1 T Sriracha sauce
4 Sweet Ali’s hamburger buns

Remove any skin and bones from the salmon filet. Place ¼ of the salmon in a food processor and process until almost paste-like. Finely chop the remaining salmon. Combine all of the salmon with the yellow pepper, garlic, green onion, egg, bread crumbs, soy sauce and lemon juice. Shape into 4 patties.

Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Spray with GF cooking spray and cook the patties for 4-5 minutes per side. Combine the mayonnaise and Sriracha and mix well. Top each salmon burger with a dollop of sauce, and place in a bun. Top with fixings of your choice.

Summer Pasta Salad

1 lb gluten free penne or other tube-shaped pasta (can be found at Sweet Ali’s)
1 (12 oz) jar roasted red peppers, drained, dried and chopped
1 (16 oz) jar prepared pesto
1 (8 oz) ball fresh mozzarella cheese, chopped
3 cups baby arugula
½ tsp salt
½ tsp ground white pepper (optional)

Cook the pasta according to directions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and drain again. In a large bowl, combine the peppers, pesto, mozzarella, arugula, salt and pepper. Add the pasta and toss well.  Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate.

 

Recipe ideas above are compliments of Simply Gluten Free Magazine, edited with a bit of Sweet Ali's flair.

Sweet Ali's delicious products are decked out for Independence Day! We'll have plenty of patriotic decorated cookies, cupcakes and cakes on hand. Lemon blueberry pound cakes are back, and don't forget the pies! We've got a variety to satisfy everyone's taste - apple, French silk and Key lime. Stop in or give us a call so we can help you with options to make your celebrations spark - tacular! Preorders are encouraged and appreciated.

Check out our customer Aleksandra's Blog, Raising A Celiac Kid, and read about her family's visit to Sweet Ali's during our Advocate Children's Hospital event.

Where are the upcoming Sweet Ali's Tastings?