4th of July Turkey Chilli

Ingredients:

Serves about 6-7

1 can (14.5oz) chopped tomatoes
1 can (6oz) tomato paste
1 carrot, sliced
1 onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
¼ cup white wine
1.5 pounds ground turkey (you can also use ground beef if you prefer)
1 package (1.25oz) chilli seasoning mix
1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
¼ cup green bell pepper, chopped
¼ cup red bell pepper, chopped
1/3 cup bottled steak sauce
5 slices bacon
1 tsp ground cumin
1 can (15oz) kidney beans, drained
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

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4th of July Corn Muffins

Ingredients:
(makes 12 muffins)

1 can (14.5oz) creamed corn
2 cups yellow cornmeal
1 cup buttermilk
2 large eggs
8 tbsp butter, melted
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tbsp white sugar
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
1 ½ tsp salt

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Test Your Family Knowledge: Who Signed the Declaration of Independence?

One of the most important documents in the United States is the Declaration of Independence.  However, so much about this document is unknown to a vast majority of the population.  Public schools don’t stress its importance like they used to, so many people know very little about it.  Why not test your family’s knowledge?  Find out if they know who signed the Declaration of Independence.

Of course, before you can create a quiz or test to find out how much your family knows about the Declaration of Independence, you’ll want to learn all you can about it.  The easiest way to learn is by going online and finding a copy of the document.  You may also be able to find a copy in your local public library.

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Don’t Know Much About History: Anything You Need to Know About American History But Never Learned

What do you know about American history?  The book “Don’t Know Much About History: Anything You Need to Know About American History But Never Learned,” by Kenneth Davis, is part of the Don’t Know Much About series of books.  Kenneth Davis is a popular American historian who lectures at well-known museums like the Smithsonian and The American Museum of Natural History and publishes in the New York Times and other newspapers.

The book tells American history how it really happened.  From Columbus to Clinton, the reader will learn about the important historical events, but also read about the myths and misconceptions over the past 500 years of American history.

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Patriotic Red, White, and Blue Cupcakes

Fourth of July is the holiday to celebrate the history of the United States.  Common elements of the holiday are red, white, and blue colors.  Why not make patriotic red, white, and blue cupcakes for your Fourth of July picnic?

You’ve most likely made cupcakes before, so you know they aren’t difficult.  You can create patriotic cupcakes in a number of ways.  You can make colored cupcakes by using food coloring or you can decorate them with patriotic designs.  Here are some ideas of ways to create red, white, and blue cupcakes your picnic guests will enjoy:

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4th of July Fireworks Art

Celebrations on the 4th of July are commonplace all over the country.  From picnics to fairs to fireworks, you can enjoy the festivities just about anywhere you turn.  Even though there are laws in some communities banning the use of regular fireworks, your child can still have their own fireworks display – in art.

Your child can easily create fireworks artwork or decorations without having to worry about legal issues. Why not take the time to break out the craft supplies and get creative.  The artwork they create can help them celebrate July 4th whether they have real fireworks or not.

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4th of July Flower Decorations

What is a celebration without decorations?  When it comes to the 4th of July, those decorations had better be red, white and blue.  You can’t get much more American than the colors on the flag.  Since there has to be decorations, why not make easy ones so little ones can help, too.  Get the kids and grown-ups, gather around the table, and make 4th of July flower decorations.

Make crafty tissue paper flowers.  Each person making flowers can tell stories of 4th of Julys past to share family history and enjoy one another’s company.  Stories will probably help make the task at hand go quicker, as well.

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The Pledge of Allegiance and Its History

Each country in the world more than likely has a statement of allegiance that their citizens know and recite. It’s no different in the United States where the Pledge of Allegiance has been spoken in classrooms around the country since 1892.  Many people, however, don’t know the history behind the Pledge; here’s a way to change that.

The Pledge of Allegiance is an oath that American citizens make to assert their loyalty to the country.  It has been quoted at the beginning of the school day as well as during many public events.  Each day, the U.S. Congress opens its session by reciting the Pledge.  When reciting the Pledge, one would stand at attention facing the flag and place their right hand over their heart.  If the person is a member of the military, they are allowed to leave their hats on and salute the flag.

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The Statue of Liberty and Its History

The United States has many symbols – the Bald Eagle, Mount Rushmore, and others – but one that stands out for those coming to the United States from another country is the Statue of Liberty.  In fact, this one statue is a monument to freedom easily recognizable all over the world.

Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, a French sculptor, came up with the idea for the Statue of Liberty (also known as Liberty Enlightening the World) while he was visiting Egypt.  Knowing how large he wanted the statue to be, he enlisted the help of Gustave Eiffel, designer of the Eiffel Tower to help him create the structure of the statue.  The statue was given to the United States in 1886 by the people of France in a gesture of friendship.

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