The 4th of July is coming up so we wanted to do something a little different for this blog. Since everyone will most likely be with friends and family wherever for the holiday, we thought it would be fun to get a glimpse of what it would be like to have a 4th of July event, ONeil style. I asked some of our team to send me their favorite food recipes, drink recipes, and entertainment they would provide at our imaginary cookout. After reading the recipes and other things people would bring, it’s safe to say an ONeil event is definitely something I’m looking forward to for next 4th of July or honestly any weekend in between. Check out everyones’ amazing contributions!
Dennis ONeil has kindly offered to hand out pocket copies of the Declaration of Independence
Peter Van der Does is making “Mexican” Corn
- 1/4 cup of mayo
- 1 tbs smoked paprika
- Kosher salt
- Fresh husked corn
- Shredded goats cheese
- Mix the first three ingredients
- Grill the corn on the grill to your liking
- Brush the corn with the mayo mixture
- Sprinkle cheese on the corn
- Put corn back on grill and grill over indirect heat
Jennifer Fisher is bringing Dry Rosé or Tito’s vodka with Spindrift Raspberry Lime Sparkling Water plus whatever her husband makes on the Traeger Grill, cornhole and/or her dogs (a pug and Brussels Griffon – guaranteed to make you laugh or at least keep you busy)
Rachel Powell is bringing some mojitos to the barbecue
Molly White is bringing her fave creamy feta dip because it’s good as a dip and a burger topping (assuming burgers and dogs are being provided), and her current favorite beverage: tequila, pineapple spindrift and a splash of lime and finally her homemade strawberry shortcake
Molly Petro is bringing her favorite recipes Shrimp Dip and Brussels Sprout-Leaf Salad
Chas Eubanks says nothing says ‘Merica like whiskey and burgers. So, to drink, he’d bring Paper planes with Amaro from Don Ciccio, his favorite burger is the Majestic Burger, which features dry aged ground beef, smoked gouda, and bacon-onion jam on a brioche bun. As far as dessert goes, Banana pudding is flawless. This recipe combines old fashioned banana pudding with dark rum for bananas foster pudding.
Chelsea Wetzel says her favorite thing to drink currently are ciders from a brewery in Virginia and that they are too good to not share. Her family and friends love to play cornhole, they are actually pretty competitive about it! So of course, we cannot skip out on some good corn hole tournaments. And finally, her favorite food to bring to a cookout is her mom’s broccoli salad. They refuse to have a 4th of July without it. Here is that recipe:
Wetzel Family Broccoli Salad
Salad
- 2 bunches of broccoli, chopped
- 8 slices of bacon, cooked crispy
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 red onion, chopped
Dressing
- 1 cup of mayonnaise
- ¼ cup of sugar
- 2 tbsp of vinegar
Finally, I would bring my favorite buffalo chicken dip, my favorite dessert, homemade banana split pie, and for drinks I am a margarita girl so I would bring some mango and pineapple margaritas for everyone to enjoy. I also plan to steal about half the recipes for myself because they just sound so good! Maybe it’s for the best that this cookout is imaginary this time around because if not I would be gaining a good ten pounds. I would make it a goal to try each and every drink and recipe. This is a good reminder to also make sure that I have a hotel reservation when coming to ONeil from Virginia because after an event like this the only thing I’ll need is a good night’s sleep.
