Celebrate the Fourth with some refreshing treats!
The first Fourth of July celebrations were not somber affairs, despite the uncertainty surrounding the audacious act of signing the Declaration of Independence.
Many of the traditions we hold today have their roots in those early years, advocated by founding father and second president John Adams. Fireworks, patriotic displays, blue bunting, toasts and rising speeches were the call of the day, and Philadelphia in particular lived up to the spirit of the moment.
Though we face some difficulties this year, it certainly isn’t the first Fourth to be celebrated amid hardships. To aid in your safe celebration, we would like to share some American classics (and homages to those classics) to help you get into the swing of the celebration.
Key Lime Pie
This tart Florida creation has ascended into the American canon of desserts. This version is courtesy of Nellie and Joe’s Famous Key West Lime Juice.
9-inch graham cracker pie crust
14 oz. can of sweetened condensed milk
3 egg yolks (discard the egg whites)
½ cup of key lime juice
Combine milk, egg yolks and lime juice. Blend until smooth. Pour filling into pie crust and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes. Allow to stand 10 minutes before refrigerating. Just before serving, top with freshly whipped cream or meringue and garnish with lime slices.
Philly Fish House Punch
This lemony summertime punch was noted in a letter from a Virginian in Philadelphia in 1744. This version comes from Apothecary Bar & Lounge, via Food & Wine magazine.
3 tbsp. confectioners’ sugar
6½ oz. dark rum
4 oz. brandy
2 oz. peach schnapps
4 oz. cold brewed black tea
4 oz. fresh lemon juice
4 oz. cold water
Orange peels, for garnish
Set a funnel in a large, clean bottle that has a screw cap. Add the confectioners’ sugar and tap it into the bottle. Add the rum, brandy, peach schnapps, black tea and lemon juice. Close the bottle and shake vigorously. Add the water and shake again. Seal and refrigerate the punch until cold. Serve the punch in the bottle, letting guests pour it into tumblers; garnish the drinks with orange peels. Yields four to six servings.
Frozen Strawberry Lemonade
This frozen mocktail is fresh, cold and sweet, an essential balm for the backyard heat, and comes courtesy of Southern Living magazine.
1½ to 2 cups frozen strawberries
½ cup fresh lemon juice
¼ cup sugar
Blend all ingredients on high speed until smooth, adding water a small amount at a time to reach your preferred consistency. Add sugar to taste.
We hope you and yours are able to celebrate our nation’s freedom this year and for many years to come, even as we pay careful attention to our health and safety and that of our loved ones. Though some of the traditional accouterments of the holiday have had to be set aside this year, take heart knowing that the Spirit of ’76 lives, no matter how we celebrate it.
Please note that our offices, along with the financial markets, will be closed Friday, July 3rd to observe the Independence Day holiday. Of course, you can access your account(s) using Sweet Financial Services Wealth Management System or Raymond James Client Access at any time, year-round.Thank you for your continued confidence in us. It’s an honor to serve you.
Sincerely,
Your Sweet Team
Sweet Financial Services is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC
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