Healthy Menu Planner: July 4th

Jennifer Iserloh, The Skinny ChefIn my family, any holiday where food was served was deemed a "major event". The Fourth of July was no exception. When I wasn't busy burning myself with sprinklers, playing bad mitten, or playing horse shoes, I would be helping Granny set up the buffet table for yet another family feast.

I still treasure those home-made foods that she would create from scratch starting the day before, and these recipes are the skinny take on her rich-tasting summer classics.

In addition, I'll share her tips for this do-ahead feast to keep you out on the lawn instead of in the kitchen.

Fireworks Feast

Grilled Corn
Grilled Corn with Spicy Mayo that I usually use for my chipotle shrimp can be used on just about anything you want to grill. Granny used to smother the corn in butter and salt, but I like something with more kick and less fat.

Coleslaw
Mayo mixed with low-fat Greek yogurt can make a dreamy sauce that tastes like mayonnaise but is high in protein and much lower in fat. Keep the creamy, cut the fat I always say!

Get the Skinny Chef's recipe for "Mayonnaise Is Not Your Enemy" Coleslaw

Nutritional Stats Per serving (1 cup):
102 calories, 2 g protein, 12 g carbohydrates, 5.1 g fat (1 g saturated), 5 mg cholesterol, 3 g fiber, 318 mg sodium

Burgers
Grilled makes for healthy fare, like these lean yet moist turkey burgers- a smoky rich flavor that meat lovers crave. To boost nutrition and enrich texture, top with sliced avocado, tomato, or crisp romaine lettuce.

Texas Sheet Cake
I'm older I still want I like to make them healthier without compromising on taste- just because I can! This tender, chocolately cake is great for crowds because it makes 36 nice-sized servings, coming in at only 99 calories per slice - but don't tell anyone because they won't believe you anyway.

Do ahead the Day before
Make mayo
Shuck corn and coat with mayo
Form Burgers
Make Texas Sheet cake

One Hour before
Make tomatoes and lettuce platter for burgers
Make platter for buns
Make dish that contains low fat mayo, ketchup, relish

When Guests arrive
Heat the grill, grill corn
Grill burgers