June 26, 2019
Patriotism runs deep in our families roots! My husband Jason is a US Marine and a Desert Storm veteran, his father, Douglas is also a US Marine and fought in Vietnam and Bert his grandfather served in the Navy and was in World War II.
Jason’s grandfather Bert always threw the best 4th of July parties! Bert was a charter captain in New Symrna Beach, Florida on his boat named “Dreamer”, so fishing was his life. His 4th of July menu consisted of fried fish, grits and coleslaw, a southern staple. He also made an amazing rum punch filled with fruit that he served in a large galvanized tub, Bert wanted to always make it fun for the kids too so he created what he called a “Candy Scramble” where he had a big bucket filled with candy and would rally all the kids to grab a bag and fill it up as he threw handfuls of candy in the air! They lived on the ocean and Jason has the best memories of his grandparents parties.
In 1995 Bert passed the torch to Jason and he elevated the 4th of July parties to a new level while keeping the traditions Bert started alive!
Jason’s Cook House
Our 4th of July menu must haves are boiled peanuts as an appetizer and fried fish with tartar sauce. I share our recipes below!
Fried Fish & Tartar Sauce Recipes
Instructions
- Prep fish a day before.
- Cube into 2in pieces.
- Beat the eggs and add the milk.
- Add cubed fish to liquid mixture
- Sprinkle with pepper (no salt at this stage)
- Store covered in the refrigerator overnight.
- Heat oil 300 degrees.
- Prep the Cracker meal in a bowl
- Take the fish out of the milk and eggs mixture and dredge in the Cracker Meal
- Use a thermometer to make sure your oil is at 300 degrees.
- Test a piece in the oil before place a batch.
- Don‘t over crowd the fish in the oil.
- Cook approximately 3 minutes.
- Drain on paper towels.
- Sprinkle with salt.
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
Boiled Peanuts Recipe
Serves a crowd!
Instructions
- Rinse peanuts thoroughly to remove any dirt.
- Place raw peanuts in a large turkey fryer pot.
- Cover peanuts in water until the peanuts begin to rise above the rim of the pot, cover and soak overnight.
- Place pot on a high flame until they begin to boil then reduce heat to a slow boil.
- Once the peanuts have absorbed enough water to longer float, begin to add salt 1/2 cup at a time.
- Make sure you are stirring your peanuts regularly with a slotted spoon and add water if needed.
- Test your peanuts for desire tenderness after a few hours. Make sure they do not need any more salt at this time.
- The peanuts should take between 5-6 hours to cook.
- Peanuts are ready to eat once they have reached your desired tenderness.
- We use a large spider handle strainer to scoop them out and serve them in red solo cups.
Cooking Tip
You can reduce the ingredients and make in a crock pot!
Freeze leftovers
Our 4th of July Celebration
This 4th of July I want you to make your own memories and be the one who starts a new family tradition! Have a happy and safe 4th of July!
I appreciate you stopping by!
I loved this blog entry for so many reasons! I’m a long lineage of Floridians, so your traditions resonate with me. Also, my FIL retired from the Air Force and flew combat in World War II.
Sounds like a fabulous party!!! Happy Fourth tomorrow!! 🇺🇸
Thank you Connie! We Floridians love our fried fish and boiled peanuts. We are thankful for all the men and women who fought for our freedom. Thank you to your Father in law! Happy 4th to you too!