(Kiki's Corner by Kiki Angelos - Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

As always the Fourth of July comes with a big bang! And a day all Americans should celebrate … This important day deserves to be honored and celebrated by one and all, “The Day of American Independence!”

I hope all of you had a great day Friday with lots of quality time with your friends and family, not to mention all the cookouts and fireworks displays in the evening celebrating our country’s independence.

The Fourth also gives everyone the chance to take advantage of the long weekend and go on vacation to visit friends and relatives. Many neighborhoods do a celebration with a block party, activities and foods giving and involving all their neighbors and friends to socialize together.

It is so nice to see all the red, white and blue flags and patriotic symbols displayed in so many homes and businesses showing how they love and are proud to be Americans not only on July Fourth but all year long.

I wish you all the very best and all the joy you can ever have and may God continue to bless you and America.

AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL

Oh beautiful, for spacious skies,

For amber waves of grain,

For purple mountain majesties

Above the fruited plain.

America! America!

God shed his grace on thee,

And crown thy good with brotherhood

From sea to shining sea !

O beautiful for heroes proved

In liberating strife,

Who more than self their country loved,

And mercy more than life.

America! America!

God shed his grace on thee,

And crown thy good with brotherhood

From sea to shining sea!

PS. I will share a note that I wrote to my wonderful members for the West Virginia Symphony League-Parkersburg membership book (as president) because this is a wish to all of you as well.

Today is a new day

Make a difference

Pursue your passion

Believe in yourself

Have fun

Keep on going and never give up

Work hard

Stay strong

Embrace kindness

Believe in your dreams!

Till next week.

***

RED, WHITE AND BLUE ALMONDS IN A HAYSTACK

4 cups, finely chopped ham

1/3 cup, sliced green onions

1/4 cup pickle relish

3/4 cup salad dressing divided

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened

1 to 2 cups slivered almonds, toasted

Combine ham, onions and relish with half of cream cheese, 1/2 cup salad dressing, and 1/2 cup almonds. Mix well and chill. Shape into one large or two small mounds. Combine 1/4 cup salad dressing and remaining cream cheese. Mix well. Frost mound with cream cheese mixture. Chill slightly. Cover with toasted almonds. Serve with crackers or party rye bread.

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AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL CUCUMBER SANDWICHES

2 large cucumbers

1 tablespoon salt

1 rounded tablespoon mayonnaise

1 rounded tablespoon sour cream

One rounded tablespoon softened cream cheese

1/8 teaspoon green onion flakes

1/8 teaspoon dill weed

Dash of pepper

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 loaf white bread, crusts removed

Peel cucumbers and grate into very thin slices. Add salt to cucumbers and refrigerate for a few hours. Wring moisture from cucumbers with hands, removing as much juice as possible.

Chop cucumbers. Mix mayonnaise, sour cream, and cream cheese with cucumber. Add seasonings and onion. Sliced bread into quarters. Spread the cucumber mixture on each quarter to make an open face sandwich.

***

FOURTH OF JULY CHICKEN

OLIVE TURNOVERS

(Must be made day ahead)

1/2 cup margarine softened

1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese

1 cup sifted flour

1 1/2 to 2 cups cooked, chopped chicken

1 (10 1/2 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup

1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

Sliced olives

Mix margarine and cream cheese, combine with flour. Roll in ball and refrigerate overnight. Roll dough out and cut with a 3½ inch round cutter. Combine chicken, soup, salt, and onion powder to make filling. Place 2 tablespoons of filling onto each circle with 2 to 3 sliced olives. Fold over and seal edges. Place on a greased cookie sheet. Bake at 400 degrees F for 20 minutes. Makes 2 dozen.