Fourth of July Appetizers

Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, cut into strips
• 1 cup baby carrots
• 1 cup celery sticks
• 1 cup ranch dressing (for dipping)
• 4 medium tomatoes, diced
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Crackers or baguette slices for serving
• 1 cup strawberries, hulled
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1 cup mini marshmallows

Instructions

1. Grilled Shrimp Skewers: In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the shrimp to the marinade and let sit for 15 minutes. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated shrimp onto soaked skewers. Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until cooked through.
2. Fresh Vegetable Platter: Arrange cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, baby carrots, and celery sticks on a large serving platter. Serve with ranch dressing in the center for dipping.
3. Spicy Salsa: In a bowl, combine diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, and cilantro. Add salt to taste and mix gently. Let the salsa sit for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Creamy Cheese Spread: Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add shredded cheddar, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, green onions, and garlic powder, mixing until well combined. Transfer to a serving bowl and serve with crackers or baguette slices.
5. Red, White, and Blue Fruit Skewers: Thread strawberries, blueberries, and mini marshmallows onto skewers, alternating between ingredients. Arrange the skewers on a platter.