Every year when the Fourth of July rolls around, I start looking forward to our family tradition. This year is a huge one, as you all know! It’s America’s 250th anniversary, and the holiday actually falls on a Saturday. People all over the country are planning big, fancy trips, but there is only one place I want to be. For my family, the Fourth of July is on the river.

We live in the Susquehanna Valley, and honestly, our river lot just screams America. We are surrounded by beautiful mountains that remind me of the “purple mountains majesty” from the song. Right behind us is a large cornfield taken care of by local farmers, and the Susquehanna River is right in front of us. From sunrise until long after the sun dips below the ridge, the air crackles with fireworks going off day and night. The river itself becomes a floating parade. Boats buzz up and down the water, proudly flying red, white, and blue flags. Everyone is wearing fun Americana hats and star-spangled sunglasses, just having a great time and celebrating. Playing in the background, we always have the perfect soundtrack blaring across the lot. You can’t have a proper July Fourth without Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the U.S.A.” or Tom Petty’s “American Girl” echoing over the water. It just sets the whole mood for the day. There is nothing like it, and nowhere else I’d rather celebrate. It truly makes me happy to live in America. We live in a beautiful area, folks, really take it in. These mountains aren’t something to take for granted. The valley and river are a special place to call home.

We actually have an extra reason to be excited this year. We just finished building a brand-new outdoor kitchen pavilion at the lot. We’ve been looking forward to using it all year, and breaking it in for our annual river party on America’s 250th birthday will be perfect. It’s easy to get caught up in how fast the world moves, but sitting by the water changes everything. This Saturday, we’re just looking forward to the music, the good food, and celebrating 250 years of America with the absolute best view in the valley.

Happy 250th, America!

This recipe is my grandmother, Lois Liddick’s, and is one my family makes often. They are one of my favorites, perfect for the fourth celebration. My Aunt Sherie Shirn made them for us last Fourth of July. She made my day, surprising me with these. Enjoy!!

Blueberry Muffins

Ingredients:
• 1 1/2 cup fresh blueberries (or you could do chocolate chips instead)
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 1/4 cup flour
• 2 eggs
• 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 3/4 cup milk

Topping:
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon

Directions:

Cream shortening until fluffy. Gradually beat in sugar. Beat in eggs. Sift flour and then add baking powder, salt and nutmeg.

Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk, starting with the dry and ending with the dry.

Fold in the berries. Fill muffin cups halfway. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes.
Remove muffins and let cool slightly.

Then dip in melted butter and roll in cinnamon and sugar.

Makes about 18 muffins.