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An All-American Fourth of July With Ketta, Kacky and Jeb

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If you’re lucky enough to get invited to Ketta’s on the 4th of July, here’s what you can expect–an All American Feast with a bit of an Asian twist.

I don’t know how she does it…and you think I like to cook. She could start her own business, and call it Ketta’s Catering. I’ll have to suggest that to her. She’d have a lot of happy clients.


As I was taking these photos I kept imagining them in Sunset Magazine or Martha Stewart Living, only this was better because they’re pictures of my friends, enjoying themselves, not just posing for a magazine.


And for my friends around the world who wonder what it’s like to celebrate the 4th of July in America…here’s a sneak peak. 

Ketta does it all–she only lets her friends bring appetizers. Sonny’s guacamole and salsa is a great way to start the feast.
 
This year we gathered ’round the fire pit because the sun never did make an appearance, but no one seemed to mind.

Ketta and Jeb’s bar was patriotic and well-stocked. 

And Ketta (standing) made sure everyone was having a great time.
And we were! 
 

There was so much to choose from. Like me, Ketta doesn’t measure much, but she did share all of the ingredients in her dishes. The Quinoa and Forbidden Rice (far left in photo) is seasoned with cumin seed, bay leaf, chives, cilantro, parsley and a lemon vinaigrette. The asparagus is roasted and dressed with sesame oil, salt and pepper. So simple, so delicious.

Her broccoli slaw could win a prize. It’s made with carrots, sugar snap peas, peanuts and a Trader Joe’s peanut vinaigrette cut with equal parts rice wine vinegar and a dash of sriracha.

This was the best fruit salad with mango, pineapple, kiwi, watermelon and, the secret ingredient, mint.

Here’s the table….right before the crowd gathered. On the far left is her flank steak, marinated with soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, cilantro and hot sauce.

Ketta’s chicken with a Bahn Mi marinade is always my favorite. Her secret ingredients–fish sauce, garlic, honey, scallions and sriracha.
 
But wait! Ketta’s got some competition! Her daughter, Kacky made a patriotic cake that was the big hit of the day.
 
And in case one dessert wasn’t enough, Mary (the dessert diva) made a red, white and blue extravaganza!
 
So here’s a toast and a cheer for the chefs–Kacky and Ketta! Thanks for a great party to celebrate America’s 236th birthday.
 
And here’s another thank you to my newest readers in Georgia and Bulgaria. And remember…you can read all about Laguna–and get some of Ketta’s recipes–at StuNews.




Categories: 4th of July, Holidays, Main Dishes, Sides

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2 replies ›

  1. Sonny
    July 6, 2012 • 9:24 pm

    Nancy,Thank you so much for recording for posterity, Ketta's big bash. And thanks for the honorable mention.

    Reply ↓
  2. mberls
    July 8, 2012 • 12:07 am

    Nice Party…wish I could be there tooMark

    Reply ↓

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