The recent Lake Fire and California drought don’t have to put a damper on your Fourth of July plans. Big Bear locals and visitors can look forward to lakefront fireworks and Independence Day feasting.
Lakefront Fireworks
Although we discourage personal use of fireworks, the LA Times announced that 30 minutes of non-stop fireworks can be seen over Big Bear starting at 8:45 p.m. — referring to the show as one of the best around. After all, what’s Fourth of July without fireworks?
Fire-Safe Cooking
From desserts to hot dogs, you can still enjoy your favorite Fourth of July food while avoiding fire risks created by the drought by preparing dishes inside, rather than using a grill or campfire.
Although many of our cabins come equipped with a kitchen, Big Bear Frontier guests are encouraged to also bring crockpots for preparing food indoors.
Fourth of July Recipes
Need recipe ideas? Try our five favorite “Fire-Safe Fourth of July Recipes,” below.
Safe S’mores
Melted milk chocolate and warm oozing marshmallow, pressed between two crispy golden brown graham crackers — a classic dessert known as the s’more — is famous for being prepared over the campfire. However, this treat is just as delicious when cooked in the:
- microwave for 3-5 minutes
- oven at 400 degrees F for 10-15 minutes
Try adding local flavor to your s’more by heading to North Pole Fudge & Ice Cream Co. for freshly made milk chocolate, located in Big Bear Village on Pine Knot Avenue.
Pigs in a Blanket
Move your hot dogs from the grill to the oven. Dress them up wrapped in cheese and refrigerated dough for a classic dish known as pigs in a blanket. Bake for 20-25 minutes at 350 degrees F. Then, serve with all your favorite condiments!
Fourth of July Fruit Pizza
Blueberry stars and strawberry stripes are the perfect way to celebrate Independence Day using Pillsbury’s Easy Fruit Pizza Recipe. Decorate using patriotic colored fruits and serve to friends and family.
Slow Cooked Sloppy Joe Sliders
Instead of burgers on the grill, mix things up with mouthwatering Sloppy Joe Sliders prepared in the crock pot. All you need is a pound of ground beef a 1.15 oz can of Manwich cooked on low for 8-10 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Big Bear Buffalo Chicken Dip
Every Fourth of July feast calls for a dip to keep friends and family at bay until holiday entrees and meats are done cooking. Big Bear Buffalo Chicken Dip is easy, delicious and will have everyone dunking into it for more. All you need is:
- Two – 8 oz packages of cream cheese
- Two – 1o oz cans of chicken or 3 cups of baked chicken
- 1/2 – 1 cup on Red Hot Wing Sauce (depending on how spicy you want it)
- 1 cup of blue cheese or ranch dressing
- 3 oz of blue cheese crumbles
- 2 cups cheddar or monetary jack cheese
- season with garlic, onion powder, salt and pepper
Cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours. Then serve with chips, crackers or baguettes.
Full House for the Fourth of July
With SOLD OUT accommodations, we are looking forward to celebrating Fourth of July with a full house of patriotic guests at Big Bear Frontier. Post your Fire-Safe Fourth of July Dishes on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest, and don’t forget to tag us.
If you are staying with us this weekend or would like to make reservations, please contact us at (800) 798-3960.
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