It pays off to live in the Nation’s Capital on the Nation’s Birthday. After our long run and shopping trip, Jay and I refueled and relaxed before heading downtown at 6 p.m.
To refuel, I made us some Turkey Mozzarella Burgers. I find burgers to be the perfect 4th of July food. Now, please excuse the lack of pictures. As you can imagine, after the run I was more concerned about filling my belly then taking beautiful step-by-step pictures for y’all.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb of Ground Turkey
- Dash of Oregano, Garlic Salt and Red Pepper Flakes
- 1 egg
- 4 pinches of Mozzarella Cheese
*I serve my Mozzarella Burgers on Sandwich Thins smothered with Pine Nut Hummus and Lettuce.
Directions:
- Place Ground Turkey, Egg and Spices in a bowl and combine.
- Form the meat into four balls. Press your thumb in the center of the ball and fill with a healthy pinch of Mozzarella Cheese. Close the meet around the cheese and press down to form the patty.
- Cook burgers on high for about 5 minutes a side. The patties are done when they no long ooze when you press down on them.
- Serve on Sandwich Thins smothered with Pine Nut Hummus and Lettuce.
Besides the excitement of running and refueling, our big plans of the day involved the 4th of July Celebration on the Mall. There are usually a few concerts on the Mall for the 4th of July. Jay has never seen the fireworks on the Mall because he didn’t live here 2 years ago and last year we went to Boston. We decided to take the opportunity to have a nice picnic with friends near the Capitol building, where one of the main concerts is held.
Unfortunately, when we got there we realized that you can not view the concert from the Mall, you have to be on the Capitol steps!! Instead, we opted for a nice spot on the Mall near 7th street. This gave us great access after the fireworks to many of the yellow metro stations.
As you can see, we were not the only ones who decided to show up early with a picnic. Our picnic included Jenna’s Buffalo Chicken Dip and Celery, Chips for Wholly Guacamole and Mango Salsa, Blueberries and Watermelon.
We also brought along cards for entertainment. I don’t think Harry Potter Uno will ever get old!! But before long, the fireworks started and we were enjoying America’s Birthday in the Nation’s Capital.
Post fireworks, the crowds mobbing the street were a nice flashback to our Boston trip last year. And to top it off we passed Little Richard riding in an SUV! Ok, I am not really a fan, but it was cool to see him!
Jay, Mary and I were very impressed with the DC metro. We were home within an hour of when the fireworks started!!! We walked with the masses through the streets of DC to Chinatown where we literally had the metro to ourselves.
All the major stations within the city were packed but not crowded beyond belief. Anyone on the platform would make it on their desired train if they wanted to.
Overall, we had a great weekend hiking, running and relaxing!
