How to be prepared for your Fourth of July Parties by Chef Pete Who doesn't love the Fourth of July?! Such a perfect combination of patriotism, friends, fireworks and food. But how can we enjoy the day and not worry about the food?? Well, just like most things in life, a little prior preparation is all you need. As far as the fare you are sure to find goes, stick to BBQ meats without the sauces, fruit salad is normally safe, and with any luck someone will have some grilled veggies going as well. That being said, here is some side recipes that can double as a safe food for you to eat and a way to show your friends how unbelievable paleo food is.
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Thinly sliced Pete's Paleo Bacon.
Sweet Potato Bacon Salad 3 Sweet potatoes large (about 1# of sweet potatoes) cut into 1/2" cubes 1/2 # Pete's Paleo Bacon cut into lardons (1/4" matchsticks) 1 yellow onion large medium dice 1 stalk celery medium dice 1/2 cup chives chopped 1/2 cup ground mustard 1/4 cup  cider vinegar 3 T olive oil salt and black pepper to taste First while cutting sweet potatoes turn oven on to 375F. Toss chopped sweet potatoes in olive oil and a bit of salt. Place on sheet tray and put in oven for about 30 minutes until cooked through. Put chopped bacon into cast iron on medium heat with no oil. Render bacon until it is about 3/4 of the way cooked and then add chopped onion and celery and a pinch of salt. Cook until soft and bacon crispy. Once potatoes are done, place in large bowl, then put bacon, bacon grease celery and onions on top of sweet potatoes. Add chives, mustard, vinegar and toss. Add black pepper and salt to taste. Serve slightly warm or at room temp.
 Kale, Chicken and Strawberry Salad 1 # Chicken Thighs 1 cup chicken stock 3 bunches Kale 1 Pint Strawberries topped and sliced 1 Shallot thinly sliced 1/3 cup chopped toasted almonds 4 T Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1.5 T Balsamic Vinaigrette Salt and Pepper to Taste Make the chicken the night before (Wednesday) Put chicken thighs in braising pot with chicken stock, pinch of salt and a bay leaf. Braise for 3 hours at 325F. Once done, let cool for a few minutes then pull chicken with tongs. On Thursday morning, slice kale very thin, toss strawberries, chicken, olive oil, shallots, vinegar, almonds, pinch of salt and some pepper. Let sit for a few hours and then taste again before heading to the party. May need a pinch more of salt before you head out. Have a great fourth, and please if you hear "hold my beer and watch this" run in the opposite direction.