Open Arms of Minnesota

Weekly Recipe #72: Fourth of July Favorites from the Staff

In honor of tomorrow’s holiday, we polled some of the staff about their favorite Fourth of July food:

Gwen Hill, Registered Dietitian: “Watermelon.”
Jeff Langaard, Finance & Administration Director: “Grilled burgers.”
Susan Pagani, Communications Director: “Roasted corn with a chili cumin rub.”
Tim Reardon, Executive Director: “S’mores.”
Pete Fischer, Volunteer Services Coordinator: “Potato Salad.”
Sara Walter, Cook/Baker: “Bratwurst. I’m from Wisconsin, what else would I say?!”
Elizabeth Polter, Client Services Director: “Barbeque.”
Sarah Leonard, Sous Chef: “Strawberry shortcake. Gotta go for the desserts!”
Shawn Brown, Finance Assistant: “Hamburgers.”
Kent Linder, Operations Director: “Coleslaw. Not the kind with mayo — has to be vinaigrette.”
Lila Gilbert, Volunteer Services Coordinator: “Deviled eggs.”
Ben Harrelson, Cook/Prep: “Baked beans.”
Caroline Olsen, Client Services Assistant: “A red, white & blue Jello jiggler with whipped cream.”
Rebecca Tofte, Development Director: “Corn on the cob and bratwurst.”
Cassie Mead, Sous Chef/Baker: “Pasta salad.”
Kelly McManus, Creative Director: “Sangria for adults, root beer floats for kids.”
Nancy Benedict, Events Director: “I make this corn salad every year that I just can’t stop eating!”

Nancy was so enthused, she shared her recipe with us! If you need a last minute idea for your 4th feast, give it a try.

Nancy’s Sweet Corn Salad

5 ears of sweet corn, boiled for three minutes or grilled
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
3 tbsp. olive oil
3 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
salt
pepper
a few leaves of basil, cut into a chiffonade (fine ribbons)

1. Cut corn from the cobs and mix with red onion.
2. Mix together oil, vinegar, salt and pepper. Toss with corn and onion.
3. Add basil to taste.

Tell us YOUR favorite Fourth of July food in the comments!

More from Open Arms

2026 CSA Shares Available

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Shares for the 2026 season are now OPEN! Shares for Open Arms of Minnesota’s Community Supported Agriculture Shares Program are now open!   Enjoy farm-to-table veggies grown with love from Open Farms, our organic urban farm plots! By supporting our CSA

Read More »

Moveable Feast 2026 Save The Date

Moveable Feast 2026 Set For May 7 At North End Event Center Save the date for Open Arms of Minnesota’s 22nd Annual Moveable Feast, the Twin Cities’ most unique gala of the year! The 2026 Moveable Feast will be held on Thursday, May 7 at the North End Event Center at 5

Read More »
Give from the heart popup graphic

Give From The Heart

Nourishment With Heart Minnesotans have shown the nation the power of a caring community. When neighbors come together, we support each other and take care of those who need us. Every day at Open Arms, our volunteers, staff, partners, and donors work together to

Read More »

Moveable Feast 2025: The Show Goes On

No matter the challenges, Open Arms stands ready to face the future. Together, we will gather for a special production of Moveable Feast being held on Thursday, May 15 at the historic Hollywood Theater in Northeast Minneapolis. We hope you and your cast of characters will join us in support of our clients!

IN A CHAOTIC WORLD, WE CAN SHOW LOVE IN ACTION!

When life feels overwhelming, there’s one thing we can control: showing care, love, and compassion to one another. This February, Give from the Heart in honor or memory of someone special. Your gift will provide life-saving medically tailored meals and nutrition counseling to someone facing a critical illness. We’ll send a heartfelt card to your honoree or their family, sharing your loving tribute.

Open Arms of Minnesota Earns Accreditation from Food Is Medicine Coalition

Open Arms of Minnesota, the Twin Cities-based non-profit dedicated to providing nourishing, medically tailored meals to individuals with critical illnesses, has earned accreditation from the Food Is Medicine Coalition (FIMC). This recognition places Open Arms among an elite group of organizations nationwide that have demonstrated a high standard of care in delivering medically tailored meals (MTM).

End Of Year Giving Graphic

Your Gift Will Help Us Serve More Clients!

Together we can continue to meet the increased demand for medically tailored meals with your support! We hope you think of us as you consider your year-end giving. Your donation is a gift of care, compassion, and encouragement!