Well we all know how I feel about BBQs — any excuse to play with food and fire is a good time to me. It’s easy to throw a few burgers on the grill and crack a few cold ones, but there is no reason you can’t jazz up a 4th of July BBQ and still keep it easy and relaxed. Here are a few of my favorite recipes — I hope this inspires some BBQ fireworks.
DRINKS {start the party out right}
Alton Brown’s Bourbon Mint Julep
Bottle of Baron {Refreshing “Island Cocktail” a la Tippling Bros.}
Fresh Lime-Margarita Marinated Watermelon
Kickin’ Ancho Chili Fresh Citrus Margarita
Pink Fizzy Lemonade Cocktails Beat the Heat
Stand-Out Spanish Sangria
Summer Strawberry Chilled Chamomile Tea {non-alc or a mixer!}
SNACK’EMS {your guests eat, while the grill heats}
Avocado & Tropical Fruit Salsa {also good as an entree side}
Creole Roasted Fresh Corn-Tomato Salsa
Fresh Lime-Margarita Marinated Watermelon{double duty bites}
SALADS {beautiful and delicious}
Orzo, Spinach & Feta Summer Salad
Spinach, Strawberry & Halloumi Salad
Tomato, Basil & Feta Salad
The Ultimate Summer Slaw
PIZZA & BREADS {d’oh! why didn’t i try this yet}
Creative Crowd-Pleasing BBQ’d Pizzas {this is what I’ll be serving! So FUN}
Flaky Cheese Straws, As Easy As Being Barefoot
Red Chili-Lime Cornbread Muffins
FOR THE GRILL {that’s what it’s all about}
Bison, a Better Burger Worth Biting Into
Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken
Pistachio-Encrusted Spring Lamb w/ Pickled Red Onions & Cumin Yogurt Sauce
Whole-Grain Mustard & Rosemary Pork Chops
Grilled Thyme-Cumin Vegetable Kabobs
DESSERT {life is short, eat it first}
Alton Brown’s Bourbon Banana’s Foster w/ Bourbon Ice Cream
Banana Puddin’ Chocolate Cups {bottom of post}
Violet’s Lemon Cheesecake with BBQ’d Summer Berries{bottom of post}
8.ate@eight 