Recipes for a 4th of July Party

There’s no better way to celebrate America’s independence (and my birthday) than relaxing with family, hanging out by the grill and noshing on fresh summer produce. Here are a few of my top picks, from beef ribs and baked beans, to simple side salads and a classic angel food cake—my annual birthday dessert.

 

APPETIZERS

Hot Crab & Artichoke Dip	Grilled Coconut-Curry Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro Chutney	Caponata with Grilled Crostini
Grilled Beef Rolls with Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce	Fresh Tomatillo Salsa	Skewered Shrimp & Ham with Apple Jelly

MAIN COURSES

Turkey Burgers with Tomato, Ricotta & Basil	Aaron Franklin’s Beef Ribs	French Onion Soup Burgers
Pulled Pork with Homemade BBQ Sauce	Smoked Turkey Legs	Grilled Flank Steak with Chimichurri

SIDE DISHES

Corn & Green Tomato Salad	Homemade Baked Beans	Grilled Fingerling Potatoes
Chickpea Salad with Red Onions, Capers & Banyuls Vinegar	Buttermilk Fried Onion Rings	Grilled Radicchio with Goat Cheese & Tomato Dressing

DESSERT

Angel Food Cake with Macerated Berries & Whipped Cream	Lattice-Top Blueberry Pie	Strawberry Custard with Lemon Curd
Sour Cream Peach Pie	Surly Furious Chocolate Bundt Cake	Berry Trifle with Mascarpone

DRINKS

Peach, Gin & Mint Cocktail with Ginger Beer	Cucumber Mint Lemonade Recipe	Mint Julep
Jamaican Hibiscus Punch	Pisco Sour	Make a Watermelon Keg