Independence Day Inspiration

Whether you’re firing up the grill for a small group of family and friends, packing for a picnic in the park or hosting a huge family reunion blowout, gathering for a family feast is a great way to celebrate this July 4th.

The 4th of July is a fantastic time to reconnect with cousins, gab with grandparents and welcome relatives from near and far for a celebration full of family, food, fun and maybe even a fireworks display. Here are some great menus that are sure to be a hit with the whole family:

Make a Splash

  • Salsa Glazed Pork Ribs
  • Margarita Pork Chops
  • Grilled Corn on the Cob with Cilantro Butter
    1. Carefully pull back husks from corn and remove silk; pull husks back up over corn. Soak corn in water for 30 to 45 minutes. Heat grill to medium. Drain corn and place on grill for 15 to 25 minutes or until tender, turning occasionally. Serve with Cilantro Butter.
    2. To make Cilantro Butter, beat together 1/2 cup softened butter, 3 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro, and 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt.
  • Mexican 4-Bean Salad
  • Fresh Garden Salsa
    • 2 cups chopped, seeded tomatoes
    • 1 cup chopped green bell pepper
    • 1/2 cup chopped, seeded cucumber
    • 1/2 cup chopped onion
    • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
    • 3 tablespoons lime juice
    • 1 to 2 tablespoons finely chopped jalapeno
    • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
    • 1 teaspoon sugar, optional
    • Salt, to taste
      1. Combine all ingredients; cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving. Serve with tortilla chips.
    *Makes 4 cups
  • Mini Dessert Tacos
    1. Heat mini taco shells according to package directions. Dip heated shells into 1 (12-oz.) pkg. milk chocolate chips (melted); place upside down on waxed paper to cool and harden.
    2. Gently fold together 1 1/2 cups sliced fresh strawberries with 1 (8-oz.) pkg. frozen whipped topping (thawed). Fill shells; refrigerate until ready to serve.
  • Easy Mock Margaritas
    1. Combine 1 (12-oz.) can frozen lemonade concentrate and 1 (12-oz.) can frozen limeade concentrate in 1-gallon pitcher. Add 2-quarts water; mix well. Serve over ice with slice of lime.
    2. For an extra special touch, dampen rims of glasses with water and dip in coarse-grain salt or sugar.

Family Tradition

Kid Fun

  • Farmland Hot Dogs
    1. Cook on grill according to package directions.
  • Grilled Smoked Sausage Kabobs
  • Fun Fruit Kabobs
    1. Thread fresh strawberries, cantaloupe, watermelon and pineapple cubes onto wooden skewers. For extra fun, cut the fruit into shapes with miniature cookie cutters.
  • Confetti Coleslaw
    • 2 cups shredded green cabbage
    • 2 cups shredded red cabbage
    • 1 cup shredded carrot
    • 1/2 to 1 cup coleslaw dressing
      1. Combine all ingredients in large serving bowl; toss to coat.
    *Serves 10
  • Bacon Potato Salad
  • Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches
    1. Spread 3/4 cup softened chocolate chip ice cream between 2 chocolate chip cookies. Wrap each sandwich in plastic wrap and freeze until ready to serve.
  • Banana Slush Punch
    • 6 bananas
    • 1 (12-oz.) can frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
    • 3 cups pineapple juice
    • 3 cups water
    • 2 quarts lemon-lime soda
      1. Blend bananas and lemonade until smooth. Stir in pineapple juice and water. Pour into sealed plastic food storage container and freeze until slushy.
      2. To serve, spoon banana slush into glasses until half-full; top with soda. (Hint: Banana punch can be stored in freezer up to 1 month. Thaw container in refrigerator until slush consistency for serving.)
    *Makes 16 cups
July 4th Family Feasts