I love summer food.  I especially love it when it is cooked/prepared outdoors.  The Fourth of July is a great excuse to eat your old grilled favorites (hamburgers and hot dogs) or to try something new.  With summer gardens ready to harvest, a 4th of July cookout can mean lots of color on the table.  If you haven’t already, start planning your 4th of July menu and shopping list before the stores run out of your favorites.  Here are some ideas for your cookout or picnic.

• Main Dish – If you want to break away from cheeseburgers this year, make your guests’ mouths water when you serve them kabobs (Sirloin or Vegetable), Grilled Chicken, or Salmon.
• Side Dishes – A little preparation makes an American Potato Salad or a Three Pepper Pasta Salad the perfect make ahead side.  Wow a crowd with the brilliant display of a Patriotic Gelatin Salad.
  
• Fresh from the Garden or Farm – Local farms and gardens are at the peak of their growing season with everything you need to make Roasted Corn on the Cob, Cucumber Watermelon Salad, and Fried Green Tomatoes
• Drinks – Refreshing, family-friendly options include Watermelon Cooler Slushy, Strawberry Lemonade, or an Arnold Palmer.  For the adults, they may want to let their hair down a little with a Strawberry Slush Delight or a Coconut Margarita.
  
• Desserts – Have a Red, White, and Blue Cheesecake, Shortcake, Trifle, or Fruit Pizza.

What is on the menu for your 4th of July cookout or picnic?

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