It’s the Fourth of July, and you’re freaking out because you haven’t properly prepared a menu for this afternoon’s meal. No worries, dear friends, we’ve got you covered.
Caveat: If you’re a traditionalist and want to do burgers and dogs and then more burgers and more dogs and call it a day, by all means. Do the thing. But here are some humble suggestions
Skirt Steak with Paprika Butter
Again, if you’re going for burgers and dogs? Great. But if you are looking to elevate your grilled meat for the 4th of July meal, I recommend this excellent grilled skirt steak with paprika butter. It’s elegant, delicious, and the whole thing takes about 20 minutes to make.
Recipe from: Food + Wine
Mexican Street Corn Salad
First: Find some Cotija cheese at your local grocer. (If you really can’t, parmesan can work in a pinch.) Then toss some corn on the grill, and chop up a whole heap of cilantro and, as much as you can tolerate, jalapeño. Grill the corn in its husk for about 20 minutes — some people pre-soak in water but I’ve found you don’t really need to. Then slice it off the cob, toss it in the bowl with all the other good stuff, and serve.
Or, if you’re feeling bold: Don’t slice it off the cob, and serve it elote style.
Get the recipe from: Jo Cooks
Southwest Tortellini Pasta Salad
Listen, if you want to make your standard potato salad and toss that red, white and blue food coloring in there, by all means. Go on with your bad self. But I will also offer up this fantastic, quick, Southwest-inspired tortellini pasta salad. You’ll carry over some of the same flavors from that Mexican street corn salad recipe, but it’s distinct enough to add a fun element to the meal. Plus it’s fantastic served cold.
Get the recipe from: Tastes Better From Scratch
Watermelon Juice
Watermelon juice doesn’t take much — watermelon, maybe some coconut water, a squeeze of lime, ice —but toss all those babies in a blender and you’ve got a delicious, festive drink to cool off for the holiday. Plus, if you’re feeling wild, you can toss some vodka in there.
Get the recipe from: Taste of Home
Bomb Pops
Bomb pops are amazing. They’re red white and blue. Get those for your dessert. Don’t bake anything. It’s too hot for baking. Bomb pops. Get those bomb pops.
Buy from your grocery store.
