Fourth of July - what's cooking?

So what are you planning to make for the Fourth of July?

I'm trying to come up with some ideas. So far I've come up with watermelon, that's a given. I'd like to do ribs, but unless I can find a crockpot method, I'd be heating up the kitchen too much to make that.

I look forward to hearing what others are planning.

Ordered some dry-aged, KC strips from Zier's.

Haven't decided what to make with them yet...

Party on our condo roof deck - hoping to see the fireworks from all the surrounding suburbs (usually can). Not close up, but it's a cool sight.

Since it's trraditional a grilling day (I think) it's burgers, brats and pulled pork smoked in the new smoker. I tested part of a butt yesterday and it was excellent.

Now, sides. . . TBD

The family is coming over to our place and the theme this year is meditteranean. With that in mind...

- beef & chicken kabobs
- lamb chops
- shrimp & artichoke couscous
- feta & spinach salad w/balsamic vinegrette
- fresh fruit salad
- hummus & garlic pita chips
...and whatever else my family decides to bring

With the 4th falling on Wednesday, and having to work the day before & after it will be a scaled down 4th this year with perhaps just my mom coming out to our house in Marseilles.

I will hit the local butcher shop tomorrow, and browse & see what looks good. My butcher is closed on Sundays, and I get home to late on a work night to be able to go Mon or Tues, so I will have to decide the menu tomorrow. I am leaning towards the following.

EIther way the smoker, and grill will be fired up all day.

Most likely some burgers for lunch with some fresh guacamole, and a nice runny yolk overeasy egg on top.

For Dinner:

just a laid back bbq

Babyback ribs cooked in the smoker
potato salad
a nice fresh green salad
baked beans
corn-on-the-cob
a raspberry cobbler with the wild raspberries growing on my property for desert.

and lots of tequila, and ice cold beer.

Crowd is demanding two of last years favorites. Salad of arugula watermelon, toasted pine nuts, snow shower of gated riccota salata with a red wine vinagrette. Bastardized guac of avocado, lime, cilantro, tomatillo, jalepeno, Bayless tomatillo salsa and sour cream.

Family reunion- going to the Kane County Cougars game on the Fourth for fun, good food, and huge fireworks display. Family celebration on Friday- Ream's Elburn market brats and hot dogs, garbage salad, all the trimmings. YEEEE-haw.

Harold's Chicken, cold. My Grandma Nina's Kansas potato salad with sweet pickles and hard-boiled eggs, corn on the cob, sliced tomatoes and basil. Blueberry pie made by me, and watermelon. Bell's Oberon.

Smoked brisket/squishy roll sandwiches
Smoked porchetta/focaccia sandwiches

Guests are bringing sides and desserts.

Bill/SFNM