632704 Mon Jun 29 18:55:50 -0700 2009 8 31 Home Cooking 0 4816653 I'm a Canadian, living in Canada, and hosting a July 4 BBQ for some American friends. Other than the usual burgers, hot dogs, potato/macaroni salad, does anyone have any ideas on what to serve to honour the day?? Mon Jun 29 18:55:50 -0700 2009 52461 CarNut 1 4816659 check out the Flag Cakes on this site: http://images.google.com/images?client=safari&rls=en-us&q=flag+cake&oe=UTF-8&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=13BJSpf7C47YtgPt6c2OBQ&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=title&resnum=785282593 Mon Jun 29 18:57:52 -0700 2009 4816653 27482 critter101 2 4817155 And these cupcakes are the cutest! http://www.flickr.com/photos/ginnerobot/2636149641/ Tue Jun 30 01:10:32 -0700 2009 4816659 50431 chef chicklet 1 4816669 Baked beans, corn on the cob, ice cream, watermelon are also traditional July 4 foods. Mon Jun 29 19:00:54 -0700 2009 4816653 50613 weezycom 1 4816732 don't forget the lemonade! Mon Jun 29 19:29:27 -0700 2009 4816653 103920 goodhealthgourmet 1 4816788 This year I am making baby back ribs, dry rubbed & barbecued, of course. Last year, I made Beef brisket and brats braised in beer & onions. Go with what you feel like making & eating, don't worry so much about what is considered a "true" American cookout. But if you do want to go that route other main dish ideas are: fried chicken pieces steaks on the grill bbq chicken on the grill a pork roast slow cooked in your oven then made into pulled pork sandwiches or carnitas (recipes provided if interested) Sides: Cole slaw Veggie Kebabs Fruit salad Chips & salsa & guac Dill pickles, and pickled red onion broccoli salad Desserts: Strawberry shortcake Peach cobbler Blueberry ice cream sundaes Ice Cream Sandwich Cake (did last year, big hit, can provide recipe if interested) Smores Rocky Road Brownies (did those last year too) That's just off the top of my head! Have fun and good luck!! Mon Jun 29 19:51:53 -0700 2009 4816653 90755 Phurstluv 1 4816904 Here is what I am serving this year...I'm opting not to do hamburgers/hotdogs (well maybe hotdogs) but chicken and ribs. http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/628770), For dessert, friends are bringing brownies and apple pie and I am making homemade "chipwiches" with red, white and blue sprinkles around the outside instead of chocolate chips. Mon Jun 29 20:44:23 -0700 2009 4816653 10205 valerie 2 4816954 love the chipwich idea! if you really want to go all-out with them (though it would be more time- and labor-intensive), you could make them with rectangular flag cookies. Mon Jun 29 21:12:52 -0700 2009 4816904 103920 goodhealthgourmet 1 4817297 Where are your friends from? My favorite menu concept for the 4th is to honor a particular region of the USA. We're doing the Southwest this year - cumin rubbed flank steak, grilled corn with chipotle butter, black bean salad. Last year my friend hosted and did New England - clam bake, blueberry pie, etc. It will really make your friends feel like home if you add some (tacky but fun!) touches like little flags in the garden, sparklers, etc. 4th of July brings out the kid in Americans. I always like to add a fun kiddie touch or two. This year, for example, we're having homemade popsicles for dessert and playing board games from our childhood after dinner. Last year we set up a sprinkler. It's a good excuse to let your hair down. Tue Jun 30 05:09:18 -0700 2009 4816653 267103 foodie4444