Every year I host an annual 4th of July party and BBQ. I am clearly a “foodie”, so my guests always eagerly await to see what dishes I will cook up because they know it will be delicious.  Read more about why I love Fourth of July so much, here. I spend time crafting the perfect menu for my group while also seeking items that are easy to prepare so that I am not distracted from my party and guests. I have some core staple dishes that always appear on my menu, as well as some new fun additions.

This is my 2016 Independence BBQ menu:

(*=Available from Maria’s)

DRINKS

• Bottled Maria’s Water*
• Canned San Pellegrino Sodas*
• Watermelon Margarita Spritzers (based on Food & Wine Magazine’s recipe, but I substitute sugar for Agave)

Caprese Skewers

APPETIZERS

• Caprese Skewers*
• Spaghetti Pie*
• Charcuterie & Cheese Board*
• Carrots, Celery & Cucumbers Crudite with *Maria’s homemade ranch
• Grilled Vegetables: cauliflower, broccoli, asparagus, yellow and green zucchini, red bell pepper, carrots*

Italian Sausage on the Grill

MAIN

• Organic Strawberry and Arugala Salad with toffee walnuts*
• Organic Roasted Yams
• Rissotto Primavera (Cold)* (gluten free!)
• Italian Sausage, Peppers, & Onions plated as Hot Dogs, view recipe here
• Burger Bar:  lettuce, sauerkraut, salsa, avocado, red onion, beefsteak tomatoes, ketchup, *Maria’s homemade ranch, Dijon, Stone ground mustard, mayo, chicken burgers, turkey burgers, beef (short rib, brisket, chuck grind)
• Cheese: Vermont Cheddar, Colby, Swiss

Piccolo Patriotic Desserts

DESSERT

• Maria’s homemade brownies*
• Maria’s homemade raspberry bars*
• Maria’s homemade biscotti*
• Maria’s homemade Piccolo Philadelphia cheesecake*
• Maria’s homemade chocolate chip cookies*

Enjoy!

Maddy, Owner of Maria’s & Daughter of Maria