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