Evidently, BYOM may be the best thing since BYOB. Just request that every guest brings one specific meat—grilled chicken, ribs, burgers, dogs, and of course, that yummy skirt steak. If it’s easier, some can even bring deli meat. For a hot summer day, there is nothing better than a cold, overstuffed American Hero. For the burger lovers, balance out their generous meat bringing with some tasty toppings to form an even better dish, such as a Chipotle Barbeque Burger. Sure, they bought the beef, but you seasoned the hell out of it with some barbeque sauce, chipotle chiles, sour cream, cabbage coleslaw and more. Just think of it as a potluck dinner—no meal is complete without the help of another!
Now your job can be quite simple, but fun as well. One bright idea is Black Bean and Corn Salad. Unlike typical deli macaroni or potato salad loaded with all that slimy mayo, this dish is light and colorful. You can also throw together another unique dish in only ten minutes: Chicken Salad Stuffed Tomatoes, allowing for a healthy appetizer that steers clear of those hip widening carbs. Even sizzle up some Spicy Potato Wedges, another favorite that goes great with burgers and dogs.
What’s a barbeque without some chips and dip? A craved 4th of July cookout dip for some upscale outdoor dining is Garlicky Bean Dip, infused with garlic cloves, Cubanelle peppers, anchovy fillets, cannellini beans, marinated Bocconcini, eggplants and more, which can be easily prepared the night before. For a quicker dip to throw together, try what some call, Wild West Dip, a chilled dip of pinto beans, avocado, salsa, sour cream, cilantro, corn kettles and more. Your guests will drool over these mouthwatering chip and veggie dunkers—all of which you made from simple ingredients already lying around your home.
To further protect your wallet, an average bag of marshmallows from any supermarket costs at most $3. Stock up on graham crackers, chocolate and marshmallows, and make your guests work for their dessert! Roasting marshmallows over a fire pit or even a barbeque is a great social tool with a fluffy, delectable reward.
Other dessert ideas can be as simple as fruit salads, or fun to make, theme based treats like Celebration Ice Cream Sundaes. Even if you’re trying hard to keep the pounds off, cheating is always allowed when it’s America’s birthday!
Finally, no Fourth of July is complete without some celebration, and fireworks are not the only thing we are talking about. Provide your guests with some firework fitting cocktails for this red, white and blue day. In the mood for sweetness with some pizzazz? Try making this Berry Fun Cocktail, overflowing with berries, ice cream, brandy, vanilla, and more.
Another beverage that perfectly fits Independence Day’s color scheme is the luscious Candy Red Apple Martini, a sweet drink of butterscotch schnapps, sour apple, cranberry juice and of course your favorite brand of. Or try a Blueberry Sensation, an electric mix of sake, lime, ginger ale and fresh blueberries that will tickle your tongue.
Don’t waste your money on petty odds and ends your guests will forget about the next morning. Spend it wisely and make your 4th priceless!
Check out Behind the Burner for more culinary tricks, tips and techniques.
—Joanna Weinstein
