Celebrating an All-American 4th of July

Thursday, June 30, 2016

Celebrating an All-American 4th of July - Part I

Our reviewers have teamed up to help you celebrate an All-American 4th of July. Enjoy our menu ideas, recipes, and entertainment.

This July 4th, the United States of America celebrates its 240th birthday. At Review This!, we're celebrating with good company, great food, and more!

Our group of dedicated reviewers have teamed up once again to provide menu ideas, recipes, and entertainment, this time in honor of Independence Day.

I'll provide main dish ideas and recipes today, then watch for desserts and appetizers the next couple of days, followed by special music and a fireworks show. We've got you covered for the entire 4th of July weekend!

Main Dishes for an All-American 4th of July

When I think 4th of July, I think picnic. And when I think picnic food, I think of hot dogs and hamburgers. I'll admit, those two staples are my favorite picnic main dishes, but these days it's fun to think outside the box a bit, too.

For instance, baby back ribs and brisket smoking on the grill are mainstays for many families around the country, especially here in the mid-South where I live. If you're not sure how to proceed, our good friend (and excellent cook) Sam shares instructions on how to cook ribs on the grill. Mmmm, looks and sounds delicious!

How to Cook Ribs on the Grill
from Sam's Place

Many backyard cooks turn to chicken, from grilled boneless chicken breasts to rotisserie chickens cooked slowly above the coals. Chicken drumsticks are an inexpensive way to feed a crowd and are easy to prepare on the grill. Try Cajun Blackened Chicken on the Grill, as we did. Is your mouth watering yet?

Cajun Blackened Chicken on the Grill Recipe from RecipesForRealPeople.com

Cajun Blackened Chicken on the Grill
from Recipes For Real People

For more out of the box, all-American options, there's a growing list of vegetarian and vegan picnic food. If that sounds like your 4th of July cup of tea, don't miss this Grilling Vegan Style cookbook review, written by our own team member, BuckHawk. The recipes include vegan burgers (portobello, anyone?), hot dogs and sausages, as well as awesome outdoor food such as Summer Bruschettas and Grilled Eggplant and Herb Rounds. I can make a main dish out of these tasty bites any day of the year, can't you?

I hope these Independence Day main dish recipes and menu suggestions have your mouth watering. Check out the links above, then follow the links below as we continue to celebrate an All-American 4th of July!

Join us at the links below as we continue our All-American 4th of July celebration. Next up:

This installment of "Celebrating an All-American 4th of July" brought to you by
Susan Deppner

Have a Safe and Happy 4th of July!

Posted by Susan Deppner

About the Author

Susan Deppner is a baby boomer, a cancer survivor, and a Southerner who believes in the Golden Rule. She enjoys writing about food, faith, and fitness; health, home, and holidays; people, places, pets, and patriotism, and more. Follow Susan on Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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10 comments:

SylvestermouseJune 30, 2016 at 8:22 AM
We usually have barbecue sandwiches, but I have to admit, I am quite tempted to add ribs to the menu this year. My husband would love that Cajun Blackened Chicken recipe! We might need to try that one on Sunday the 3rd. Our daughter won't be here for the 4th this year, but the Vegan cookbook would be a necessity otherwise. Still, I need that cookbook for other occasions for sure. Thank you for these excellent main menu recipe suggestions for the 4th of July!
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Heather426June 30, 2016 at 9:23 AM
They don't really celebrate the 4th of July where I live but they sort of give it a nod with lots of American flags available in the stores. We will still celebrate it at our house though, and it will definitely be all American food! Grilled chicken is on the list!
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Sam MonacoJune 30, 2016 at 10:41 AM
The 4th is almost here and I haven't decided what I'm grilling. I would like to grill one of my all time favorites "Grilled leg of lamb" but need to check to see if it's available first. I like the burgers with the Garlic and Herb seasoning. Thanks so much Susan for featuring the ribs :) If I grill the leg of lamb I'll have it posted sometime next week. Wishing everybody at Review This a safe and happy 4th of July.
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Olivia Morris June 30, 2016 at 7:15 PM
Oh yummmm.....everything here looks really good and great for sharing with family and friends...thanks Susan for putting together a great start to any celebration.
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Wednesday ElfJuly 3, 2016 at 9:42 AM
Wow, I think I'm going over to Sam's Place tomorrow for dinner on the grill. :) Lots of good (and yummy-sounding) ideas for 4th of July dinner. I have my teenage grandson visiting, so I think hot dogs or brats will be on the menu. Fourteen-year-old boys like the old standards! LOL. Happy 4th to you!
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