In deference to my wifes' 87 year old grandmother (that we care for) our holiday festivities are libation free. However the homemade lemonade is a perfect base for many distilled bererages.
Ribs - rubbed with a dry rub of paprika, cumin, garlic & onion powder, fresh ground black pepper and kosher salt. Smoked for hours
Smoked chicken - done same as ribs minus the paprika and cumin.
Red bbq sauce - being very tired form work I am cheating and starting with a kraft original base adding cayenne, apple cider vinegar, bay leaves, fresh garlic, minced onion, fresh ground black pepper, fresh lemon and lime juice with some of the rind simmered in and a bit of grainy mustard. You would never know that it started out as bottled sauce.
White sauce - A mayo based bbq sauce that I developed that is a mind blowing experience with smoked chicken or any other smoked meat for that matter. I may give the recipe out some day after my wife dies or she'll kill me. She has ideas on bottling it for sale.
Baked beans - everyone has their version of baked beans. Mine is very southern and varies a bit depending on if beer is being had.
Potato salad - my wife does this one. It is nearly perfection so I don't mess with it.
Smoked dogs for the neighborhood kids to eat on the run. Try 'em on the smoker for a change.........you'll be hooked.
Trying to convince my wife to let me make a grilled pineapple salsa for a side dish.
My opinion on 4th of July food is that it should be fresh, simple and done with a southern flair. Life is better when you put a bite of south in your mouth.
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<hr style="color: rgb(56, 56, 55); background-color: rgb(56, 56, 55);" size="1"> <!-- / icon and title --> <!-- message --> After doing some picking in the garden this morning I will add to my menu.
Grilled sweet corn
Grilled yellow squash and zucchini
Maybe roasted butternut squash
fresh sliced tomatoes (several varieties)
All organic produce. All heirloom varieties except for the corn.
