America’s 250th birthday is here, and it’s time to celebrate with fun, fellowship, fireworks, and — of course — food! This year’s backyard barbecue might be the most expensive Independence Day cookout to date, but that doesn’t mean you and your own don’t deserve to eat well. Here are five homemade staples that should make the semiquincentennial menu with all of your glorious grilling (anyone else want a hot dog real bad?) this weekend.
American Flag Cake
We’re starting off strong with the iconic berry-filled flag cake. Nothing screams patriotism at a picnic more than a sugary homage to Old Glory.
The good news is that making this classic dessert is as involved as you want it to be. Pressed for time? Opt to pop a quick box cake mix in a 9×13 pan and bake. Once that cools, crack open a tub of premade cream cheese frosting or Cool Whip, slap some strawberries or raspberries and blueberries across the top in American flag fashion, and you’re done.
If you want to take your time Martha Stewart-style, use her tried and true double sheet cake recipe. More of an Ina Garten gal looking for a fun twist? Make your base layer a tres leches cake covered in homemade whipped cream. A plastic baggie, a fun icing tip, and a quick piping YouTube tutorial will promote you from star-spangled sous to Betsy Ross baker in no time.
Sun Tea
Nothing beats the sweltering summer heat better than a big glass of iced tea brewed by the sun. The best part about this refreshing and historic drink is that you don’t have to pay the Brits a tax or baby a pot of boiling water to get it.
Simply stick a handful of your favorite black tea bags in a glass gallon pitcher or jar filled to the brim with water. Lid your jar and place the concoction in a sunny spot outside for a few hours (longer if you want it stronger) until there is a noticeable color change.
Pop in a pinch of sugar (ideally more – I won’t judge!) while your brew is still warm and pour it in a mason jar filled with ice, and voila! All you need to complete the perfect sun tea experience is a dusky sky dotted with fireworks, a nice porch rocker, some good company, and maybe a sprig of mint.
Cowboy Caviar
This tasty Tex-Mex side is a staple in our house, but really shines when it can be shared at a party. The base of cowboy caviar consists of black beans, black-eyed peas, tomatoes, corn, red onion, bell peppers, and jalapeños. Give your chopped ingredients a stir before tossing in olive oil, salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs.
Don’t be afraid to zhuzh your caviar creation up with fun ingredients like mango, avocado, feta, or honey. I love to toss my mixture in lime juice and sprinkle it with cilantro and flaky salt to finish. Serve with corn chips as an appetizer or as a pico for brisket tacos.
Small plug for Texas history here, because America wouldn’t be America without the Lone Star State. If you’ve never read the story of the Black Bean Lottery of 1843, now is your chance. Just don’t let it spoil your appetite for this delicious dish.
Homemade Pickles
Something about summer screams pickles, which is exactly why you should wow the crowds this weekend with your own batch of homemade brined veggies. Bread and butter pickles chaotically thrown together without a recipe are elite in my book. But if you’re one of those people who has to have flavor options and doesn’t believe in measuring with your heart, these dill and spicy pickle recipes will do.
Chop your cukes (bonus points if you get to put some of your garden gourds to use) into your preferred shape and marinate the slices with salt. Toast your spices in a heated pan before adding vinegar, more salt, and sugar for simmering. Once your ingredients are adequately combined, let the brine cool and then pour over your veggies. For best results, refrigerate overnight.
If you don’t have cucumbers (or a garden), don’t fret. Good picklers don’t discriminate. Toss any store-bought vegetable — zucchini, radish, beet, onion, or, my personal favorite, jalapeños — in your brine and go.
Serve your finished pickled product on the side with pretty much any red meat. Or, if you’re really feeling the spirit of independence, make them a standalone dish. Refrigerator pickles really are that good.
Watermelon Popsicles
It wouldn’t be July 4 without watermelon! Cool off from those record-breaking Independence Day temperatures with this traditional sweet treat in its frozen form.
Start by scooping out a seedless watermelon and blending up the juicy chunks. Add a squeeze of lime or chopped kiwi to the mix if you want some sourness. Pour your slush into popsicle molds (these silicone star molds are fun!) and freeze for a few hours before serving.
Don’t have a blender handy? Cut your watermelon into slices and pop a popsicle stick through the rind. Effortless, effective, and rated absolutely delicious by every kid ever. Move over Bomb Pop, there’s a new patriotic popsicle in town!
