For most of us, the 4th of July means grilling or barbequing. My favorite is barbequeing (slow smoking) ribs but I've also been known to fire-roast Cornish game hens, grill steaks or kebabs, and smoke a whole salmon. I've listed a few of my favorite recipes below for both barbequing/grilling and suitable side dishes. Note that the Dry Rub and Barbeque Sauce were developed to work together. To learn more about grilling, barbequing, and smoking check out the About guide to Barbeques and Grilling.
Pork Dry Rub - A Pig's Best Friend
Kevin D Weeks
This pork dry rub recipe isn't particularly hot and, unlike many rubs, it doesn't contain any sugar because I also use it for grilled pork and the sugar will burn. Try this on smoked pork butt, pork ribs (smoked or grilled), and grilled chops.
Kevin's Barbeque Sauce - 30 Years of Refinement
Kevin D Weeks
This recipe for barbeque sauce is lightly sweet, distinctly tart, complexly flavored, and as spicy as you want to make it. It's great on barebqued ribs, pulled pork, and grilled pork chops.
Jerk Seasoning - Spice from the Caribbean
Kevin D Weeks
This jerk seasoning spice mixture is great on fish, shrimp, pork, and chicken. It will keep in a sealed jar out of the light for six months so I always keep some on hand.
Grilled Lemon Chicken: Tart and Sassy
Kevin D Weeks
By long tradition, these grilled lemon chicken breasts are the first thing I grill each year when it finally warms up enough to cook comfortably outside are these chicken breasts. Serves 2.
Mititei - Marvelous Romanian Sausages
Kevin D Weeks
This is a recipe for mititei, a Romanian sausage that can be made with beef, lamb, pork, or a combination. They're delicious grilled and served with mustard. Serves 2.
Couscous and Dried Fruit - Perfect with Roast Poultry
Kevin D Weeks
Couscous and dried fruit is delightful accompaniment to a multitude of main dishes but couscous and dried fruit is at it's best with roasted or grilled poultry. Serves 2.
Grilled Mushrooms
Grilling intensifies the flavor of mushrooms while a bit of smoke adds a wonderful highlight. Derrick Riches, About Guide to Barbeques and Grilling, has some great suggestions for these delicacies.Tabouleh - Wheat and Herb Salad
Tabouleh is one of my favorite summer salads, it's cool, refreshing, and makes great use of summer veggies. I always make enough for six and enjoy the leftovers as a snack or lunch.Buttermilk/Pineapple Sorbet - The Perfect Summer Dessert
Kevin D Weeks
This Buttermilk/Pineapple Sorbet is wonderfully fresh and a perfect end to meals consisting of grilled steak, smoked ribs, or fried chicken. Serves 4 - 6.
Applesauce Cookies - A Deliciously Spicy Treat
Kevin D Weeks
As a rule, I'm not a huge cookie fan, but I am a huge picnic fan and cookies can't be matched as a dessert to take on picnics. These Applesauce Cookies are soft, spicy and frankly irresitable.
