Independence Day Recipes and Menu
(July 4th)

Preparation Notes: The barbecue sauce can be made several days ahead and refrigerated or several months ahead and frozen. The ice cream is best made at least several days ahead, placed in a covered container and frozen. Make the cheese spread, macaroni salad and coleslaw one or two days ahead and refrigerate. If using crostini, they can be made a day ahead and stored at room temperature in an airtight container.

The morning of the event, shuck the corn, make the deviled eggs and refrigerate both. Make the cobbler and keep at room temperature. Check the required cooking time of the pork, whether grilling or roasting and start when needed. The beans take very little time and can be kept warm for a short while. (Both the meat and the beans can be prepared up to several days ahead, refrigerated and reheated for serving.) Set out the pimento cheese for about 30 minutes to remove the chill, then guests can help themselves to that and the eggs as they arrive. Before dinner, set the macaroni salad and coleslaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Cook the corn just before serving using one of the methods in the recipe. Set out hamburger buns and any desired condiments, and don't forget lots of room temperature butter for the corn. About twenty minutes before dessert, place the ice cream in the refrigerator to soften slightly. Serve with the cobbler and enjoy!!!!