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Celebrate the American way

On the Fourth of July we Americans will celebrate with a bang, especially in honor of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. To show our national pride we’ll fly the flag, march in parades and shoot off fireworks. We will also eat because what is a celebration without food. It’s the American way. I prefer to stay home on the fourth and invite friends and family over for a cookout. And whether the menu is burgers and dogs, or steaks or chicken, I like to keep it simple, so I can join the party. Barbecued chicken is my choice because it’s delicious and also the ...

This Stars and Stripes Pie is designed to wow on the Fourth of July

For the Stars and Stripes Pie in my cookbook, “50 Pies, 50 States,” I wanted something that would be a showstopper at any Fourth of July barbecue. I got fancy, using foil as a divider when filling the pie to mimic the color blocking of the flag. I used two fillings — strawberry and ...

Rising beef prices change what Americans grill this Fourth of July

Beef prices hit record levels right before the Fourth of July. Ground beef prices increased 19% from last year, and at $9.60 per pound, fresh beef prices are up 13%. This steers the holiday cookout in a new direction for many Americans. Forget heaps of steaks and burgers. Instead, prepare for chicken thighs and pork chops, lots of sides and a few burgers tucked into one corner. This is how the American cookout looks this year. Beef hits record prices, chicken and pork hold steady Beef has never cost more at the grocery store, with ground beef priced $1.10 more per pound than the ...

Surprise guests with this treat at your next backyard barbecue

METRO — Grilling enthusiasts know there’s no limits when it comes to foods that can be improved when cooked over an open flame. The unique flavor profile of foods cooked on the grill is impossible to match, and that’s perhaps one reason why grilling devotees are willing to try their hand at grilling anything. Perhaps no food is less associated with grilling than a banana. But this recipe for “Grilled Bananas Stuffed With Marshmallows and Chocolate Squares” from Lines+Angles is proof that all foods can be given a new and flavorful life when cooked over an open flame. Come your ...

Melon rocks

Last weekend I had my first taste of this season’s watermelon. It was juicy sweet, cool and refreshing on a hot summer day. Though it’s hard to improve on their natural flavor, did you know that melons, combined with other ingredients offer a pleasant surprise to the tastebuds. If you are looking for an easy appetizer, try melon, mozzarella and prosciutto skewers. Another combination of sweet and salty is Watermelon Salad, cubes of watermelon enhanced with feta cheese, onion, lime and a hint of fresh mint or basil. Parched? Quench your thirst with Frozen Watermelon Lemonade. ...