How to Feed the Fourth: A Round-Up of Easy, Delicious, and Maybe-a-Little-Bit-French Recipes for Independence Day

I look forward to the 4th of July all year.  It is, precisely, my second favorite holiday (between Thanksgiving and New Year’s).  When we are in Florida, we bring a picnic to the beach, and sit in the hot sand, and watch the fireworks explode over the ocean.  Nothing is more American than that.

As I’m now a Londoner, I’ll be at work tomorrow, but please do grant me a wish and have some fun on my behalf!  If you happen to be having a party, and I hope you are, and are looking for some gastronomic inspiration, look no further.  Here is my vicarious cooking wish list for tomorrow.  Bon app!  Enjoy those fireworks for me!

Follow the links in blue for recipes…

Dips for Chips

Spinach Artichoke Boursin Dip

Spinach and Artichoke Boursin Dip

Creamy Hot Spinach and Artichoke Boursin Dip

Seriously Good Chunky Seared Tuna and Avocado Dip

Holy Smokes Chipotle Guacamole

Holy Smokes Chipotle Guacamole

Holy Smokes Chipotle Guacamole

French Onion Shallot Dip

French “Onion” Caramelized Shallot Dip

French “Onion” Caramelized Shallot Dip

Avocado and Goat Cheese Dip with Root Veggie Chips

Snacks

Curried Sweet Potato Chips

Curried Sweet Potato Chips

Curried Sweet Potato Chips

Hot Dog Vol au Vent

Fried Cornichons

Southern Fried Cornichons

Southern Fried Cornichons

Sandwiches & Tacos

Niçoise Tuna Melts

Niçoise Tuna Melts

Niçoise Tuna Melts

Crispy Soft Shell Crab Sandwiches

Crispy Soft Shell Crab Sandwiches

Crispy Soft Shell Crab Sandwiches with Avocado, Tomato, and Tarragon

Chipotle Steak Tacos

Fiery Chipotle Steak Tacos

Fiery Chipotle Steak Soft Tacos

Smoky Guacamole and Black Bean Tacos

Meats

Apricot and Rosemary Oven Ribs

Apricot and Rosemary Oven Ribs

Apricot and Rosemary Oven Ribs

Pomegranate Molasses BBQ Ribs

Black & Bleu: Black Pepper Steak with Creamy Blue Cheese

Fresh Herbes de Provence Grilled Steak Tenderloin

Salads

Campanelle Pasta Salad

Campanelle Pasta Salad

Smoky, Fresh Campanelle with Eggplant Caviar Pasta Salad

Chipotle Slaw

Chipotle Slaw

Red Hot Chipotle Slaw

Simple Carrot and Celeriac Slaw

Heirloom Tomato Salad with Fleur de Sel

Drinks

Vanilla Tea

Vanilla Tea

Sweet Vanilla Iced Black Tea

Sweets

Sweet and Salty Maple Popcorn and Peanuts

Marmalade and Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream

Marmalade and Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream

Marmalade and Dark Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream