Simple Suggestions Add More to an Independence Day Cookout

The two things that make July fourth special: an annual five-kilometer run and plenty of food!

I run several races a year and especially enjoy doing the runs on holidays. My wife understands my need to always do a run on holidays and while she does not like it, she does not do anything to stop me. She even knows that my promise that it will only "be an hour" means that I will be gone all morning.

According to the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association, Independence Day, seventy-one percent of grill owners will opt to cook outside. Hot dogs and burgers on the grill are very popular and it is recommended that the host add to this with unique and different food items such as grilled vegetables, and other appetizers.

The race should be over in about twenty-two to twenty five minutes and then I will be get back to the house and change into my grilling clothes. For many children, playing dress-up is fun, whether it is a super hero, a Disney princess or even to be like mommy and daddy. When grilling, I add to the Fourth of July cookout by wearing chef clothes. A pair of chef pants, and a hat will add some fun to an American flag t-shirt and can be purchased at most uniform stores or on-line.

This summer, I am growing an assortment of hot peppers, tomatoes and there are planters of fresh cilantro, mint and basil in my garden. Most of the recipes below incorporate the produce from my garden; however these ingredients are available at most grocery stores or markets.

For the past several weeks, the herbs have been used to add flavor to salads and marinades. By taking a few leaves at a time, the fresh herbs are used and the plant can continue to mature. This salsa is easy to make and uses the tomatillos, peppers and cilantro from the garden

Spicy Pineapple Salsa

1 cup sweet and sour sauce

½ cup pineapple, diced

¼ cup red onion diced

¼ cup tomatillo, diced

1 hot pepper, finely chopped

2 green onions, finely chopped

1 tsp cilantro, finely chopped

Mix all of the ingredients together in a small bowl. Chill overnight and serve with chips

Muddling is a technique in which ingredients are mashed and blended together to add texture, scent and taste to mixed drinks. This is a simple technique can be accomplished in the glass or pitcher with a small pestle. One should gently apply pressure my pressing down and twist the muddler three to four times.

The recipe for simple syrup is equal parts of confectioner's sugar and water which can be found in most cookbooks. Additional syrup can be added for a sweeter drink. The recipe below is for a pitcher that will serve eight to ten people. As a rule of thumb, use one shot of vodka per serving.

Mint Blackberry Cooler

1 Cup of blackberries

1 bunch of mint sprigs

1 Cup of simple syrup

2 Cups Vodka

1 Cup club soda

In a large pitcher, muddle the mint and one half cup of blackberries and add ice. Add vodka, syrup, and club soda and chill until ready

To grills brats, it is best to simmer them in beer for a half hour prior to placing them on the grill. This marinade is a similar to a white marinade that is best used for chicken and fish; however, the vinegar and water are replaced with a twelve-ounce bottle of beer. Also, the white marinade recipe calls for a quarter teaspoon each of thyme, rosemary and oregano; however, these herbs are substituted with fresh mint, basil and cilantro from my garden.

Brats in Beer Marinade

6 brats, uncooked

1, 12-ounce bottle of beer

¼ teaspoon each finely chopped mint, basil, and cilantro.

¼ teaspoon of garlic powder

1/8 teaspoon of sea salt

1/8 teaspoon of pepper

Mix all of the ingredients in a pot and add the brats. Simmer on low heat for thirty minutes prior to grilling.

Cooking temperature is important not only to prevent illness, but also to ensure that all of the flavors come out. Using medium heat will prevent overcooking and charring when cooking meat, poultry or seafood. When grilling, it is recommended to use tongs to turn the food often to prevent charring. Additional suggestions are available at www.HPBA.org.