Happy Independence Day everyone! My parents are in town this week to celebrate my dad’s big birthday  and the 4th of July holiday. We’ve seen geysers and bison in Yellowstone National Park, spelunked in the Lewis & Clark Caverns, and had a neighborly BBQ at our house. It’s been a good week, and tomorrow we look forward to more BBQ and a fireworks show in the backyard, gulp! I hope you all enjoy your 4th and here are some classic recipes if you’re having family or friends for dinner or lunch or headed to a potluck.

Guaranteed Crowd Pleaser: Kabobs!

Appetizer of Easy, Make-Ahead Meatballs

Side-Salad of Ortensia Blu’s Orzo with Roasted Red Pepper, Black Olives and Ricotta Salata

Alton Brown’s Cold-Fashioned Potato Salad: A Reliable 4th of July Classic

Dessert: Peach Pecan Crumble Bars