4th of July Cookout: TCV Appetizers, Salads, and Desserts

We're so excited about the 4th of July! Last year's highlight was a really nice and chill lunch outside with a couple of friends and some vegetarian paella on the grill; today, we're starting to think about what we'll grill out this time around.

We have blueberries ready for a pie and a general plan to make grilled carrot dogs. Also in the mix is a red, white, and blue dress from one of the patriotically attired mannequins here. We have some flag cups and toothpicks from a closeout sale last year. That's about as far as we've gotten. And, of course, seeing some fireworks on a 66-degree-low (!) Friday night. Love this part of the summer.

Earlier this week, we gathered a bunch of main-dish recipes and put together a new recipe for BBQ Artichoke Heart Tacos. Now here are some ideas for some of the extras for the celebration this Friday. So do you have plans together for what you're going make? Comment below and let's compare notes!

Appetizers:

Lemon Zest and Thyme Pimento Cheese (also used in our Tomato Pie)

Baked Cauliflower Wings 

Better Jalapeño Poppers

Deviled Tomatoes


Salads:

Grilled Watermelon Salad

Kale Caesar Salad

Summer Salad


Desserts:

Banana Pudding Ice Cream Cake

Mascarpone Banana Pudding in a Jar

Nannie's Blueberry Pie

Grilled Peach Ice Cream

Mixed Berry Crisp for a Crowd