Fourth of July

A great barbecue thirst-quencher.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

The filling is wonderfully creamy, like ice cream, but is made without using an ice cream machine. Be sure to have plenty of extra fruit to go along with the torte.

We liked fleur de sel or Malden flaked sea salt best in this recipe, though other types work fine. If using coarse sea salt instead of flaked or fine, crush it lightly.

There's a southern accent to this entrée, so round out the menu with corn muffins, coleslaw and three-bean salad; then bring on the coconut layer cake.

Top the grown-ups' burgers with the caramelized onions with barbecue sauce and be sure to have mayonnaise and mustard on hand. Serve corn on the cob and the baked potato wedges to the whole crowd.

This salad is excellent with burgers and corn on the cob.

Brush thick slices of country-style bread with olive oil and grill until golden, about two minutes per side. Serve alongside steaks. What to drink: Beckmen Vineyards 2000 Syrah, Estate, Santa Ynez Valley, or another light-bodied Syrah.

Ripe tomatoes, basil and fresh corn enhance a terrific side dish.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Zucchini and dill add a fresh twist to the classic, which is a winner served with other summer classics, like sandwiches, hot dogs, burgers and barbecued chicken.

For extra eye appeal, use tricolor pasta in this fresh-from-the-garden salad.

This is the one potato salad that purists dream of-plenty of tangy dressing and just a bit of crunch. Low-fat or nonfat mayonnaise and sour cream can be used.