Our Favorite Fourth of July Recipes

Fill these yummy sliders with thinly sliced herb-garlic beef tenderloin, crisp radishes, and peppery watercress. Horseradish sauce adds even more zip.

No ice cream machine is needed to make this chilly sorbet. Personalize to your taste by adding raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, or a mix. Fresh mint adds brightness.

Homemade cherry barbecue sauce is the secret to these delicious, utensils-free pork chops.

For a showstopping side dish, arrange sweetened blackberries, creamy feta cheese, and pickled onions on a platter.

For an easy, portable party dish, chop red potatoes, onions, and veggies, and toss with greens, cherry tomatoes, and dressing; serve in individual cups.

A savory-sweet topping of grilled mango, onion, and jerk seasoning takes classic brats to the next level.

Pucker up with a lemon shake by blending vanilla ice cream with lemonade. Add sparkle to the glass rims with crushed lemon drop candies and sugar.

Root beer gives these slow cooker sandwiches a rich color and pleasant sweetness.

For a refreshing dessert, try this pear liqueur-laced sorbet recipe.

A favorite summer side dish -- grilled corn -- is dressed up with a salsa featuring fresh tomatoes, basil, and tangy feta cheese.

Cookbook author Elizabeth Krummel's easy barbecue sauce for hot dogs is imaginative. "I borrowed the sweetness from Kansas City, fun use of soda from the barbecue circuit, and balanced it with savory ingredients."

Fresh strawberries, blended into a syrup, make classic lemonade even more refreshing. Serve guests a glass as they arrive.

For a pretty starter course, top a mixture of lettuce, peppers, bacon, and onion with these easy-to-make deviled eggs. A splash of dill vinaigrette adds fresh flavor.

Pile this smoky brisket on toasted rolls and add your favorite barbecue sauce and fresh veggies. To keep underside of brisket from getting charred during cooking, smoke it on foil.

Almond extract puts a fresh, festive spin on this classic summer drink -- and here's a pretty way to serve it at your get together.

A rosemary and salt rub keeps this steak and potato recipe nice and simple; the tangy olive mayonnaise, which requires just four ingredients, makes the perfect finishing touch.

Baked beans are a summertime staple - and this simple recipe can be made on your stovetop. For a pretty topper add a dollop of sour cream, fresh basil leaves, and chopped tomatoes.

A savory-sweet glaze of peach preserves, vinegar, and horseradish puts a special spin on grilled chicken thighs. Serve it with a side of grilled veggies.

This summer spin on dipped apples can't be beat. A sugary cinnamon coating gives the apples a touch of heat; serve it on a layer of fresh blueberries.

Fresh raspberries and blueberries are tucked between layers of luscious lemon filling and crispy pastry -- creating the ultimate Fourth of July dessert.