Rack M Nation: Independence Edition

The 4th of July is upon us. That means, grilling, drankin', and blowin' stuff up. Personally I like to stick to the first two and let someone else take their own hand off, but you do you guys. For this special edition of Rack M Nation I tried to put together some new recipes along with some stuff I've already tried and have been waiting to share. So, lets not dilly dally any longer, on with the food!

Snacks

Any 4th BBQ or cookout needs something to munch on during the day. Chips N dip, pasta salads, whatever you want. Here are a couple options I've enjoyed that won't totally bust your diet either.

Garlic Ginger Edamame: a bit of an asian inspired snack here that is perfect for munching on through out the day. They're best warm but really don't have to be kept heated all day to enjoy.

Crunchy Roasted Chickpeas: holy crap these are good. You can just salt and pepper em like fries, do a bit of cinnamon and sugar to get your sweet tooth going or go all Bill C. and add some Siracha to kick it up a notch.

Sides

We're getting into the really good stuff shortly, but no matter what your main entree' is, you gotta have good sides to pair it with!

Homemade Onion Rings: Mmmmm, crispy golden fried onion rings. Yes and please.

Baked Asparagus Fries: These seriously do not suck. They are crunchy and flavorful. They taste like something you'd find at a fine dining establishment on their "happy hour" menu. Good stuff.

Parmesan Dill Potato Salad: People love potato salads. I don't know why, but they do. I made this for a family get together and all the old people raved about it. I guess thats a good thing. Give it a while if you are into such things.

Entrees

Yes! Here we are. Meat! Meat! Meat! When meat hits the fire just right and you hear that sizzle and smell that flesh cooking up just right....its a thing of beauty. I gotta admit, I'm salivating hard core at my desk right now just thinking about the BBQ tonight and steaks tomorrow.

Flank Steak Pinwheels: These are perfect for cookouts as either an app or an entree. I almost feel like they're too good and pretty for an app, but whatever floats your meat loving boat. I've had em twice and mixed the stuffing up a bit each time and its ooohhh soo good.

Slow Smoke Porterhouse: Since the wife got preggers and can't eat any non well done beef (Not you Beef) I get to cook my steak as rare as I like and I like em damn near bloody. This reverse sear style has worked wonders for me and I find it a lot easier to get a steak good and red all the way through with a solid sear on the outside. The thicker the cut the better on these suckers.

Desserts

Now kids, if you don't have delicious, sweet desserts at your cook out the communists have finally won. Seriously, we are the land of the free and the home of the brave because those brave men and women know how to eat.

Watermelon Berry Mint Popsicles: Popsicles with watermelon, blue berries and mint? Hellz yeah. These are great for the little ones and you can always melt one down in a glass and a shot of vodka to it, if you know, you're in the mood for such things.

Very Berry Pound Cake: You must have a red, white and blue themed dessert. Its a rule documented somewhere. this cake has more berries than cream cheese icing, so you can enjoy those summer time flavors.

Thats all I've got for ya. What are you guys and gals cooking, eating and/or blowing up this weekend?

As always have fun, eat good food, enjoy good beverages, be safe and shoot any and all fireworks directly at kU fans.