Fourth of July

Looking at the weather forecast for this weekend, Atlanta is hitting the low to mid 90's all week with not a cloud in the sky! We all know what that means… Summer is here! The time for being outside, grilling out and waiting for fireworks to burst over head is near! That’s right! July 4th, Independence Day for the United States of America is just less than a month away!

This year, make it memorable – and leave your guests asking for you to make it an annual event! Check out our line of Patriotic Invitations, as well as our variety of Hot Barbeque Invitations to start your party planning!

We've included a few great recipes that you might include in your cookout. When looking for fun new recipes, I enjoy using allrecipes.com for their great conversion charts. I've tried a few of these recipes, and some just looked too good not to share! All pictures are from the allrecipes.com website.

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Quick Baby Back Ribs Prep Time: 15 Minutes Cook Time: 1 Hour Ready In: 1 Hour 15 Minutes Yields: 10 servings "This is an easy recipe for ribs that won't be tough at all! I tried this recipe the last time I made ribs for my family. Plenty for 9 hungry adults!"

INGREDIENTS:
2-1/2 cups mesquite chips, soaked
2-1/2 (2 pound) slabs baby back pork ribs
2-1/2 teaspoons salt
2-1/2 teaspoons freshly ground
pepper 2-1/2 teaspoons Hungarian paprika
2-1/2 teaspoons ancho chile
powder
1-1/4 teaspoons ground thyme
2-1/2 cups barbeque sauce

DIRECTIONS:
1. Prepare an outdoor grill for indirect heat - a pile of charcoal on one side, nothing under the food. Once it is going, throw some soaked mesquite woodchips on it. (You can do the same with a gas grill, just light one side at a low to medium heat.)
2. Remove the membrane from the ribs if the butcher has not already. Combine the salt, pepper, paprika, chile powder and thyme; rub onto the ribs. Cut the slab of ribs in half.
3. Place the ribs over indirect heat, and close the lid. Cook for 20 minutes, then brush with barbeque sauce. Cover, and continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes.

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Baked Beans Prep Time: 10 Minutes Cook Time: 50 Minutes Ready In: 1 Hour Yields: 12 servings "Baked beans baked - again - with pork, brown sugar, ketchup and Worcestershire sauce. My sister-in-law and I tend to race to the next helping of baked beans, so we always make extra!"

INGREDIENTS:
2 (29 ounce) cans baked beans
with pork
1 cup packed brown sugar 1 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons Worcestershire
sauce

DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a casserole dish, combine beans, brown sugar, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce.
3. Bake, covered, for 45 minutes or until bubbly.

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Veggie Kabobs Prep Time: 15 Minutes Cook Time: 10 Minutes Ready In : 25 Minutes Yields: As much as you want! "For something quick and light on the grill, some veggie kabobs are sure to add some color and extra flavor to your plate!"

INGREDIENTS:
Colorful, sweet vegetables (We used: green peppers, red peppers, onions, mushrooms)
Grill Seasoning (We used Montreal seasoning)
Kabob Sticks

DIRECTIONS:
1. Chop vegetables into cubes / chunks
2. Brush / sprinkle with olive oil
3. Sprinkle grill seasoning
4. Wrap in foil and place on the grill
5. Grill for about 10 minutes, or until texture desired(less cook time for crisper veggies)
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