It’s Independence Day and you, your family and friends have a desire to celebrate the birth of the Land of The Free in style, so how about an outdoor party?! Below are some fantastic recipes to make this 4th of July party your best ever!

Peppery Grilled Okra With Lemon Basil Dipping Sauce

This starter is a marriage of the classic southern delight with a wonderful addition in the way of a dipping sauce.

Ingredients

Serves 8

• ¼ cup Chopped fresh basil
• ½ teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 container (34 oz) Plain yogurt
• 2 tbsp Lemon juice
• ¼ tsp sugar
• 2 pounds Fresh okra
• 1 ½ salt
• 1 ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• 2 tbsp Olive oil

Preparation

1. Take a strainer and line it with a coffee filter or 3 cheesecloth and spoon yogurt into it.
2. Cover and leave in the refrigerator for 24 hours.
3. When done, discard the filtered liquid and set the yogurt aside.
4. Preheat a grill to high heat (400-450 degrees).
5. Combine yogurt, basil, lemon juice, garlic, sugar, ½ tbsp salt and ¼ tbsp pepper.
6. Cover and refrigerate until serving time.
7. In a large bowl, toss the okra with the remaining 1 tbsp each of salt and pepper and olive oil.
8. Cover with grill lid and grill okra on high heat, turning 2-3 times on each side.
9. Set aside to cool for 5 minutes.
10. Serve with yogurt dipping sauce and a light pepper garnish.

All American Sirloin Steak Strips with Cilantro and Basil Yogurt Dip

The All-American favorite, this steak is beautifully simple and extremely delicious. Best when done rare-medium rare.

Ingredients

Serves 6-8

• 3 pounds Sirloin or eye round steaks
• ½ tsp Salt
• ¼ tsp Crushed black pepper
• ½ tsp Garlic powder
• ¼ tsp Seasoning salt
• 1 tbsp finely chopped Cilantro
• 1 tsp finely chopped basil
• 1 cup Plain yogurt
• 1 tbsp Unsalted butter

Preparation

1. Rub the sirloin or eye round well with salt, pepper, garlic powder and seasoning salt.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees, place the steaks in the pan and roast for 60 minutes, 20 minutes per pound.
3. Take out the steaks, drizzle with butter and set aside to rest for 15-20 minutes, frequently spooning the dripping butter back onto the steaks.
4. Pour the yogurt in a small bowl and mix in the cilantro and basil, beating briskly.
5. Cut the steaks into 1 inch thick strips and serve with the dip.

Classic Macaroni and Cheese

The old favorite with a basil garnish, this will appeal especially to the little ones

Ingredients

• 1 pound Sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 (16 oz) pack Elbow macaroni
• 1 (12 oz can) Evaporated milk
• 1 tbsp Butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Dried basil for garnish

Preparation

1. Bring 2-3 liters of lightly salted water to a boil, add the macaroni and cook till tender. Drain.
2. Take a medium sized casserole dish and grease well.
3. Layer a quarter of the cooked macaroni at the bottom and top with an even layer of around a quarter of the cheese slices.
4. Season with the salt and pepper and drizzle with butter.
5. Repeat the layering 3 times and top with evaporated milk.
6. Bake until golden brown on top, garnish with dried basil and serve.

Lemonade Sweet Tea

Combining two of the most refreshing and healthy beverages, this lovely sweet tea cools down the heat from all the meat and spice.

Ingredients

• 2 Family sized tea bags
• 3 cups water
• 4 cups cold water
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 tbsp Fresh mint leaves
• 6 oz Frozen lemonade concentrate

Preparation

1. Bring the 3 cups of water to a boil.
2. Remove from heat, add the tea bags and stir in the mint leaves and steep for 10 minutes.
3. Remove the tea bags and discard. Stir in the sugar well until completely dissolved.
4. Pour into a 3-qt container, add the cold water, lemonade concentrate and mix well.
5. Serve with a fresh citrus slice garnish.