Planning for 4th of July

We are going to visit my in-laws over 4th of July here. It is very fun and laid back. I will be doing alot of the cooking while we are there and everyone else plays golf. This great because I get to try out new recipes/cookbooks/menu combos that I am continually acquiring.

I have been working on some menu ideas over the last couple of weeks. This is because we will be bringing a cooler with meat and seafood from ATL. Everything has to be planned in advance. The grocery stores up there SUCK, SUCK, SUCK.

Possible Menu #1
My special salmon dip with crostini - it is a stand by
Grilled rib-eye steaks with parsley-garlic butter
Roasted Asparagus
Grilled Corn
Horseradish and Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes, my red potatoes and basil or something else


Possible Menu #2
Fresh vegetables and dip
BBQ chicken - The Barefoot Contessa, the original cookbook.
My secret Macaroni and Cheese
Green Beans with new potatoes
Cole Slaw

I am thinking about a Mexican night too. I have several new enchilada and taco recipes which would be fun to make. Menu #2, I have made all those recipes before, but not for the in-laws. All are crowd pleasers.

Still need to figure out if I want to bake anything. Do know that I am going to be doing a breakfast. I think it would be a good idea to focus on testing this cookbook, which was a recent purchase.




But I have plenty of time to cook up there since we will be there for 5 days. It is a much needed break coming my way.