Next Saturday, July 4th is the first official food holiday of summer. Today I share my favorite recipes for this hot, hazy holiday.  Both the Red Beans and Rice with Chili Vinaigrette and the Coca-Cola Cake travel well, so they’re good recipes to make for a potluck picnic. Enjoy the day and be safe with fireworks, especially if children are running around the yard.

Guacamole – Plain and Simple

Black Bean and Corn Salsa

Kentucky-style Slow-Cooker Pork Barbecue (if you don’t have time to hang out by the grill)

Flat Iron Steak with Brown Sugar Rub

Red Beans and Rice with Chili Vinaigrette

Mojitos and Blueberry Mojitos

Nina’s Coca-Cola Cake