4th of July: BBQ, Fireworks, and Freedom

The secret to ribs that fall off the bone is not boiling them; it's cooking them at low temperature (120-130°C) for hours. Use a dry rub of brown sugar, paprika, and garlic, and brush with barbecue sauce only for the last 15 minutes to caramelize without burning.

• Coleslaw: Cabbage and carrot with creamy mayonnaise, vinegar, and mustard sauce. The acid cleanses the fat from the meat.
• Corn on the Cob: Grilled with butter and salt.
• Mac & Cheese: Baked macaroni with cheese for the sweet tooths.

Berry Pie or a simple 'Trifle' in a glass alternating layers of cream, strawberries (red), and blueberries (blue) to imitate the flag. Fresh and thematic.