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Top 10 Summer Holiday Recipes

By , About.com Guide

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Summer holidays are special. Not only are they a celebration of our country, but they are a celebration of the wonderful foods at their best during the warm summer months. Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day all demand delicious and easy foods you can serve anywhere, from the backyard barbecue to a boat.

1. Grilled Steak with Herb Butter

Grilled Steak with Herb ButterLinda Larsen

A grilled steak is the perfect splurge for a holiday entertaining menu. Even if it's just you, your spouse, and kids, grill at least one steak this summer to make some great memories. The Herb Butter is filled with pistachios for even more flavor and texture.

2. My Mom's Potato Salad

My Mother's Potato SaladLinda Larsen

Yes, this is the best potato salad. Period.

3. All-American Burgers

All-American BurgerLinda Larsen
These classic burgers are delicious, moist, tender, and flavorful when cooked on the grill. Or, if it's raining, broil 'em! Serve on toasted onion buns with sliced tomatoes, cheese, and mustard. Yes, mustard! It complements the sweet tomatoes and the smoky burgers to perfection.

4. Brownie Flag

Brownie FlagLinda Larsen

This gorgeous dessert has the best texture. Combining two small brownie mixes to make a large pan makes the brownies super chewy and moist. And the two different kinds of frosting add wonderful flavor. Let the kids decorate it for the most fun!

5. Dilled Coleslaw

Dilled ColeslawLinda Larsen

Coleslaw is a fabulous side salad for everything from grilled steak to burgers to chicken. And you can use the coleslaw leftovers in such fabulous ways! Oh, and don't worry about the mayonnaise in the salad. Yes, you should keep it cool, but mayo is an acidic food, so it's less likely to be a problem with food safety than other salad ingredients.

6. Red, White, and Blue Trifle

Linda Larsen

It's fun to make red, white, and blue foods for patriotic American holidays. This gorgeous trifle uses the best fruits of the season, in my opinion: raspberries, cherries, and blueberries. It serves a crowd, and it's easy because you have to make it ahead of time. Just serve and eat!

7. Bacon Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes

Bacon Stuff Cherry TomatoesLinda Larsen
Cherry tomatoes and grape tomatoes are tender, sweet, and juicy this time of year. Stuffed with crisp bacon, rich mayonnaise, and nutty cheese, these little gems are like a mini BLT sandwich, without the L!

8. Raspberry Mint Turkey Salad

Raspberry Turkey Mint SaladLinda Larsen
This fabulous salad has the best combination of flavors and textures. The mint is a really inspired addition; it makes the salad taste unbelievably fresh without adding too much flavor. And the raspberries and asparagus, combined with the pasta and turkey, is so good.

9. The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate Chip CookiesLinda Larsen
This recipe is especially patriotic, because it's the favorite treat of the Air Crew on a US Navy Vessel! I love that fact. And the cookies are just divine; perfect for a picnic or dessert after a barbecue.

10. Fresh Corn Salad

Fresh Corn SaladLinda Larsen

This beautiful recipe is a fabulous way to enjoy fresh corn. Try to make it using corn just off the cob. The kernels that are still fused together have the most wonderful flavor and texture. And the basil and Parmesan cheese dressing is the perfect complement to the fresh veggies.

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