{"id":2623199,"date":"2026-07-03T09:05:57","date_gmt":"2026-07-03T13:05:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/5-easy-homemade-staples-im-bringing-to-the-july-4-bbq-and-you-should-too\/"},"modified":"2026-07-03T09:13:56","modified_gmt":"2026-07-03T13:13:56","slug":"5-easy-homemade-staples-im-bringing-to-the-july-4-bbq-and-you-should-too","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/5-easy-homemade-staples-im-bringing-to-the-july-4-bbq-and-you-should-too\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Easy Homemade Staples I\u2019m Bringing To The July 4 BBQ"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"float:left\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">22<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2F5-easy-homemade-staples-im-bringing-to-the-july-4-bbq-and-you-should-too%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2623199&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>Celebrating America\u2019s 250th birthday with festive foods and drinks, this piece offers ideas for a patriotic menu. It highlights five homemade favorites: a classic American flag cake, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/former-media-matters-senior-fellow-eric-boehlert-dies-at-56\/\" title=\"Former Media Matters Senior Fellow Eric Boehlert Dies at 56\">sun tea<\/a> brewed outdoors, cowboy caviar as a flavorful side, homemade pickles for summer snacking, and watermelon popsicles to beat the heat. Each recipe includes simple tips and suggestions for customizing or elevating the dish, perfect for a backyard barbecue or gathering. The article combines patriotic spirit with practical cooking advice, encouraging readers to enjoy holiday traditions with delicious homemade treats.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<div>\n<p>America\u2019s 250th birthday is here, and it\u2019s time to celebrate with fun, fellowship, fireworks, and \u2014 of course \u2014 food! This year\u2019s backyard barbecue might be the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fb.org\/market-intel\/fourth-of-july-cookout-costs-reflect-inflation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">most expensive Independence Day cookout to date<\/a>, but that doesn\u2019t mean you and your own don\u2019t deserve to eat well. Here are five homemade staples that should make the semiquincentennial menu with all of your glorious grilling (anyone else <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=TOECY-uk2HE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">want a hot dog real bad<\/a>?) this weekend.<\/p>\n<h2>American Flag Cake<\/h2>\n<p>We\u2019re starting off strong with the iconic berry-filled flag cake. Nothing screams patriotism at a picnic more than a sugary homage to Old Glory. <\/p>\n<p>The good news is that making this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/twitter-melts-down-over-klondikes-iconic-choco-taco-being-discontinued-unacceptable-appalling-outrageous\/\" title=\"Twitter Melts Down Over Klondike...s Iconic Choco Taco Being Discontinued: \u2018Unacceptable. Appalling. Outrageous...\">classic dessert<\/a> is as involved as you want it to be. Pressed for time? Opt to pop a quick box cake mix in a 9\u00d713 pan and bake. Once that cools, crack open a tub of premade cream cheese frosting or Cool Whip, slap some strawberries or raspberries and blueberries across the top in American flag fashion, and you\u2019re done.<\/p>\n<p>If you want to take your time Martha Stewart-style, use her <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marthastewart.com\/flag-cake-recipe-11978570\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">tried and <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\" >true double sheet cake recipe<\/a><\/a>. More of an Ina Garten gal looking for a fun twist? Make your base layer a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.foodnetwork.com\/recipes\/ina-garten\/tres-leches-cake-with-berries-1-6565515\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">tres leches cake<\/a> covered in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/aclk?sa=L&#038;pf=1&#038;ai=DChsSEwjvvavu06-VAxU5sgMAHZAWIb8YACICCAEQAhoCb2E&#038;co=1&#038;ase=2&#038;gclid=CjwKCAjw0o3SBhBVEiwAh28-jUDvxV0gNKvAKQ73FsA5YdTtwIOWlhmiZidEAflvj9_CToes-wKUoBoCgYsQAvD_BwE&#038;ei=MBNEauezCPCzmtkPgbjNuAw&#038;cid=CAASWeRoO5rO2s0nZY4CC9q0TZzl1aLWAPNLrvrXgr_ZEmKHPgt01MTUsCkUY6xpnxCj37I3wDfYQRBpbaDqFyq6glw4H8sur9x_0PuH7PAckJkwYpg_nhhCDiMu&#038;cce=2&#038;category=acrcp_v1_32&#038;sig=AOD64_34ozHRZff3KZn2FE_B4OwsleJDMw&#038;q&#038;sqi=2&#038;nis=4&#038;adurl=https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a80910\/4-ways-to-make-whipped-cream\/?utm_source%3Dgoogle%26utm_medium%3Dcpc%26utm_campaign%3Dmgu_ga_pw_md_dsa_prog_org_us_21046854605%26gad_source%3D1%26gad_campaignid%3D21046854605%26gbraid%3D0AAAAABxutSpxAaUg0X39IjrYjB-tshcGm%26gclid%3DCjwKCAjw0o3SBhBVEiwAh28-jUDvxV0gNKvAKQ73FsA5YdTtwIOWlhmiZidEAflvj9_CToes-wKUoBoCgYsQAvD_BwE&#038;ved=2ahUKEwjni6Xu06-VAxXwmSYFHQFcE8cQ0Qx6BAgWEAE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">homemade whipped cream<\/a>. A plastic baggie, a fun icing tip, and a quick piping YouTube tutorial will promote you from star-spangled sous to Betsy Ross baker in no time.<\/p>\n<blockquote data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DaIGiPrlYPK\/?utm_source=ig_embed&#038;utm_campaign=loading\" data-instgrm-version=\"14\"><\/blockquote>\n<h2>Sun Tea<\/h2>\n<p>Nothing beats the sweltering summer heat better than a big glass of iced tea brewed by the sun. The best part about this refreshing and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.foodrepublic.com\/2015\/07\/15\/sun-tea-so-much-more-than-sun-brewed-tea\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">historic drink<\/a> is that you don\u2019t have to pay the Brits a tax or baby a pot of boiling water to get it. <\/p>\n<p>Simply stick a handful of your favorite black tea bags in a glass gallon pitcher or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/gop-lawmaker-confronts-biden-official-with-jar-of-wristbands-showing-grim-reality-at-border\/\" title=\"GOP lawmaker shows Biden official grim reality at border with wristband jar.\">jar filled<\/a> to the brim with water. Lid your jar and place the concoction in a sunny spot outside for a few hours (longer if you want it stronger) until there is a noticeable color change.<\/p>\n<p>Pop in a pinch of sugar (ideally more \u2013 I won\u2019t judge!) while your brew is still warm and pour it in a mason jar filled with ice, and voila! All you need to complete the perfect sun tea experience is a dusky sky <a href=\"https:\/\/thefederalist.com\/2025\/07\/03\/this-is-your-sign-to-shoot-the-biggest-baddest-fireworks-on-independence-day\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">dotted with fireworks<\/a>, a nice porch rocker, some good company, and maybe a sprig of mint. <\/p>\n<h2>Cowboy Caviar<\/h2>\n<p>This tasty Tex-Mex side is a staple in our house, but really shines when it can be shared at a party. The base of cowboy caviar <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a40943378\/cowboy-caviar-recipe\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">consists<\/a> of black beans, black-eyed peas, tomatoes, corn, red onion, bell peppers, and jalape\u00f1os. Give your chopped ingredients a stir before tossing in olive oil, salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs.<\/p>\n<p>Don\u2019t be afraid to zhuzh your caviar creation up with fun ingredients like mango, avocado, feta, or honey. I love to toss my mixture in lime juice and sprinkle it with cilantro and flaky salt to finish. Serve with corn chips as an appetizer or as a pico for brisket tacos. <\/p>\n<p>Small plug for Texas history here, because America wouldn\u2019t be America without the Lone Star State. If you\u2019ve never read the story of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tshaonline.org\/texas-day-by-day\/entry\/40\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Black Bean Lottery of 1843<\/a>, now is your chance. Just don\u2019t let it spoil your appetite for this delicious dish. <\/p>\n<h2>Homemade Pickles<\/h2>\n<p>Something about summer screams pickles, which is exactly why you should wow the crowds this weekend with your own batch of homemade brined veggies. Bread and butter pickles chaotically thrown together without a recipe are elite in my book. But if you\u2019re one of those people who has to have flavor options and doesn\u2019t believe in measuring with your heart, these <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onceuponachef.com\/recipes\/quick-and-easy-dill-pickles.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">dill<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.chilipeppermadness.com\/recipes\/refrigerator-pickles-recipe\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">spicy<\/a> pickle recipes will do.<\/p>\n<p>Chop your cukes (bonus points if you get to put some of your garden gourds to use) into your preferred shape and marinate the slices with salt. Toast your spices in a heated pan before adding vinegar, more salt, and sugar for simmering. Once your ingredients are adequately combined, let the brine cool and then pour over your veggies. For best results, refrigerate overnight.<\/p>\n<p>If you don\u2019t have cucumbers (or a garden), don\u2019t fret. Good picklers don\u2019t discriminate. Toss any store-bought vegetable \u2014 zucchini, radish, beet, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reel\/C3x_S7EvT1A\/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&#038;igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">onion<\/a>, or, my personal favorite, jalape\u00f1os \u2014 in your brine and go.<\/p>\n<p>Serve your finished pickled product on the side with pretty much any red meat. Or, if you\u2019re really feeling the spirit of independence, make them a standalone dish. Refrigerator pickles really are <em>that<\/em> good.<\/p>\n<h2>Watermelon Popsicles<\/h2>\n<p>It wouldn\u2019t be July 4 without watermelon! Cool off from those <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbsnews.com\/news\/heat-wave-hottest-july-4th-record-temperatures\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">record-breaking Independence Day temperatures<\/a> with this traditional sweet treat in its frozen form. <\/p>\n<p>Start by scooping out a seedless watermelon and blending up the juicy chunks. Add a squeeze of lime or chopped kiwi to the mix if you want some sourness. Pour your slush into popsicle molds (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.michaels.com\/product\/star-popsicles-silicone-mold-set-by-makery-10802818\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">these silicone star molds are fun!<\/a>) and freeze for a few hours before serving.<\/p>\n<p>Don\u2019t have a blender handy? Cut your watermelon into slices and pop a popsicle stick through the rind. Effortless, effective, and rated absolutely delicious by every kid ever. Move over <a href=\"https:\/\/bombpop.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bomb Pop<\/a>, there\u2019s a new patriotic popsicle in town!<\/p>\n<hr>\n<p>      Jordan Boyd is an award-winning staff writer at The Federalist and producer of \u201cThe Federalist Radio Hour.\u201d Her work has also been featured in The Daily Wire, Fox News, and RealClearPolitics. Jordan graduated from Baylor University where she majored in political science and minored in journalism. Follow her on X @jordanboydtx.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Celebrate America\u2019s 250th with these homemade Independence Day favorites!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":490,"featured_media":2623201,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/thefederalist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Untitled-design-8.jpg","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[546,33651],"tags":[49411,82146,33637,82145],"class_list":["post-2623199","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-federalist","category-the-western-journal","tag-bbq","tag-homemade-snacks","tag-july-4th","tag-summer-recipes"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/thefederalist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Untitled-design-8.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2623199","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/490"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2623199"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2623199\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2623204,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2623199\/revisions\/2623204"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2623201"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2623199"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2623199"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2623199"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}