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  1. Home
  2. The Great Grill-Ahead 4th of July Party

The Great Grill-Ahead 4th of July Party

June 09, 2015
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Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
The best plan for the 4th: Let the flavor of fire do the heavy lifting and make everything ahead so you can join the fun.
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Our Kind Of Party

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey

Hosting a backyard grilling party always sounds like a load of fun … until you find yourself chained to the grill while everyone else enjoys the gathering.

This summer, try something a little different: a feast of grilled goodies that you've done ahead.

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Applewood-Smoked Chicken with Dijon Rub

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey

Our savory smoked chicken is equally delicious served cold or at room temperature, so you can cook it well in advance of your get-together. If you have leftovers, shred the meat and stir into leftover Kamut salad—instant lunch. 

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Whole-Grain Kamut and Cherry Salad

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey

Juicy cherries and chewy whole grains are a match made in heaven. We also tried this salad with red grapes in place of cherries, and they were delicious, too. If you have a pressure cooker, put it to use for the Kamut; it'll cut the cook time down to 25 to 30 minutes.

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Summer Herbed Grilled Shrimp

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Summer Herbed Grilled Shrimp

Our finishing touches—a hit of herbs, peppery olive oil, and tangy vinegar—make these shrimp the freshest, most irresistible appetizer. Leave the tails on so guests have a handle for these tasty bites.

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Smoky Red Pepper Dip with Grilled Crudités

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Smoky Red Pepper Dip with Grilled Crudités

Step aside, boring crudités—enter deliciously crunchy, lightly charred fennel and broccoli paired with grilled bread and juicy tomatoes.

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Grilled Baby Eggplants with Green Onion Salsa

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey

If you can't find the type of eggplant we used, go for small, slender Japanese eggplants instead.

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Simple Grilled Stone Fruit Crumble

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Simple Grilled Stone Fruit Crumble

We were wowed by the flavors of this luscious dessert. Grilling the fruit caramelizes its sugars and concentrates its flavor, while the creamy tang of crème fraîche perfectly complements the nutty, buttery topping.

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The Game Plan

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey

UP TO 2 DAYS AHEAD:
• Make dip.
• Combine herb mixture for shrimp (minus oil and vinegar).
• Prepare butter mixture for chicken.
• Cook Kamut for salad.

UP TO 1 DAY AHEAD:
• Grill crudités and bread for dip.
• Grill shrimp.
• Grill chicken.
• Layer Kamut salad ingredients in a bowl—dressing on bottom, then grains, then produce, then nuts. (Toss together shortly before serving.)
• Prepare fruit for desserts; spoon into jars or ramekins.
• Prepare topping for desserts; store separately.

THE MORNING OF THE PARTY:
• Grill eggplants.

2 HOURS AHEAD:
• Bring chicken to room temp.
• Make salsa for eggplants.

1 HOUR AHEAD:
• Toss shrimp with finished herb mixture.
• Set everything else (except desserts) out at room temperature.

30 MINUTES AHEAD:
• Assemble desserts.

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Step Up Your Beer Game

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey

This menu is all about laid-back fun, and the food is just right for beer. Any sudsy sipper will work, but if you really want to treat your guests, seek out these two brews.

FORÊT, Brasserie Dupont, Belgium
Golden, fizzy, and burbling with spice, fruit, and floral flavors, this summery saison's lemony brightness complements veggies and seafood, while its earthy depth handles grains and meats.
($15/750-milliliter bottle or $19/four-pack of 12-ounce bottles)

MIRROR POND PALE ALE, Deschutes Brewery, Oregon
This beautifully balanced pale ale has flavors of forests and meadows, with a mild bitterness to gently offset flavors like herbs, peppers, and mustard.
($10/six-pack of 12-ounce bottles)

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    1 of 9 Our Kind Of Party
    2 of 9 Applewood-Smoked Chicken with Dijon Rub
    3 of 9 Whole-Grain Kamut and Cherry Salad
    4 of 9 Summer Herbed Grilled Shrimp
    5 of 9 Smoky Red Pepper Dip with Grilled Crudités
    6 of 9 Grilled Baby Eggplants with Green Onion Salsa
    7 of 9 Simple Grilled Stone Fruit Crumble
    8 of 9 The Game Plan
    9 of 9 Step Up Your Beer Game

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