Fourth of July

A great barbecue thirst-quencher.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

These "patriotic" sundaes with their terrific blueberry-caramel sauce are a lot of fun for a Fourth of July party.

To prepare these without an ice cream maker, pour the sherbet base directly into pop molds. If you don't want to use the molds and you have churned the mixture in an ice cream maker, the sherbet can be transferred to a resealable container, then simply scooped into bowls. Begin making this dessert one day ahead.

Top the grown-ups' burgers with the caramelized onions with barbecue sauce and be sure to have mayonnaise and mustard on hand. Serve corn on the cob and the baked potato wedges to the whole crowd.

This recipe is an accompaniment for Annabel's Baby Back Ribs. Prepare this sauce 2 days ahead of your party for the flavors to meld. Any extra freezes well.

To impart smoky flavor to food when using an outdoor gas grill, add a handful of wood chips (soaked in cold water 30 minutes and drained) to a smoker box and place it under the grates and on top of ceramic briquettes in the far right or left corner of the grill.

Strawberries, blueberries, nectarines and vanilla ice cream team up in a quick sundae.

Zucchini and dill add a fresh twist to the classic, which is a winner served with other summer classics, like sandwiches, hot dogs, burgers and barbecued chicken.

The filling is wonderfully creamy, like ice cream, but is made without using an ice cream machine. Be sure to have plenty of extra fruit to go along with the torte.

For extra eye appeal, use tricolor pasta in this fresh-from-the-garden salad.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Brush thick slices of country-style bread with olive oil and grill until golden, about two minutes per side. Serve alongside steaks. What to drink: Beckmen Vineyards 2000 Syrah, Estate, Santa Ynez Valley, or another light-bodied Syrah.

Buttermilk and lemon juice add some tang; carrots and celery add crunch.