Fourth of July

Progression of a tomato sandwich: On buttered bread with salt; on bread with mayo and cheddar; seasoned and grilled with cheddar and mayo. They’re all pretty perfect, but we’ll take the advanced version, thanks.

Make the most of ripe summer tomatoes by turning their juices into a dressing for this grilled bread and hanger steak salad.

Poached frozen peaches eat like fruit-shaped sorbet and look like a three-dimensional sunset.

Layer cooled strawberry compote with fresh, sugared strawberries, a fluffy sweet-cream biscuit, and a veritable cloud of whipped cream for spring’s ultimate dessert.

You can always ask your butcher to slice the pork shoulder on the electric slicer for you, which will ensure even pieces and save you time.

These peach bbq grilled turkey legs are the perfect summertime meat treat. Slathered with a homemade peach bbq sauce and grilled to perfection.

At the bar, we have giant ice molds to make the ice cubes that keep this punch cold, but when I do it at home, a Tupperware container works just as well. Fill a 1-quart to 2-quart container with hot water (which freezes into clearer ice) and stick it in the freezer twenty-four hours before the party. Then add the giant cube to your punch bowl right before the guests arrive; it keeps everything cold and looks beautiful.

We doubt you'll have any leftovers from this homey blueberry cake crowned by a buttery, brown-sugar-sweetened streusel topping, but if you do, it will make a fabulous companion to your morning coffee.

Toss peaches with almonds and fragrant garam masala, then top with a brown sugar crumble for an excellent entry into summer peach season.

This marinade packs sweet citrus flavor and extra spice into pork chops both before, and after, they hit the grill.

Refreshing and a little bit inebriating; if you've got kids running around, pick up a box of Rocket Pops so there's no confusion!

Cooking corn this way adds a depth of flavor from the husk and keeps the kernels from drying out. Tossed together with zucchini and scallions, these quesadillas make for a super-satisfying vegetarian dinner.