The Menu: Americana with a Twist
• Mojito Snowcones with a Splash of Mint
• Melon Gazpacho
• Churrasco Style "Gaucho Grill" Filet Mignon, Chicken and Leg of Lamb
• Grilled Veggie and Quinoa Salad
• Guaymas Rock Shrimp Scampi with Soba Noodles, Sun-dried Tomatoes, Garlic, Tequila and Roasted Pablano Chilies

This country is nothing if not ethnically diverse. Embrace "the salad bowl" theory by combining flavors from every corner of the globe. Don't worry about seemingly leaving the patriotic bend behind; once you fire up the grill, this backyard-barbecue friendly fare will pay plenty of homage to America the beautiful - no hotdogs required!

Melon Gazpacho
Featuring Diced Honeydew, Cantaloupe and Watermelon

Combine all ingredients. Marinate diced fruit with pineapple juice, fresh cilantro and fresh ginger. Serve from a chilled pitcher set in shaved ice and pour into small chilled glasses. Garnish with a sprig of fresh cilantro or a small wedge of melon.
Menu and recipe courtesy of An Affaire Extraordinaire Catering 254-7684.

"When you think of America's best characteristics, the concepts of bounty, generosity and wholesomeness automatically emerge," says Myra Harbour, owner of Celebrate - Planning for an Event to Remember. An incredible collection of fresh fruits, in patriotic shades of red, white and blue, convey the sense of purity and prosperity, as well as serve as unique (and deliciously edible) decor.

"I like to use flowers that really punch up the drama; in this case, a stacked set of patriotically-shaded flowers worked great as a means of adding height, interest and dimension to the backyard," says Harbour. So, too, did an ice sculpture in the shape of an eagle. Other touches that made a huge impact: a watermelon with the word "America" carved into the rind; starred-linens; and a dual-sided buffet.

For a fun, do-it-yourself table linen, look no further than Lori Parkinson's boa-hooked piece. According to the owner of The Big Chill, all you need is a white linen table cloth and feather boa. Simply attach the feathered pieces to the bottom rim of the cloth with straight pins. It's quick, easy, and makes for a very fun (or fancy!) look.

For those that like to show their Americana pride to the fullest, all sorts of things can be attached to the feather boa for more flair: spray glitter; mini flags; red, white and blue faux flowers - use your imagination. Even kids can get involved, making this a family project worthy of any Fourth of July party.

For More Information...
Lori Parkinson of The Big Chill 209-1810
Myra Harbour of Celebrate - Planning for an Event to Remember 259-8611

Font size=+1>American-inspired Desserts
Dessert is practically an American pastime, and thus especially important on the Fourth. "From chocolate bread pudding to petite works of art made to be eaten in one bite, everything goes," says Denise Kane of Babe's Dessert Bar. But for a touch of Americana nostalgia, may we suggest...

Posh Corner
Grilled Fruit with Lemon Butter Sauce Your favorite fruits placed onto a greased grill and cooked until just marked. More fibrous fruits can be sliced, whereas softer fruits might be skewered. A simple, light butter sauce for dipping keeps this dessert elegant and refreshing.

Summer Trifle Layer your favorite cake, fruits and pudding or whipped cream into a party bowl. Dice all ingredients consistently. Using a transparent dish adds to the display. For a more adult version, sprinkle some Grand Marnier on the cake cubes.

Corn on the Cupcake Take your favorite box cake and bake in mini loaf pans. When cool, ice in favorite frosting. While the icing is still soft, apply yellow mini marshmallows (either bought yellow or colored using food coloring; you can also spray them using Wilton canned coloring spray) to give the effect of a corn cob. Decorate using cob holders.
Suggestions courtesy of Marni Singer, owner of Posh Pastries 360-4949.

Light up your Fourth of July Candleman 257-9420

Babe's Backyard Peach French Toast Cobbler
8 eggs
1 cup milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
A½ teaspoon baking powder
20 slices day-old French bread (A¾-inch thick)
8 cups unsweetened frozen peaches
1 cup sugar
4 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
2 teaspoons cornstarch
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, plus extra to sprinkle on top of the peaches
2 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened

In a bowl, beat eggs, milk, vanilla and baking powder until smooth. Pour into a large, shallow baking dish. Add bread slices, turning once to coat. Cover and chill for eight hours or overnight.

Combine peaches, sugar, melted butter, cornstarch and cinnamon. Pour into a greased 13-by-9-inch baking pan. Cover and chill eight hours or overnight.

Remove both pans from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Place prepared bread on top of peach mixture. Spread softened butter on top.

Bake, uncovered, at 400 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes or until toast is golden brown and peaches are bubbly. Serve with vanilla-bean ice cream and caramel sauce.
Recipe courtesy of Denise Kane, owner of Babe's Dessert Bar 254-4770.

A Great American Wine Icon
Robert Mondavi, an American wine icon, died this year at the age of 94. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said, "It is hard to imagine anyone having more of a lasting impact" on the state's wine industry. None of it would have happened without Mr. Mondavi's singular drive to prove that the state's wines - and his in particular - were some of the best in the world. All Corked Up is offering the last Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon that he and his family made before selling their winery to Constellation Brands in 2004. The 2004 Robert Mondavi Reserve is available for $132.99; 799-7979