food recipe: {NEW!} Best Grilled Burgers, Watermelon Margaritas, 4th of July Layer Cake, and MORE!

Latest recipes from Simply Recipes.



Good morning! It's th 4th of July this Wednesday, and I'm SO EXCITED! I just love the big backyard parties with kids running around underfoot, the grill crammed with all sorts of delicious foods, and coolers full of ice-cold beverages. Ahhhh...bliss. If you're still deciding what to make, we've got plenty of ideas below. Happy 4th of July, everyone! XO Emma, Managing Editor

How to Grill the Best Burgers

by Summer Miller

Grilling season is upon us, and this year I've decided to master the art of America's summertime grilling favorite—the hamburger.

My aim: a burger that is easy to throw together on a weeknight, flavorful enough to stand up to the person who adds every condiment known to mankind to his or her burger, and yet balanced enough to satisfy the minimalist burger eater (ketchup only, please!).

by Garrett McCord

When it comes to cocktails, the situation dictates the drink. If you're having a swanky steak dinner, then that's a martini sort of meal. Headed to a picnic and Shakespeare in the Park? That begs for the boozy Pomegranate Paloma, swigged from a flask. (Assuming you're seeing a comedy. If it's a tragedy, go with something bitter, such as a Dark and Stormy.)

But if the weather is sporting triple digits and I'm floating on a raft in the pool, then it's time to go for something juicier and far more thirst quenching. Enter the watermelon margarita.

by Cindy Rahe

This Red, White, and Blue Layer Cake is ideal for any 4th of July spread—everyone loves cake, and a pretty layer cake like this one makes the day feel extra special.

It starts with tender and moist vanilla buttermilk cake, which then gets layered with fluffy Swiss meringue (which will hold up well on a hot summer day). Top it off with plenty of ripe summer berries—strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries!

by Summer Miller

My goal with this recipe was to create a grilled steak that would make a novice look like a master, and a master look like her backyard flame-created opus was mere child's play.

by Sally Vargas

One of summer's pleasures is to cook outside on the grill. All the mess stays out of the kitchen, along with the heat.

The beauty of a dish like these grilled chicken thighs with salsa verde is that you have dinner on the table in 20 to 30 minutes, with almost zero prep time.