July 4th is known for cookouts, barbeques, gatherings, and lots of fun that involves food. While people often stick with boring hotdogs and hamburgers, celebrity chef Megan Keno is helping people take their taste buds to a new level. She has a bevy of mouth-watering summer recipes to help people serve fabulous food for the fourth. Considering the food is half the fun of the celebration, guests will love what's being served with her tasty twist on fun summer dishes.

“These recipes are easy, delicious, and satisfying, making it a great way to eat for the holiday celebration,” said Keno. “This year, it's all about serving tasty favorites with some new options. Guests will love every bite!"

For those looking for July 4th recipes that will provide people with more than hot dogs, Keno has put together an array of options that pair well together. Here's the July 4th  menu that is sure to please:

Roasted Poblano and Corn Guacamole—Grilled poblano and corn guacamole is the mash-up of flavors you never knew you needed! It's packed with flavor and perfect for summer grilling season!

10-Minute Grilled Banana Boats—Take this campfire classic to your grill with these 10-Minute Grilled Banana Boats, and individualize them with all your favorite toppings!

Grilled Balsamic Beef Skewers – Tender, sweet, tangy, and utterly perfect for fall grilling, these grilled balsamic beef skewers will be ideal for the holiday!

Caramelized Onion and Hummus Potato Salad with Soft Boiled Eggs—This dish gussies up your traditional potato salad!

Tortellini Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette—This lentil tortellini salad with balsamic vinaigrette is going to be a smash hit, especially with chilled pasta and healthy lentils.

Half-Assed Skillet Apple Pie—Rediscover the joy of homemade apple pie with this simple yet delicious recipe, which can be made entirely in a skillet. 

Blackberry Peach Pie – This Perfect Every Time Blackberry Peach Pie is a dream in a crust!

“Making these dishes will help provide you and your guests with the best July 4th food yet," said Keno. Keep it tasty and safe, and make it a great holiday."

Food safety is also a concern that needs to be addressed regarding July 4th cookouts. Oftentimes, food is left out too long and puts people at risk. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, reducing foodborne illnesses is essential. Some of the ways they suggest this can be done are to wash and sanitize hands and the cooking area, avoid cross-contamination, keep hot foods hot, and keep cold foods cold. Be sure to keep cold foods nestled on ice or in a cooler and hot foods on a grill or warming tray. Perishable foods should not be left outside for more than two hours and only one hour if the temperature exceeds 90. A good rule of thumb is to throw it out when in doubt.

Keno has an impressive history in the food world. She has been a food blogger for over 15 years and a cookbook author. Her book Cast Iron Gourmet: From Kitchen to Table, Made with Love" (Homemade Home) has helped many people prepare approachable and delicious meals in cast iron pans. Her food writing, recipe creation, and cooking have become synonymous with being quick, easy, and comforting—three things people crave when it comes to home cooking.

Her cookbook highlights recipes for novice and seasoned cast iron aficionados alike. Many people are interested in cast iron cooking, but they have a lot of fear surrounding using cast iron pans. Her book takes on the issue and addresses the anxiety around traditional cast iron cookware so people will feel comfortable using it. Her book even features a first-time buyer's guide to help people make the best selection for their first cast iron pieces. The guide also helps those who use cast iron and want to splurge on a new piece. One of the things that makes people the most nervous about cast-iron cooking is seasoning the pan, and she offers a lazy girl’s seasons tutorial that helps people do a weeknight quick seasoning.

Keno lives in Washington with her husband and sons. In addition to her food blogging and cookbook writing, she offers freelance food photography, food writing, recipe development, speaking engagements, and more. “The Cast Iron Queen” blogs weekly on Homemade Home featuring a multitude of recipes and food-related tips. Hungry for more information, then visit the site at: https://homemadehome.com/