If you are like me, then the first half of 2015 has gone by faster than the blink of an eye and you’re in the last minute scramble for 4^th of July plans. It’s absolutely insane that the year is already half over and the 4^th is the perfect excuse to have friends and family get together. The 4^th of July brings up memories of backyard barbeques featuring hamburgers, hotdogs, and the biggest watermelon I could find at the store. Now, even though the traditional favorites and flavors take us back to our most cherished memories, it’s fun to add a twist to these staples to create new memories. Even though creating new dishes sounds like it would be a challenge, I’ve collected some of my favorite summer Bar-B-Q recipes below and if I can make them, you can too- trust me. Some of the recipes only have two steps! How can you go wrong with that? Hot Dogs Topped with Baked Beans and Onions

• Ingredientts
• Ball Park® Angus Beef Franks
• Baked Beans, heated
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• French Fried Onion rings
• Crispy cooked bacon, crumbled
• Hot dog buns

Directions

• Prepare franks according to package directions. Keep warm.
• Fill bun with frank, heated baked beans, cheese onion rings and bacon. Serve immediately.

Ball Park® has tons of quick and creative recipes to take the hotdog where hotdogs have never gone before, check them out here! Watermelon, Arugula and Feta Salad Ingredients

• ½ lb watermelon, cubed
• ¼ lb feta cheese, cumbled
• 3 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
• 3 oz arugula
• Ken’s® Lite Raspberry Walnut Vinaigrette Dressing

Directions

• Combine all ingredients in a bowl and gently toss with Ken’s® Lite Raspberry Walnut Vinaigrette.

Find more creative ways to use Ken’s® dressing here! Better Bacon Cheddar Burger Ingredients

• 2 lbs Certified Angus Beef ® ground beef (80/20)
• 1 large onion, finely diced (2 cups)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ¼ cup barbeque sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons ancho chili powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons coarse kosher sald
• 1 teaspoon freshly cracked pepper
• 8 oz thick cut bacon, hand diced
• 4 oz grated cheddar
• 6 onion burger buns

Directions

• Sauté onion in butter one to two minutes on medium-high heat until transparent. Transfer to a mixing bowl. Add barbeque sauce, Worcestershire, ancho, salt and pepper. Allow to cool to room temperature.
• By hand, combine ground beef, bacon and cheese with onion mixture. Form into six patties and grill over medium heat until internal temperature is 160°F.
• Suggested toppings – Grilled red onion, more bacon, barbeque sauce, potato chip

Not sure what exactly Certified Angus Beef ® is? You can find out here. Everyone have a happy and safe 4th of July! Remember to share pictures of your tasty summer food creations on Twitter and Instagram #HouseofBBQ and #PriceChopper!