4th of July

This year was the third 4th of July I have spent in New Zealand. I decided that since I miss the festivities in America, I would create my own celebration.
Given that we are in the middle of winter, and there were no fireworks, it did not feel quite the same, but we had fun nonetheless. If nothing else, it was a fun excuse to make up an cook a delicious menu, have friends over, and enjoy a night listening to American music and eating way more than we should.

Thanks to the wonders of the worldwideweb, we were able to listen to some baseball games while finishing dinner preparations and decorating the house in red, white, and blue. There were 3 Americans present, so once the kiwis arrived (and one British friend), we enjoyed discussing differences in traditions and fun facts, as well as quizzing each other with the assistance of a handy-dandy book I picked up at an airport with things that every American should know. I was relieved to discover that I do in fact know a good bit of what is included in that book.

I went back and forth for quite some time on what to actually cook, but in the end decided on what seemed to be a few classics, but still reasonably easy to find everything I'd need given the season (winter) and unavailability of occasional ingredients.

Baked beans, pulled pork and chicken wings :)

Deviled eggs, potato salad, cole slaw, New York style pizza (first for me, esp at a 4th of July party).
Plus Pound cake, apple pie, brownies and chocolate chip cookies for dessert.

Because you just need balloons and streamers for the 4th of July :)