Tyler's Fourth of July Feast

Tyler Florence invited Food Network Magazine to his California home for a Southern-style Fourth of July barbecue.

From: Food Network Magazine

Related To:

Family Time

Don't get Tyler Florence wrong — he loves a simple burger or hot dog straight off the grill, but there's plenty of time for that all summer. On the Fourth of July, when the chef has an extra day off to spend with his family, he likes to slow down and break out dishes that he doesn't get to make on a typical hectic weekend: old favorites like smoked ribs, homemade relishes and peach cobbler.

A Patriotic Picnic Table

Tyler loves to eat out back with his family every chance he gets. He lives in Mill Valley, a small town just north of San Francisco, with his wife, Tolan, and their two children, Hayden, 3, and Dorothy, who's about to turn 2.

Smoked Ribs With Dry Rub

Tyler's Fourth of July menu brings him back to his roots. "I'm from the South, and when I was growing up, we'd take the Fourth of July to a whole new level," he says. "My oldest son, Miles, who's 14, loves this kind of food. The other two kids are a bit young for it, but I'm sure they'll develop a taste for the South as well." His slow-cooked ribs are a childhood favorite that he loves sharing with his family.

Get the Recipe: Smoked Ribs With Dry Rub

Savoy, Lime and Cilantro Coleslaw

This fresh, tangy slaw comes together quickly and pairs well with the ribs' smoky flavor.

Get the Recipe: Savoy, Lime and Cilantro Coleslaw

Heirloom Tomato Chow-Chow

A chow-chow is a traditional Southern relish made up of chunky, pickled produce. Use a mixture of your favorite tomato varieties when you make Tyler's tomato chow-chow for a blend of flavors and colors.

Get the Recipe: Heirloom Tomato Chow-Chow

Spicy Black-Eyed-Pea Relish

This hearty relish gets a kick from dried chile peppers.

Get the Recipe: Spicy Black-Eyed-Pea Relish

Bourbon Peach Cobbler

"To me, July Fourth is the pinnacle of summer," Tyler says. And nothing completes a summer picnic like a peach cobbler.

Get the Recipe: Bourbon Peach Cobbler

All in the Family

Tyler’s daughter, Dorothy, plays near the creek out back. "I've always enjoyed the Fourth of July, but it gets better as my family grows," Tyler says.