Each year on July 4, Americans celebrate that freedom and independence with barbecues, picnics, and family gatherings. If you're looking for uniquely recipes that can enhance your festivities, check out our suggestions for July 4th meals. Not only do our recipes add new flair to traditional Independence Day meals, they are a treat to be tasted by all.

A Maine tradition is serving fresh lobster rolls at summer gatherings. Our Downeast Lobster Rolls are shipped ready-to-prepare with a pound of fresh Maine Lobster Salad, Six New England split-top-rolls, and the instructions for creating this classic Maine Meal. 6 Servings.

These lobster rolls are perfectly complimented with chocolate Whoopie Pies which you can also purchse from us. YUM! Our customers love our genuine Downeast Lobster Rolls and Whoopie Pies, a great Maine warm weather treat. Our Lobster Rolls are presented with a pound of fresh Maine lobster salad (just a touch of mayonnaise, salt and pepper), and 6 split top rolls. To make this a perfect Maine meal, we include 6 freshly made Maine Whoopie Pies. A Whoopie Pie, pictured here to the left, is an oversized chocolate cookie cake filled with delicious creamy vanilla filling. If you've never had one, you are in for a treat.

Serving Suggestions: Serve with wedges of fresh fruit, vegetables with dip, coleslaw, corn on the cob and assorted potato chips and Ginger Mint Lemonade (see recipe below).

Ginger Mint Lemonade: (makes about 1 1/2 quarts, 6-8 servings)

Ginger and mint are a great combination that both complement lemon flavor. However, if you aren't comfortable with this combination, feel free to omit one or both of them. Add some of the fruit solids to the final mix if you want a pulpy lemonade.

Mash lemons, ginger, mint and sugar in a large bowl with a potato masher until juices release, sugar dissolves and mixture is syrupy. This takes about 4 minutes or use a stand mixer with paddle attachment on low speed to mash the mixture; process for about 45 seconds.

Pour half of mixture through a sieve into a pitcher. Push on solids to get out as much liquid as possible. Discard solids and repeat with other half of mixture. Add water and stir until blended. Chill well and stir before serving over ice.

Table Settings: Be creative with your table setting as well. Use napkins with a blue pattern mixed with red placemats. Also, display tall candles in red and blue all over the table. Lastly, bright, festive flowers in a clear vase show off the colors of summer.