If you've grown up in the U.S, no doubt you have come to associate the 4th of July with tasty grilled treats. I can't think of a better way to celebrate our nation's independence from Great Britain than to watch fireworks and gorge on juicy and crispy hot dogs, mouth-watering hamburgers, and other delicious morsels (veggies included). It's no surprise that Independence Day is the number one grilling holiday in the U.S. In fact, 88% of American grill owners choose to cook outside on this holiday (according to the International Weber GrillWatch Survey).

What is interesting, is that BBQ lovers across the world also choose their countries' national holidays as their top days for grilling. People from Canada to Denmark raise their spatulas in salute to holidays such as Canada Day (when 73% of Canadian grillers choose to cook outside), Australia Day (65%), Bastille Day in France (54%) and Mid-summer's Eve in Norway and Sweden (81% of Norwegians, 75% of Swedes).

Coincidentally, these dates also happen to fall between June and July (except for Australia Day, which is celebrated on January 26th during the southern hemisphere summer). I suppose people will use any excuse to grill when it is nice outside, and what better excuse than a holiday?

If you're looking for some unique things to throw on the grill this Saturday, check out these recipes for kabobs and salmon rosemary burgers. For the vegetarians out there, try grilling some zucchini or this recipe for portobello mushroom burgers. Yum!

You will find me in Brookings, OR this 4th of July, a small town on the Oregon coast where my family has gone almost every year for Independence Day since I was born. I usually leave the grilling to my dad (the king of the grill,) but maybe this year I'll spice things up and throw on a burger or two.

Happy grilling!

--Lauren

Photo taken from this photostream and used with permission of a Creative Commons license.