Don't spend all your time thinking about what you're going to barbecue for the 4th of July – what about dessert? After all, you're going to want more than just a beer to wash down all those hot dogs and potato chips when you are out with friends and family, waiting for the fireworks display to begin.

Anything with Jello – as one of the few foods that actually comes in the color blue, Jello is the perfect choice for making red, white and blue desserts, not to mention that it's always a kid favorite. Try a patriotic Jello pie, red white and blue terrine or an All-american trifle.

Shortcake – there is something classic about shortcake after a barbecue. You can use almost any fruit, but opt for strawberries, blueberries or raspberries on the 4th. For the cake, make a traditional biscuit base or just use a slice of pound cake. Try this recipe or this one.

Chocolate chip cookies – maybe the expression should have been "as American as chocolate chip cookies," because not only were these invented in the US, but they're a favorite with everyone. And you can't go wrong with the famous Tollhouse recipe, which started it all.

Berries and whipped cream – this dish doesn't have an "official" name, but it's even easier than shortcake and just as delicious. Besides, cutting out the cake leaves a little extra room in the stomach for whipped cream, right?

Ice cream and popsicles – you'll need a cooler to get these safely out to the picnic grounds, but it's worth it because the 4th of July is hot and there is no better way to cool down than with an ice cream cone. Be sure to get the red, white and blue popsicles if you opt for those, instead!

Flag cake – this is the easiest way to dress up a dessert for the 4th. A flag cake is, essentially, a large version of strawberry shortcake, with a vanilla cake base, whipped cream frosting and lots of berries on top. Let the kids arrange the berries to make the stars and stripes. Here's a recipe, but there's a Jello variation, too.

Fruit Pie – any kind of pie is a good choice for the 4th, but opt for fresh fruit if you can find it. Peach, strawberry, blueberry and boysenberry are all popular, but you can't go wrong with apple, either.

S'mores – chocolate, marshmallows and graham crackers can be wrapped in foil and tossed onto the grill to make one of the simplest and most delicious treats you can have. Another option is to toast the marshmallows separately, and let the heat of the marshmallow melt the chocolate when the s'more is sandwiched together.