For many Northern Virginia residents the 4th of July would not be the 4th without a trek to the Capitol for the traditional concert and fireworks. Others will stay close to home finding plenty to do and see in their own communities or just enjoy family and friends at home.

The 4th of July is this country's birthday. It celebrates the day the Continental Congress meeting in a hot Philadelphia voted unanimously to adopt the document written by Thomas Jefferson. Then began the painstaking task of signing it and making sure all 13 states had access to authentic copies of the Declaration.

Many years of war were still ahead but the country celebrated as word went from one place to another with readings of the Declaration of Independence, the ringing of bells, military parades and the firing of canon. Dining, dancing and music soon followed with fireworks becoming popular in the 1800s.

Among the early celebrators was the country's first president George Washington who enjoyed a full social life. Sometimes he celebrated the 4th of July in Alexandria, other times at his home in Mount Vernon. If home was the choice, then Martha Washington was in charge of the menu relying on A Booke of Cookery and A Booke of Sweetmeats, a manuscript she received on the occasion of her first marriage to Daniel Custis and a book she kept and followed until she bequeathed it to her granddaughter Nelly Custis.

Cooking was usually done in the fireplace, while baking took place in brick ovens. English and French recipes would have been modified to take advantage of the abundance of fruits, vegetables and game in Virginia. There would have been beef, ham and turkey of course, as well as game and plenty to drink whether it be ale, beer, hard cider or wine. Sweets would be part of the celebration including filled cookies, marzipan, gingerbread, various fruits in tarts or fried pies and probably a great cake — a cross between today's cake and a fine bread.

TODAY HOME CELEBRATIONS are likely to take place outdoors. Instead of a fireplace the food is cooked over a grill of charcoal or gas with some equipped with rotisseries. Coolers and buckets keep drinks cold and tables are just as laden as in the 18th century. There will be hot-dogs, hamburgers, steak and chicken, certainly lots of side dishes including baked beans and potato salad and plenty of sweets.

While everyone waits for the coals to get hot, guests can enjoy a cool drink and a patriotic appetizer that looks fancy but is easy to make. For a first course try this cheese spread.

Grand Old Flag Cheese Spread

<lst>Prep: 15 minutes

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup shredded Cheddar and Monterey Jack Mexican style cheese

2 tablespoons sliced black olives

1/4 cup salsa

Ritz Crackers, Original or Cheese

Place cream cheese between 2 pieces of wax paper. Roll out to 6x4-inch rectangle with rolling pin. Remove top sheet of wax paper; coat top and sides of cream cheese with shredded cheese. Invert onto serving plate. Remove wax paper.

Arrange 4 rows of olives in top left corner of short side of cream cheese rectangle for “stars.” Make 4 (1/4-inch deep) rows, using rounded end of 1/4 teaspoon measuring spoon for “stripes,” leaving 1/4-inch space between rows. Fill rows with salsa as shown in photo. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Serve as a spread with crackers. Makes about 1-1/2 cups.

FOR DESSERT there is always the traditional home-made ice cream or frozen custard, s'mores or chocolate chip cookies or in honor of the occasion maybe a fancier cake in the appropriate red, white and blue.

July 4th Cake

<lst>Prep: 25 minutes

Bake: 40 minutes

1 Wilton Star Cake Pan

1 box (2-layer size) cake mix, any flavor

1–2 cans (16 ounces) ready-to-spread white frosting

1 quart fresh strawberries

1 pint fresh blueberries

1/3 cup currant or apricot jelly, melted (optional)

Grease cake pan. Coat lightly with flour; set aside.

Prepare cake mix as directed on package. Spread batter into prepared pan.

Bake at 350°F for 35 to 40 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes. Remove from pan; cool completely on wire rack.

Place cake on serving plate. Ice cake with frosting. Cut strawberries lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick slices. Arrange on top of cake to outline star.

Pipe remaining frosting through star decorating tip to outline a smaller star shape on top center of cake. Pipe a second row of stars next to the first. Place blueberries inside frosting outline. Pipe additional frosting through star tip for border on cake. Brush fruit with jelly if desired. Makes 12 servings.

How to Make Stars: Using disposable decorating bag and star decorating tip, hold bag straight up-and-down, 1/8 inch above surface. Squeeze until star is formed, then stop pressure and pull tip away. Stars will be neatly formed if you stop squeezing before you pull tip away.

The scene and the decorations might be different but the spirit and joy of the holiday remains the same whether its 1792 or 2002.