Weekend Picks: Fireworks, 1812 Overture, Apple Pie

Weekend picks for the Fourth of July, 2008 are kind of a no-brainer, aren't they? Just in case you're a little low on brain cells after a raucous June, here you go:

• Classic Ways to Spend Fourth of July in Chicago
• All the recipes and prep you need to throw The Great American Cook-out, courtesy of About.com's Guide to Grilling Derrick Riches.
• Granny Smith Apple Pie Recipe from About.com Guide to Baking Carroll Pellegrinelli. I've never met Carroll, but I'm so with her when she says she prefers apple pies made with tart apples better than those made with sweet ones.

Image of fireworks for sale at a Chicago K-Mart by Scott Olson/Getty Images.