Anyone who’s been paying attention knows we’ve been licking our chops over the release of Kelis’ sensational (and, in her words, “animalistic”) new album Flesh Tone. And with Independence Day weekend upon us, we thought we’d ask the “4th Of July (Fireworks)” singer herself for a little advice on how to prep a July 4th picnic. Watch below to see Kelis, a Le Cordon Bleu graduate, school us on music and food (and detail her juicy gourmet dream) in a special Fourth Of July video.

Kelis’ schedule is packed – Flesh Tone hits U.S. record shops July 6, and we expect that after she finishes her tour with Robyn, she’ll be reigning over dance clubs the rest of the summer, at least. But when she’s got some time, we’re totally going to hit her up for Thanksgiving recipes.