Memorial Day Cookout

Why Memorial Day?

Let’s start with why we have the last Monday in May off of work. Officially, Memorial Day or Decoration Day as it was initially called started after the Civil War. It was set for May 30th and eventually morphed into Memorial Day and later became a federal holiday to be celebrated on its current day of the month.

Americans honor the over 654,000 servicemen and women who gave their lives for our freedom with parades, ceremonies, and visits to cemeteries. The red poppy is another integral part of Memorial Day tradition.

Families and friends across the country also commemorate this holiday by getting together and remembering their family heroes. Since the weather is warming (in most places) we do that with a Memorial Day Cookout!

The Cookout Drinks

Lemonade has to be at the top of the summer drinks list for me. I can still remember my sweet mama making it from scratch. She would squeeze those lemons into her 1950’s round glass pitcher, add the sugar and water, and ice (recipe here). It was delicious! Other options: buy the frozen concentrate or go with my personal favorite-bottled, “Simply Lemonade.” If you want to crank it up a notch, mix up some summery margaritas or go for the ever-popular ice-cold beer. Soft drinks in Texas would have to include Dr. Pepper, but anywhere else it’s whatever y’all choose 🙂

Memorial Day Salads

Have I ever told you about my world-famous potato salad? I know I sound kind of proud, however, I get asked to bring this ALL the time. So, you know it must be good! I’m giving up my secret recipe here.

Another perfect pairing with all things barbecue is yummy coleslaw. I LOVE the pre-made bag salads from the grocery store or if you want to do a little more hands-on version, this is a great dressing to add to your chopped slaw veggies.

The Main Attraction

Millions of possibilities here, but I’m going with traditional Chicken and Baby Back Ribs. Here’s a recipe I found on the Food Network’s Pioneer Woman’s site (you should check out that site-a a fantastic collection of recipes!) for her favorite Grilled Barbecue Shrimp. Don’t they look delicious?

Son-in-law Chef Jeremiah spoils us when he grills these juicy baby backs! Here’s the link to Jeremiah’s Mouthwatering Baby Backs. You won’t want to do them any other way ever again.

I love doing Barbecue Chicken Thighs in the oven. Your favorite sauce over the thighs and covered with foil cooked until done. You could throw them on the grill for a few to get the sear marks.

A fun no-meat alternative involves skewers and tasty, sturdy, colorful veggies that won’t mind grilling. Think yellow or red onion, tomatoes, summer squash, eggplant, mushrooms, red and green peppers, zucchini. The list could go on and on – marinade in olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and your favorite herbs. My mouth is watering!

Memorial Day Desserts

An obvious option for the perfect Memorial Day Cookout dessert would be watermelon. I’ll just leave it there. However, another yummy, easy dessert could be Strawberry Shortcake. You can purchase the biscuits or dessert cups, a tub of tasty bright red strawberries, and a can of spray whipped cream. Instant dessert!

Just add your favorite chips and munchies, maybe some baked beans. (Be watching for my Killer Meaty Baked Bean recipe for the 4th of July!) Go to the Dollar Store and buy red, white, and blue paper plates and cups and you will be SET!

Happy Memorial Day Friends!

I like to remember another type of freedom offered to us by Someone who paid the ultimate price for everyone. This verse explains: He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time. I Timothy 2:6