Memorial Day Party

A lot of families like to kick off the summer season by going away for Memorial Day weekend. Rather than fight traffic, I like to enjoy every bit of good weather in my own backyard. Taking a day out to be with family and friends, sharing a simple meal with the neighbors, is my own small way of showing gratitude for the freedom soldiers have fought for and the bounty we have in our nation.

It's really about gathering together, joking, talking, and playing games, so the menu is simple fare: dressed-up burgers, a sophisticated pasta salad, and homemade ice cream if the weather is hot.

• Mojito Sparklers
• Vegetable Kabobs
• Chimichurri Burgers
• Pea and Macaroni Salad
• Rocky Road Ice Cream

 

Bubbly, fresh mojitos are a great way to start the party and they only take five minutes to make. Get rid of your prep time all together by setting up a cocktail station with the ingredients and having guests mix their own.

View Mojito Sparklers recipe

 

Serve chunky grilled veggies on a skewer as an appetizer. Relax more and let your guests help. Lay out the food and skewers and let them put on just the vegetables they really want. You could also let them in on the fun of grilling and let them cook their own.

View Vegetable Kabobs recipe

 

Chimichurri is a thick herb sauce found in Argentinean cooking. Here it's tucked inside burgers prior to grilling.

View Chimichurri Burgers recipe

 

A summertime staple, try this version dressed up with horseradish mustard.

View Pea and Macaroni Salad recipe

 

What's better than a spoonful of chocolate ice cream dotted with walnuts and marshmallows? Not much.

View Rocky Road Ice Cream recipe

Burgers on the Grill

Potato Salads

Grilled Desserts

Bar Cookies