What to take to that holiday picnic? Here are some great suggestions for the get-together. All with easy to follow step by step photo instructions. You can do this.
Publisher note: This is a re-edit of previous years ( since 2016) post. New recipe recommendations are added as needed to keep it fresh.
For us in the USA this weekend is Memorial Day, a federal holiday for remembering the people who died while serving in the country’s armed forces. But it also serves as the kick-off for summer and a three-day holiday weekend.
Once known as Decoration Day that started after the American Civil War to honor the Union dead, later it merged with a similar Confederate holiday and ultimately for all American war dead.
But on to the other part of this holiday. It’s FINALLY SUMMER. Let’s party… and remember. So, what to take to the party? Food and party animals.
FOOD SAFETY
Before we start, a few food safety reminders. So easy to forget. It is up to you to keep your friends and family safe. I see dangerous food handling on TV food shows and other blogs frequently. So know the rules. PLEASE.
As a start, please review my Summer Food Safety post. Let’s be safe out there. No, Uncle Joe cannot have his burger rare even though you wouldn’t mind seeing him sick. It is your responsibility to keep them safe.
Main Dishes
You will find oven versions of many of these dishes. So a grill in not required. And the oven version are generally great and not much work.
Outrageously good pulled pork without a smoker. Low and slow is how you do it with these easy step by step photo instructions with only a few minutes of active time.
Check out this recipe Pin Recipe
How to cook pulled pork on a gas grill? Not all of us have smokers. There are a lot of gas grill out there. Shouldn’t we have pulled pork too? I say yes. Pulled pork for all and with a little planning it is not that hard.
Check out this recipe Pin Recipe
Learn how easy it is to cook a brisket on your backyard gas grill with these easy to follow step by step photo instructions. You too can enjoy one of the Kings of BBQ at home.
Check out this recipe Pin Recipe
Learn the secrets of grilling a really good hamburger on a gas grill (or a charcoal grill). It is oh so easy if you know a few secrets. Great burgers can be yours.
Check out this recipe Pin Recipe
Learn how to grill a great pork tenderloin on a gas grill in this pictorial step by step guide. A properly grilled pork tenderloin will make you look like the grill master. Just don’t tell them how easy it is.
Check out this recipe Pin Recipe
Super easy, never fails, grilled chicken legs for the whole family. Just pat dry, spice and cook over medium-high heat. Then you will have crispy goodness for all.
Check out this recipe Pin Recipe
Learn how to grill perfect chicken thighs with this easy to follow picture tutorial. Let’s fire up the grill for some crispy, moist chicken thighs.
Check out this recipe Pin Recipe
Sides
Let’s blow that deli macaroni salad out of the water in every way. Great fresh taste from fresh ingredients with these easy step by step photo instructions.
Check out this recipe Pin Recipe
Crunchy deli style fresh broccoli salad and you get to control the ingredients. Make it your self and take it to the party. Take the recipe with you.
Check out this recipe Pin Recipe
It’s corn on the cob season. Here are three easy ways to enjoy this great side dish. Grilled corn on the cob, microwave corn on the cob or oven roasted corn on the cob, your choice
Pin Recipe
Special things
Fresh strawberry pie is a wonderful summer treat. A simple killer recipe everybody will love. Plus almost any fool including me can pull this off.
Check out this recipe Pin Recipe
What could go wrong with bacon, sugar, and spices? Cubes of chicken wrapped in bacon and coated with brown sugar, chili powder, and cumin? Great finger food for that “bring a dish” party. A skill level of 3/10 (easy). Plus it is easy to double or triple if needed.
Check out this recipe Pin Recipe
THE BEST BBQ SAUCE, EVER. This Memphis barbecue sauce would make cardboard taste great. I don’t use the term “best” lightly, but this qualifies.
Check out this recipe Pin Recipe
Don’t Forget to take the Party Animals
Have a great holiday weekend and enjoy your summer.
DrDan