Memorial Day Favorites to Feast on

Memorial Day Favorites to Feast on

Hey guys Memorial Day is right around the corner and I thought I would put together a post for ya! It’s been a long time I know. I am navigating a new normal while trying to maintain my full time job. I promise to try to be better in the future! Anyhow let’s swing back to the topic: Memorial Day. What does it mean to you? I am fortunate to be descended from military men. Currently, we have some men and women in the military. Very proud of both those facts. When I think about Memorial Day, I think about being able to get together with those I love because of the sacrifices they made.

Occasionally, I have heard people say this weekend isn’t about partying and BBQ. And they are right. It is about being grateful for what you have and not wanting to waste any moments with family and friends because they can be so fleeting. It’s about enjoying the freedom extended to me off the backs of my countrymen, however I choose because they fought for that right.

So this Memorial Day I’m going to live it up in every moment I can for those who gave everything. I’m going to eat the food, play the games, watch the fireworks and enjoy my family from the safety of my home because they gave me that and anything less wouldn’t be worth it. I’m going to live a life worth their sacrifice, that’s how I will pay my respects.

The Recipes:

Ok I have so many thoughts and ideas running through my head for this. You can do potlucks and have people bring a dish to pass. I love this option! It gives you a chance to try what others got going on in their kitchens if you are feeling a bit stuck in a rut. It also puts some of the burden on the the guests right? So you aren’t cooking everything and have time to visit too. Catering is another option, if you can get an exact head count and are prepared to cover the cost. These days catering services can even offer servers to help if your shin dig is big enough! How fancy! Memorial Day can be what you make of it.

Or you can do like I usually do and prepare a small list of our favorites and have an intimate gathering of close family and friends. Once I figure out how many I will be serving and who, it kind of helps me figure out what to serve. For example, if I’m having over more kids than usual then I need to make sure to have kid friendly fare. Because while my boys are inhalers of food, alot of kids can be picky about textures not just flavor. Learn not to take it personally!

Make A Plan:

Choose a protein: I like picking two because I like options! So in this instance, I picked pulled pork sandwiches and ribs. Now this is essentially the same thing just done two different ways. You can mix it up! Do whatever you want! I’m just giving and example with my most popular posts.

Pulled Pork

Savory pork seasoned with BBQ and cooked low and slow.

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BBQ Pork Ribs

This tasty recipe is made in the oven but doesn't sacrifice any flavor

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Sloppy Joes

An all American classic only this version isn't from a can!

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Choose your sides: I like picking three. A potato, a veggie and a pasta or rice. Again tailor it to your needs this is just how we do it here. I also like to have a fresh salad of some sort that I add in. And I don’t count it as a veggie LOL! My process is strange I know!

Baked Beans

Spicy, sweet and tangy with just a hint of smokeyness.

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Fresh Green Beans

Tasty fresh green beans cooked in chicken broth for added flavor

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Scalloped corn

A corn casserole classic that is suited for more than your holiday table.

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Mac-N-Cheese

Decadent cheese sauce is the star in this classic pasta dish.

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Scalloped Potatoes

A melting pot of delectable cheeses and potatoes in melty goodness!

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Salad option: if you so choose, this one is amazing! fast, easy and refreshing!

Strawberry Praline Salad

Strawberries, praline pecans, lettuce, and goat cheese crumbles with a poppy seed dressing.

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Want a starter? These potato skins are perfect for entertaining!

Potato Skins

A potato perfection with 2 cheeses, bacon, chives and sour cream.

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Don’t forget dessert! This banana cream pie is the best this you ever had with bananas in it! Then last but not least we have Oreo cream pie. Oreos?! How American can you get?

Banana Cream Pie

A no-bake masterpiece with bananas and a sugar crust.

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Oreo Cream Pie

A simple but amazing no-bake dessert certain to make fans everywhere!

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Again this is just a small list of some of our Memorial Day favorites. Delegate some responsibilities out or create a task sheet to keep everything timed and organized by yourself. You can see what a task planner sheet would look like here. It is the example I made for Thanksgiving but food is food. Substitute the recipes out and voila`!

I want to close this out by saying Memorial Day is for remembering and honoring the fallen but we need to remember those still here, trying to assimilate to civilian life after duty as well. So I’m going to include link to Wounded Warrior Project. I want to preface it by stating I am in no way affiliated, and am not receiving any money or advertisements in exchange for sharing their link. This Memorial Day Blue Angels Foundation is matching donations made through Memorial Day up to $100,000 in support of their Warrior Care Network. Please consider giving your support to those still fighting to recover today. Go to Woundedwarriorproject.org to make your donation!