Memorial Day is this weekend, which means it’s time to start thinking about cookouts and outdoor entertaining for your home. Once you mow and clean your yard, get out the tiki torches and citronella candles to keep away bugs, and set up umbrellas or awnings with lawn chairs underneath to give guests a shaded area to sit and relax.
Make it fun! Set up a volleyball net, croquet, or Frisbee game for kids and parents to enjoy. Just make sure to keep it clear of the grill!
Cookouts are all about food and keeping your guests happy, so make sure you stock up on food and beverages that keep them satisfied. You can also try your hand at these recipes below for some homemade options.
Jack’s Guacamole
3 ripe avocados
2 tomatoes
1/2 cup red onion
2 limes, juiced
a few sprigs of fresh cilantro (coriander), chopped finely
dash or two of sea salt
Mash avocados with a fork. Mix all the ingredients together with a mortar and pestle, or in a large bowl, and serve with tortilla chips, or fresh veggies. Makes 4 servings.
Aunt Martha’s Potato Salad
1 bag of red potatoes
2 carrots (peeled)
2 celery stalks
1/2 cup red or white onion
1/2 cup of mayonaise
2 tbsp. mustard
2 tsp. salt
dash of freshly ground pepper
fresh dill (optional)
Boil potatoes for 25 minutes, or until soft. Chop up mirepoix (carrots, celery, and onions). Cut up potatoes when warm, leave skin on, and combine with mirepoix in a large bowl. Add remaining ingredients, and refrigerate for 1 – 2 hours before serving. Makes 4 – 6 servings.
Have a great Memorial Day weekend, everyone!