Memorial Day is a time to remember those who died serving our country, but it is also the perfect time for a good BBQ cookout. There are hundreds of recipes and ways to prepare your holiday meal for friends and family, but here are six of the best recipe ideas, tips and tricks for making the perfect Memorial Day 2014 menu:
CHICKEN KABOBS
Make your barbeque chicken dish portable this Memorial Day by serving AllRecipes.com’s Yummy Honey Chicken Kabobs. This poultry dish can be created by first whisking together 1/4 cup of vegetable oil, 1/3 cup of honey, 1/3 cup of soy sauce, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. After the mixture is finished, add 8 skinless and boneless chicken breasts cut in halves, 2 cloves of garlic, 5 small cut onions and 2 cut red bell peppers, along with the liquid, into a large bowl. Allow the mixture to marinate in the refrigerator for at least two hours (preferably overnight). After the marinating process is complete, place the whole ingredients on skewers before placing them onto a lightly oiled grill. Allow the skewers to cook for 12 to 15 minutes, making sure to brush the meat with the remaining marinade frequently.
HONEY-GINGER SALMON
Put a twist on classic grilled salmon by adding a dash of the sweet flavor of honey and the tang of ginger. To create AllRecipes.com’s Honger-Ginger Salmon, start by using a large plastic bag and combine 1 teaspoon of ground ginger and garlic powder, 1/3 cup of soy sauce and orange juice, 1 chopped green onion and 1/4 cup of honey. After the ingredients are thoroughly mixed together, add 1 salmon fillet and after sealing the bag, gently distributing the marinade onto the fish. While the grill is heating up, allow the bag to sit in the refrigerator for 15 to 30 minutes. Before placing the fish onto the grill, make sure to remove access liquids. The meat should be grilled for 12 to 15 minutes per inch of thickness.
PERFECT BURGER
It may not be the most unique menu item but what would a barbeque be without a classic cheeseburger? With just a total of 20 minutes prep/cook time, you too can create Food Network chef Bobby Flay’s “Perfect Burger” recipe. Start by separating your meat (either 1 ½ pounds of ground beef or 1 ½ pounds ground turkey) into 4 equal portions, forming each into a 3/4-inch thick burger and making a “deep impression in the center with your thumb.” After the meat is molded, season both sides with salt and pepper and then your meat is ready to go on the grill. Cook each side for roughly 3-5 minutes, making sure to brush the burgers with canola oil at least once. If desired, add cheese to the top of your meat before serving.
ITALIAN BREAD
What would a holiday meal be without a side of bread? Make your menu’s side dish crunchy and delicious by giving it the garlic treatment a la Martha Stewart style. Using 1 loaf of bread of your choice lay each slice onto a hot grill, making sure to keep the food away from direct heat. When the slices appear golden brown color, flip each piece over to the other side and repeat. When the bread is finishing “cooking,” immediately rub each slice with a garlic clove; brush a dusting of olive oil and sprinkle with coarse salt.
POUND CAKE
Give your guests a classic dessert they will love with a summer twist by creating TasteofHome.com’s grilled pound cake (with berries) recipe. This unique sweet treat can be created by beating 1 cup of heavy whipping cream and 5 tablespoon of sugar into a bowl. After the ingredients reach a thick consistency, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of a grated lemon peel. The mixture should be covered and refrigerated until serving time. When you’re ready to start grilling, spread the mixture onto both sides of pound cake slices and cook each slice, on each side for 1-2 minutes until it reaches a golden brown color. If desired, the dish can be topped with fresh berries.
GRILLED PINEAPPLE
If you want to serve a sweet treat on Memorial Day that won’t pack on the pounds, consider offering a selection of SkinnyTaste.com’s, Weight Watchers-friendly, grilled pineapple dish. To get started combine 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 tablespoon of lime juice and 1 teaspoon of olive oil and cinnamon in a small bowl. Whisk the ingredients until they’re properly blended. While you’re waited for the grill to warm, cut 1 whole pineapple into equal, half-inch slices. After lightly brushing the marinade onto the pineapple slices, place the fruit onto a lightly coated grill and allow it to cook for 3 to 5 minutes on each side. This dish is best served warm.
