Planning a Memorial Day Barbecue

Ah, Memorial Day. Not only is it a day to remember our fallen heroes, but it’s the day the barbecue season officially kicks off! Ready to host your own Memorial Day feast? Follow these handy tips to make the day smooth, safe, and fun.

The Grill

At least a week before the party, pull out the grill and inspect it. If your end-of-season clean up was less than thorough, now’s the time to get the grill spotless. You’ll also want to remove any old coals (they’ll be too damp to light off easily); for gas and propane grills, make sure the machine lights off properly. (If there are any problems, you’ll need time to get repair work done.) And don’t forget to stock up on coals, gas, or propane!

The Menu

Satisfy grumbling stomachs right away by having Cheese Sticks (http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/cheese-sticks) and Hot Wings (http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/hot-wings ) handy when guests arrive.

While guests mingle, grill up the main dish. Hamburgers are a favorite, but consider serving at least one gourmet burger, like our Gerkin Pickle Hamburgers (http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/gherkin-burgers ) or our Spinach Hamburgers (http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/spinach-burgers ). Or make everyone’s mouths water with some juicy steaks; try Tangy T-Bone Steaks (http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/tangy-t-bone-steak) or Peppery Rib-Eyes (http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/peppery-rib-eye-steaks).

Salmon is a lighter alternative. Try grilling them on planks, or for a really gourmet treat, cook up some Grilled Candied Garlic Salmon (http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/grilled-candied-garlic-salmon). Or try the classic favorite, Grilled Trout ( http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/grilled-trout ). Another good choice is a Grilled Whole Chicken (http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/grilled-whole-chicken ).

Start the side dishes with salad. Asian Cole Slaw (http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/asian-cole-slaw-with-radishes-and-miso-dressing) is a nice choice - or how about a more traditional Three Bean Salad (http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/three-bean-salad)? Corn and Beets Salad (http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/corn-and-beets-recipe) is a great choice, too.

To the salad, why not add some Beer Battered Onion Rings (http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/beer-battered-onion-rings) and Brussels Sprouts in Beer (http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/brussels-sprouts-in-beers)? For those who love fried food, Deep Fried Cauliflower ( http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/deep-fried-cauliflower ), Fried Artichoke Hearts (http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/fried-artichoke-hearts ) or Fried Okra (http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/fried-okra ) is a must. For the more health conscious, just about any grilled vegetable – and some grilled fruits - are a treat. Try Grilled Eggplant (http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/grilled-eggplant ) or Grilled Apple (http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/grilled-apples ).

Finish things off with a terrific dessert. Apple Fine Pie (http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/apple-fine-pie ) and Cherry Pie (http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/cherry-pie) are traditional American favorites. For something a little different, try Crispy Pineapple with Coconut Ice Cream (http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/crispy-pineapple-with-coconut-ice-cream), or Grilled Bananas (http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/grilled-bananas ), served with or without ice cream.

The Decorations

To help guests remember why you’re enjoying all that sunshine, great food, and great beer, decorate with a patriotic theme. Small flags on sticks are inexpensive and easy to plop into pots, jars, and vases. Streamers in red, white, and blue are affordable and easy decorations, too. If guests will be indoors, tape one end of the streamers to the ceiling, and allow the paper to hang down. Or drape the streamers, twisting them a few times, to garland around deck and patio railings. Red, white, and blue balloons make a simple centerpiece, or choose a toy version of a favorite American icon (the Statue of Liberty, Uncle Sam, etc.) to place center stage.

Salads

Take advantage of spring’s bounty of fresh produce by serving up a fresh, delicious salad. A simple mix of greens will do, but for something less expected, try one of these offerings.

Asian Cole Slaw http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/asian-cole-slaw-with-radishes-and-miso-dressing

Corn and Beets Salad http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/corn-and-beets-recipe

Spinach Mango Salad http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/spinach-mango-salad

Hamburgers

Nothing says “It’s time for summer!” the way grilled hamburgers do. It’s smart to offer guests all the usual toppings – everyone has their favorite way of dressing up a hamburger – but why not offer your guests some truly gourmet hamburgers, too?

Herbed Parmesan Hamburgers http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/herbed-parmesan-hamburgers

Gerkin Pickle Hamburgers http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/gherkin-burgers

Spinach Hamburgers http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/spinach-burgers

Barbecue

Celebrate the start of the barbecue and grilling season with some knock-your-socks off food! Almost any good can be grilled, but here are some exceptional foods to try.

Grilled Candied Garlic Salmon http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/grilled-candied-garlic-salmon

Grilled Rack of Lamb http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/grilled-rack-of-lamb

Grilled Trout http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/grilled-trout

Grilled Eggplant http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/grilled-eggplant

Grilled Bananas http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/grilled-bananas

Suggested Recipes:

Salads: http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/recipe-courses/salad

Asian Cole Slaw http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/asian-cole-slaw-with-radishes-and-miso-dressing

Chicken Fruit Salad: http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/chicken-fruit-salad

Greek Pasta Salad: http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/greek-pasta-salad

Sauerkraut Salad: http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/sauerkraut-salad

Spinach Mango Salad: http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/spinach-mango-salad

Three Bean Salad: http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/three-bean-salad

Corn and Beets Salad: http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/corn-and-beets-recipe

Hamburgers: http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/search/hamburger

Herbed Parmesan Hamburgers: http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/herbed-parmesan-hamburgers

Barbecue/Grill: http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/cooking-type/barbeque

Grilled Candied Garlic Salmon: http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/grilled-candied-garlic-salmon

Grilled Rack of Lamb: http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/grilled-rack-of-lamb

Mustard and Rosemary Pork Chops: http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/mustard-and-rosemary-pork-chops

Peppery Rib-Eye Steaks: http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/peppery-rib-eye-steaks

Tangy T-Bone Steak: http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/tangy-t-bone-steak

Side Dishes: http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/recipe-courses/side-dishess

Barbecue Baked Beans: http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/barbecue-baked-beans

Beer Battered Onion Rings: http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/beer-battered-onion-rings

Beet Greens with Garlic: http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/beet-greens-with-garlics

Brussels Sprouts in Beer: http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/brussels-sprouts-in-beers

Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/brussels-sprouts-with-bacons

Cheese Sticks: http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/cheese-sticks

Deep Fried Cauliflower: http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/deep-fried-cauliflower

Fried Artichoke Hearts: http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/fried-artichoke-hearts

Fried Okra: http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/fried-okra

Hot Wings: http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/hot-wings

New Potato Crunchers: http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/new-potato-crunchers

Desserts: http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/recipe-courses/dessert-recipes

Apple Fine Pie: http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/apple-fine-pie

Banana Pudding: http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/banana-pudding

Cherry Pie: http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/cherry-pie

Crispy Pineapple with Coconut Ice Cream: http://www.gourmetrecipe.com/recipes/crispy-pineapple-with-coconut-ice-cream