• calendar_month May 27, 2024
• folder Tips

Memorial Day is a time for reflection, remembrance, and gathering with loved ones. As you plan your celebration, why not treat your guests to a feast that’s both delicious and easy to prepare? Our menu includes succulent BBQ ribs, creamy coleslaw, savory baked beans, fluffy cornbread, and a refreshing fruit salad. This combination will make your Memorial Day gathering a hit!

1. BBQ Ribs

Ingredients:

For the Ribs:

• 2 racks of baby back ribs (about 4-5 pounds)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

For the BBQ Sauce:

• 2 cups ketchup
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preparing the Ribs:

• Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
• Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs.
• Mix all the dry spices and rub evenly over the ribs.

2. Baking the Ribs:

• Place the ribs on a baking sheet lined with foil, cover with another sheet of foil.
• Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours.

3. Making the BBQ Sauce:

• Combine all sauce ingredients in a saucepan.
• Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes.

4. Grilling the Ribs:

• Preheat the grill to medium-high.
• Brush the ribs with BBQ sauce and grill for 5-10 minutes per side.

5. Serving the Ribs:

• Let the ribs rest before slicing and serve with extra sauce.

2. Classic Coleslaw

Ingredients:

• 1 small head of green cabbage, shredded
• 2 large carrots, shredded
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the cabbage and carrots.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to coat.
4. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

3. Baked Beans

Ingredients:

• 4 cups canned navy beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup bacon, diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a skillet, cook the bacon until crisp. Remove and set aside.
3. In the bacon fat, sauté the onion until translucent.
4. In a baking dish, combine the beans, bacon, onions, and remaining ingredients.
5. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour.

4. Cornbread

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking pan.
2. In a bowl, mix the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and oil.
4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
5. Pour into the pan and bake for 20-25 minutes.

5. Fresh Fruit Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 2 cups blueberries
• 2 cups diced pineapple
• 2 kiwis, peeled and sliced
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the strawberries, blueberries, pineapple, and kiwi.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey and lime juice.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the fruit and toss gently to combine.
4. Garnish with mint leaves before serving.

With these recipes, your Memorial Day celebration will be both delicious and memorable. Whether you’re serving BBQ ribs as the star of the show or enjoying the fresh flavors of the fruit salad, each dish brings something special to the table. Enjoy the holiday with great food, cherished company, and a moment of remembrance. Happy Memorial Day!