Recipes to welcome summer

Our US members have a long weekend for the Memorial Day holiday. While the day itself is a time for somber appreciation for those who gave all in defense of our nation, the unofficial event that coincides with the holiday is the welcoming of summer. As I walked through my neighborhood today it seemed like every backyard contained a grill, smoker, or other outdoor cooking appliance in use. Ours was no exception, as my husband fired up the charcoal grill for its inaugural use of the season.

While I did not use the occasion to try anything new (we stuck with basic burgers), the folks at Epicurious have gathered a bevy of tantalizing recipes if you are interested in making the most of the holiday weekend. The 31 recipes on display include grilling recipes galore, festive drinks, picnic-ready salads, and easy desserts like icebox cake.

Since the grill is now ready for action, I am ready to branch out – perhaps grilled pizza will be next. Potato salad and/or pasta salad are also on tap for the weekend because chilled side dishes seem to go down easier as the weather heats up, and we will likely be dining al fresco. As the summers here in the northland are short we take advantage of every sunny day, so I’ll add a refreshing adult beverage to the menu as well. Nothing says summer like watermelon, so it might be the Watermelon mint frosé from The Kitchn pictured above. How will you be welcoming the new season?