Cucumber Salad {RECIPE}

It's been a while since I've posted a recipe, and luckily I just whipped up a new one to share with you! Huzzah! Huzzah!

This recipe has a backstory. I guess if you think about it, most recipes do. They come from somewhere, right? Like, something inspired someone to throw a bunch of random ingredients together resulting in a tasty concoction, no?

The Backstory: One of my favorite local places to eat (like, of all time, people), is Three Little Pigs in West Chester, PA. It's a locally owned cafe that is open for lunch during the week. And ZOMG it has just the most charming atmosphere. One of my favorite things about 3 Pigs is that all of the sandwiches on the menu are named after streets in West Chester (I almost always order the Matlack Street, in case you are wondering). One of the other things I love is that they offer tasty homemade side dishes as opposed to chips or fries. Each day there are two completely hand-crafted sides for you to choose from. And OH, I've had the gamut. They are all so fresh, tasty and SIMPLE: Tomato Cucumber Salad, Rice and Pea Salad, Thai Peanut Pasta Salad, etc. 

Well, the other day I took Chica out on a lunch date. She asked specifically to eat "at a cafe." Her request was complete with a waving hand motion. So I obliged and we ended up at The Three Little Pigs. Their sides to choose from that day were a Rice and Pea Salad and a Cucumber Salad. I asked what was in the Cucumber Salad, and they said, "Cucumbers, onions, sour cream and dill". Sounds good, right? So I chose it. And it was SO light and tasty and refreshing, I was determined to recreate it at home.

So I did.

And now I'm sharing it with you today.

This is a simple salad that is really quite healthy even though it's creamy. You can adjust the seasoning and creaminess to your liking. And I'm sure I don't even have to say it, but I'm going to say it anyway: PERFECT SIDE FOR A SUMMER COOKOUT.

There I said it.

Now here's the recipe:

• 4 large cucumbers, peeled and diced into 1-inch chunks (note: if you aren't a fan of seeds, get English Hothouse Cucumbers, as they are seedless)

• 1/2 cup of red onion, sliced (if you really like the taste of onion, you can dice it. I chose to slice so I could eat around the onion without losing the flavor)

• 1/4 cup of sour cream (I used Fat Free, but feel free to use the full-fat version. You can up the sour cream to 1/2 cup if you are looking to go really creamy)

• 2 TBS of fresh dill, chopped

• salt and pepper, to taste

Combine the cucumbers and onions in a large bowl. Combine with the sour cream until all of the vegetables are sufficiently covered. Sprinkle with dill and mix until it is well incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.  Feel free to add more dill, salt or pepper to your liking. 

Serves 4-6

~~~~~

Easy, right? 

It was just a nice change from a side salad, and I plan on serving it alongside future cookouts this summer!  I never thought to use sour cream in a salad like this. Most opt for mayonnaise, and I like the sour cream's lightness better. I may try this with other vegetable combinations, like corn, black bean and  red bell peppers, perhaps? 

I'd love to hear how this turns out for you, so be sure to stop back and leave a comment!

Grill it Up on Memorial Day {Motivation Monday Link Up}

I've created several Cookout Menu's over the past few years. Since it is Memorial Day Weekend, I thought I'd compile them all into one post so you can drool...I mean...plan your holiday cookout!  Some of my favorite recipes from the following cookout menu's include:

Sandra Lee's Grilled Pineapple Teriyaki Burgers

Marinated London Broil

Tortellini Salad

Click the pictures below to be whisked away to my mouth-watering cookout menus:

Some more ideas that I've tried thanks to Pinterest. These are FANTABULOUS and cookout-worthy:

Source: moderndaydonnareed.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

Source: addapinch.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

Source: skinnytaste.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

What does YOUR Memorial Day Cookout menu look like?

Share your recipes or link-up your posts with our Motivation Monday Memorial Day Weekend Link-Up!

Healthy Spring Meal Ideas {Motivation Monday}

Spring is in the air! I know there is still snow threatening parts of the country this month, but the weather has been spiking warmer, the days are now longer and Rita's Water Ice stores are opening across the country. WOOT!

This past weekend, our little corner of the world was warm and sunny. Coupled with the longer, lighter days (thanks Daylight Savings!), Hubby and I decided it was the perfect night to grill! Since today is supposed to be equally beautiful, we'll be grilling tonight as well.

In the winter, it can be hard to eat that healthy. Less fresh food is "in season" and it's often too cold to grill. The cold weather makes us want heavy, warm meals. Something about warm, bright weather encourages my healthy eating. I love grilling. I love fresh-from-the-Farmer's Market produce. I love the feeling of a light but filling meal.  

So for this Motivation Monday, I thought I'd round up my favorite healthy meals for Spring (and Summer)!  Some are grill meals, some are just fresh and light. Here are a few of my favorite meals to eat in Spring:

Awesome Grillin' Marinade 

(for Chicken or Flank Steak AND Vegetables)

Rosemary Grilled Pork Chops

Chimchurri Fajitas 

Chicken Satay

Roasted Red Pepper Sandwiches

Warm Tortellini and Cherry Tomato Salad

Skinnytaste's Flank Steak with Tomato, Red Onion and Balsamic

Grilled Black Bean and Rice Stuffed Peppers

Kyle's Spice-Rubbed Chicken for the Grill

Pesto Chicken Packets

These are, hands down, some of my favorite recipes for warm weather! They are filling yet light, with enough room for a (healthy) dessert! (Think grilled pineapple with a dollop of whipped cream. YUM!)

What are your favorite Spring/Summer recipes? 

Leave a comment and inspire us!

Link up YOUR Motivation Monday posts

Whether it's a healthified recipe or fitness tip as your motivation toward a healthier lifestyle, parenting advice or encouragement on your journey as a better parent, thoughts on marriage as you better yourself as a spouse, we want to hear about it! Share YOUR posts about motivating yourself to be BETTER below.

2012 Cookout Menu

I've made a few Cookout Menus in the past: Memorial Day Cookout Menu, Labor Day Cookout Menu and Fourth of July Cookout Menu.  They are good, but I needed new inspiration.  So I asked, and you responded! 

Here are even MORE Cookout recipes to fill your Summer with!

Fun recipe cards created by me of my recipes, reader submitted recipes and blogger submitted recipes!  Click on the picture to make it larger for viewing and feel free download to print!


I will update throughout the Summer as I come across more Cookout-worthy recipes.  Now we all have new inspirations for our BBQ's!

Easy Macaroni Salad {RECIPE}

Macaroni Salad is a staple cookout side dish.  Everyone does it different, everyone has their preferences.  Some tend toward being heavy on the mayonnaise, others aim for italian flavorings. I've been making the same macaroni salad for as long as I can remember.  I learned this ridiculously simple recipe from my mom, who whipped up this salad every time we grilled in the Summer.  Another reason I love it? I have 2 words for you:


Four. Ingredients.


That's it!


SO EASY. And I've found it to be a real crowd pleaser.


I posted this recipe a long time ago in my Memorial Day Cookout Menu, but felt it deserved a post of it's own.   It can be tweaked to your preferences, and I'll share a few notes and tips at the end.

~~~~~

Labor Day Cookout Menu

Labor Day.

The Unofficial End of Summer. For some, the Unofficial End of Grill Season. (Note: Neither is true - Summer ends on September 21, and Grill Season technically never has to end if you are die-hard about it).

Oh yeah, and a holiday dedicated to...working. Yeah. Real fun.

Whether it is the embracing of Autumn's arrival, a sad good-bye of Summer or the slap-in-the face realization that there are far too many years until retirement, we have to admit that Labor Day does give us the opporunity to celebrate with parties, friends, fireworks, cookouts and GOOD FOOD.

As promised, I've researched and compiled some good recipes together for a pretty solid Labor Day Cookout Menu. Some of the recipes, I will admit, I have not yet tried. But I am posting them because I stumbled across them and they looked so fantastic, that I intend to cook this exact menu for MY Labor Day Cookout...and why would I cheat you out of a good recipe??

So, here is the menu. Let me know what you think of the recipes! If YOU have good Cookout recipes that other people in the community could benefit from (read: recipes for those who hate the recipes I post, but are still searching for something good), then PLEASE email me or leave a comment!

(For more recipe ideas, check out my Memorial Day and Independence Day Menus!)

[PLEASE leave a comment if you stop by this menu! I'd love to hear from you!]

~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~

----------

Appetizer

----------

Peppery Sweet Cheese Block

- This is simple, but a crowd pleaser!-

• 1 block of Cream Cheese (light or non-fat is fine)
• 1 Jar of Pepper Jelly /Jam (for those who live locally, I recommend any of Chile Spot's Pepper Jam's available at the WCGM)

Place Cream Cheese block on a decorative serving platter. Spoon several tablespoons of Jelly/Jam over the Cheese (as much or as little as you'd like).

Serve with Tortilla Chips, Crackers or Pita.

----------

Main Dish #1

----------

Sandra Lee's Pineapple Teriyaki Burgers

- I caught this on TV the other day and it looked SO GOOD, I couldn't WAIT to try it (or post it)!-

- Serves 4-

• 1 1/2 lbs Ground Beef
• 1 packet Beefy Onion Soup Mix
• 2 TBS Ginger Teriyaki Marinade Mix (powder form, not liquid) - [recommend McCormick's Grill Mates]
• 1 (8oz) can Pineapple Rings (keep rings intact), drained and juice reserved
• Salt and Pepper
• 1/3 cup Mayonnaise
• 1 TBS wasabi paste
• 1 TBS soy sauce
• 4 Burger Buns

Combine Beef, Soup Mix, Teriyaki Marinade Mix, and 1/4 cup reserved Pineapple Juice. Form 4 patties slightly larger than bun. Gently press pineapple rings into tops of patties. Season burgers with salt and pepper. Place on grill, starting with pineapple side DOWN. Cook 8 minutes per side for medium.

Mix together Mayo, wasabi paste, soy sauce. Spread on buns. Place burger on buns. Top with lettuce, tomato, onion - or whatever toppings suit you!

Lettuce, Tomato, Onion (for toppings)

----------

Main Dish #2

----------

Honey Grilled Pineapple Chicken

- As luck would have it, I came across another recipe using Pineapple juice! This would be a great compliment recipe to make alongside the burgers-

• 2-3 lbs of Chicken (any parts you choose - I usually use boneless, skinless breasts)
• 2 Cups Of Fresh Pineapple Juice
• 8 Fresh GRILLED Pineapple Rings (briefly grill over heat until slightly charred or grill marks show)
• 1/2 Cup Of Honey 
• 1/2 Cup Of Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 Teaspoon Of Garlic Powder
• 1 Teaspoon Of Onion Powder
• 1/8 Cup Of Whiskey (recommended: Jameson Irish)
• 1/4 Teaspoon Of Cayenne Pepper

In a blender, combine Pineapple Juice and Grilled Pineapple Rings until pureed. Pour into a bowl with a lid. Add remaining ingredients. Stir with a whisk until well combined. Seal bowl with lid. Chill marinade for 1 hour. After 1 hour, take out marinade and re-whisk until well combined again. Pour contents of bowl into a large freezer bag (ie: Ziplock). Place chicken into bag and seal. Refrigerate for 4-6 hours before grilling.

This marinade can be used with beef and seafood as well!

----------

Side Dish

----------

Tomato Mozzarella Salad

- This is a recipe I modified from Sorrento Cheese. The original recipe involves salad greens and was a bit oily. I cut back on the oil (sometimes I don't use oil at ALL), and I got rid of the lettuce. For original recipe, click HERE-

• 1 8-oz Mozzarella Ball, sliced into thin disks 
• 3 ripe tomatoes, sliced into thin disks 
• 2 Tbsp. Fresh basil, chopped 
• Dressing: 
• 1/8 cup olive oil 
• 3 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar 
• ½ Tsp. Dijon mustard 
• ¼ tsp. salt 
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste 

Place mozzarella, tomatoes and basil onto a serving dish (I like to make rings, alternating Moz and Tomato, sprinkling with basil).

Whisk together dressing ingredients and pour over Mozzarella and Tomato platter.

Simple but tasty!

Note: I had a friend who one time grilled mozzarella cheese. I found a recipe HERE (if you are nervous putting the cheese slices on a grill, place in a pan on the grill).

----------

Dessert

----------

Ricotta Cheese Cookies

-This is a reprint from an earlier post. These cookies have been my obsession since their discovery. Since the nights have been cooler, these would be the perfect end to a Labor Day Cookout!-

• 2 C. Sugar 
• 1 C. butter/margarine 
• 15 oz. Ricotta Cheese 
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract 
• 2 large eggs 
• 4 C. flour 
• 2 TBS baking powder 
• 1 tsp salt 

• 1 - 1/2 C. confectioners sugar 
• 3 TBS milk 

Beat sugar and butter on low speed until blended, then high speed until fluffy (about 5 minutes). Mix ricotta, vanilla, and eggs at medium speed. Add flour, baking powder, and salt at low speed. Drop by tablespoon 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350º 15 minutes, or until golden.


For icing, mix confectioner's sugar and milk until thin. Spread icing on cookies while still warm, and sprinkle with jimmies/sprinkles (optional).


NOTE: I suggest ending your cookout with these scrumptious goodies! Serve with fresh fruit from your Local Farmer's Market and some good coffee!

~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~

There you have it! A great recipe line-up for a great night of food and friends. Enjoy your Labor Day weekend, and optimistically welcome the celebratory season of Autumn!

Happy Labor Day!

Independence Day Cookout Recipes

Sun. Friends. Fireworks. Grills.

The 4th of July is definitely a holiday to look forward to. Everything about it is...celebratory! Many people spend this weekend at the beach or on vacation elsewhere. Some like to spend it local, living it up in the city (here, we are talking about Philadelphia), enjoying live music and amazing fireworks shows. Others, like me, enjoy spending this holiday chill: Hanging out in someone's backyard (having a swimming pool in said backyard would be optimal), having a BBQ with friends.

I love knowing that on 7/4, there will be grills smoking, fireworks blasting, and good conversation around every corner. There is no better way to spend the 4th of July than having a cookout with loved ones. Or any people willing to bring good food.

Here is a menu I put together of food I deem respectable cookout fare for this holiday weekend. Hopefully you can glean even one recipe to enhance your time with friends and family.

FOR MORE RECIPES, Check out my Memorial Day and Labor Day Cookout Menus!

Enjoy!

~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~

I was inspired at a recent birthday celebration with this appertizer. This dip is a crowd pleaser, and big enough to go around. I added a few more ingredients according to my tastes, but add and subtract as you desire.

Appetizer

Fresh Mexican Dip

• 2 Blocks Cream Cheese, softened
• 1 can Refried Beans
• 1 can Sliced Black Olives
• 1-2 cups Salsa
• 1-2 cups Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese
• 1/2 cup Diced Onion
• 1/2 cup Diced Red Pepper

On a serving platter, spread cream cheese so it covers entire bottom. Layer each of the next ingredients through Cheese. Sprinkle Onion and Red Pepper over top.

Serve with Tortilla Chips.

(Note: I think a layer of guacamole would be heavenly, but I didn't want to go overboard...)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Whenever we want to grill burgers, my husband insists that he enjoys the homemade burgers I have made in the past. The only problem? I never keep the recipe(s) I use to create them! I also only have felt so-so about the previous recipes. Recently, I scoured the internet for GOOD homemade burger recipes. I took a few things from several recipes and concocted the master recipe posted below. (If you have a good homemade burger recipe, I'd love to try it out!). We served these topped with cheese. They were really tasty and moist - a good combo in Burger World. Next time, I think I would serve these burgers with a slice of pineapple. YUM!

Main Dish

Homemade Burgers

• 1 lb 80/20 Ground Beef
• 1 TBL Ground Coriander
• 1 tsp Paprika
• 1 packet Lipton's Beefy Onion Soup Mix (dry)
• 3 TBL Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 (heaping) tsp minced Garlic
• 1 tsp Black pepper

Combine all ingredients and form into patties. Grill until juices begin to run out. Serve on buns with Cheddar or American Cheese, Tomato, Lettuce, and Onion. For more unique topping ideas, try Bacon Strips, Pineapple Slices, Fried Onion Straws or Sliced Brie.

Makes 4 patties (so if you are having a larger party double/triple the recipe).

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What is a cookout without side dishes? Sometimes I like the sides better than the main dish, and I unfortunately fill up on them. Here are 2 options that are SUPER EASY (almost to a fault), and possibly overlooked.

Side Dish #1

Roasted (or Grilled) Asparagus

• 1 bunch Asparagus
• 1 TBS Olive Oil
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Minced Garlic (I usually use jarred)
• Pinch of Salt
• Pinch of Pepper

1) Prepare asparagus spears by snapping off tough woody bottoms (bend the stalk at it's natural breaking point, about 1 to 2 inches from base).

2) Rinse and place on a roasting pan (with sides).

3) Drizzle with Olive Oil.

4) Sprinkle Garlic Powder, Minced Garlic, Salt and Pepper over the stalks. Toss to combine evenly.

To Roast: Keep asparagus on roasting pan. Place in 400º oven for 8-10 minutes, shaking pan halfway through.

To Grill: Using tongs, place asparagus on grill, perpendicular to grates. Grill 5 minutes on each side, or until tips start to brown.

Side Dish #2

Tortellini Salad

• 1 large bag of Barilla Spinach and Ricotta Tortellini
• 1 bottle of Italian Dressing

1) Cook/boil tortellini according to package directions.

2) Drain and place tortellini into a serving bowl.

3) Pour Italian Dressing over tortellini until well coated.

4) Cool in refrigerator until ready to serve.

(I know, it's a sin this dish is so simple. But I love it EVERY TIME, and it goes over well with any crowd. Sometimes, the best and tastiest of recipes are those that are so simple they are overlooked)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My favorite: Dessert! When there is a cookout, I usually opt for S'Mores, done over the still-flaming coals. Here are some other desserts to consider for your cookout celebration! The first recipe I got from fellow blogger, Cooking With A Plan. The recipe sounds so tasty, and I can't wait to try it out!

Dessert #1

Blueberry Cheese Pie

• 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 8 oz. carton Cool Whip, thawed
• 1 can blueberry pie filling*
• Baked pie shell (she used graham cracker)

1. Mix cream cheese with sugar and vanilla in a large mixing bowl.
2. Fold in the Cool Whip and spread mixture into pie shell.
3. Cover with blueberry pie filling and refrigerate until ready to serve.

The second recipe is one I have recently posted, but felt it would be a nice staple to have on hand at a cookout (thank to my MIL for sharing the recipe with me!)

Dessert #2

Mexican Brownies

• 1 box brownie mix (with ingredients listed on the box - varies with each mix)
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp of cayenne -OR- chipotle pepper powder

1) Empty dry brownie mix into a bowl. Add cinnamon and pepper to mix.
2) Add remaining wet ingredients, according to brownie mix box (eggs? oil? water? butter? Each box is different).
3) Bake according to package directions.
4) EAT 'EM UP!

~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~

There you have it! I hope you find some inspiration amongst these recipes. I would LOVE for you to share your favorite cookout recipes as well! There is plenty of summer left, and lots of grilling to be done. I am always looking for more things to try on the BBQ...


Email me so I can share them with the rest of the community!

Happy Independence Day!

Memorial Day Cookout Recipes

** 7/4/09 Editor's Note: Check out the recently added 4th of July Cookout Menu for even MORE ideas and recipes! **

**9/3/09 Editor's Note: Check out the recently added Labor Day Cookout Menu for even MORe ideas and recipes! **

Tomorrow is a great holiday for grilling. The weather forecast for the Philly suburbs looks beautiful. I'd like to share some good grilling recipes now, so you can get out to the grocery store TODAY to get the ingredients for your own BBQ!

My hubby and I have been grilling a lot for the past few weeks, for several reasons:

1) The weather has been nice and warm (AND it doesn't heat your house up when you cook outside!).

2) We like the way grilling tastes (we have a charcol grill)

3) Grilling can be a healthy way of cooking!

So, let the grilling begin!

Steph's Summer Cookout Menu

~~

I found this marinade recipe a few weeks ago, and we've been obsessed with it. You can use Beef (London Broil, or any kind of steak) OR Chicken, and it turns out SO tasty. I love that is versatile, and can be used with different kinds of meat. The grill times listed below are approximate, especially for the beef (depending on if you like rare or well-done). When grilling beef, always let the meat stand for 5 minutes after grilling, so the juices can redistribute!

~~

____________________________________

Cookout Recipe #1

Awesome Grillin' Marinade

____________________________________

• 1 2-3 lb steak, 1-inch thick (look for the label "London Broil") OR 8 pieces of chicken (your choice - I like boneless skinless chicken breast)
• 3/4 cup olive oil
• 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/3 - 1/2 cup Real Lemon from the bottle
• 1 tablespoon dry mustard
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
• 1 clove garlic, crushed or 2 tablespoons of crushed jarred garlic

Combine ingredients (minus meat) in a bowl and whisk vigorously (until well combined). Place meat into a container (I use a gallon sized Ziplock bag, often double bagged) and pour marinade in (feel free to reserve a small amount for basting while you grill). Marinate for 2 -3 hours. Cook over medium hot coals (or medium-hot heat on a gas grill): 5-10 minutes per side for London Broil/beef, 5-8 meats per side for chicken. Times will vary with different meats and different grills.

~~

What is a BBQ without some side dishes to go along with it? Here are some great ones I find tasty and easily thrown together!

The first recipe is good as a side OR an appetizer, and is a unique take on garlic bread.

~~

_________________________________

Cookout Recipe #2

Grilled Tomato Toasts

__________________________________

• 1 loaf of french/italian crusty bread
• Oil
• 2-3 tomatoes, cut in half
• 2-3 cloves of garlic, peeled

Cut bread into 1-inch slices (as many or as little as you'd like. When it's just my hubby and I, we cut 2 slices per person. If we are serving several people, we cut the whole thing). Brush oil on both sides. As you are cooking on the grill, throw on the bread, watching carefully so as not to burn. Toast until brown on each side (roughly 1-2 minutes per side). Take the bread off the grill. Rub each side of the bread vigorously with the garlic (it will melt onto the bread). Then Rub each side of the bread with the cut side of the tomato a few times, until the bread is slightly pink. Enjoy!

~~

I also like having a pasta salad of some sort. Pasta salads come in all shapes, sizes and flavors. This is a VERY simple pasta salad that my mom always made, so it is near and dear to my heart! I also like to think of it as a blank slate, so if you don't like some of the ingredients, don't use them...or add new ones!

~~

__________________________________

Cookout Recipe #3

GiGi's Pasta Salad

__________________________________

• 1 box (1lb) Elbow Macaroni, cooked, drained and cooled according to package directions
• 1 cup of chopped green olives with pimentos (reserve 2 TBS of the olive juice from the jar)
• 1 cup shredded carrot
• 1 stalk of celery, chopped (I don't like celery, so I don't use it!)
• 1 to 1-1/2 cups of mayonnaise

Combine the pasta, olive juice and mayonnaise (if you like mayonnaise, use the higher amount listed). Add chopped olives, celery and shredded carrots. Combine and enjoy!

~~

And what is a great BBQ meal without dessert! Many of the recipes I have listed under "Tasty Treats" would complete this meal (click the link on the side). Here is one I found from another blogger friend, Cooking With a Plan. Check out her blog, and find the master recipe for this light and fresh summer dessert. I'll copy it below as well.

~~

_________________________________________

Cookout Recipe #4

Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars

__________________________________________

• 1 package of store bought sugar cookie dough (in the refrigerated section)
• 1/4-1/2 cup of strawberry jam (do it by feel)
• 1 cup fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced)

Smooth out the dough onto a small rimmed baking sheet. Poke holes in it with a fork and then bake according to the time and temperature on the package (don't overbake it...let it stay soft and chewy).

Allow to cool and then a layer of jam over the top. Then layer the fresh strawberry slices on top. Cut into squares and enjoy!

*You could totally double this and just use two or more packages of cookie dough. Then you could use a larger baking sheet.

**This dessert recipe is best eaten the day you make it, as it becomes a bit of a gooey (but still tasty!) mess thereafter.

~~

So, there you have it! A complete Summer Cookout Menu, recipes and all. What are YOU having for dinner on Memorial Day?

Do you have any great recipes for cookouts: summer desserts, grill marinades, or side dishes? Pass them along to share with the rest of the community!

moderndaydonnareed@gmail.com

~~