Hot and Humid? Must be summer!

Memorial Day is upon us once again...the official kickoff to summer grilling season. I personally have been grilling since April, but when I have a great grill, I will grill year round.  Here are some great fairly healthy sides, an awesome BBQ sauce, and a repost of my grilling tip sheet.

Remember this weekend when you are burning your meat and breaking bread with your family and friends, the real reason of this holiday: Many brave men and women gave their lives so you can eat, drink and save big money on a mattress or car.

Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday which occurs every year on the final Monday of May. Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Formerly known as Decoration Day, it originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the Civil War. By the 20th century Memorial Day had been extended to honor all Americans who have died while in the military service. It typically marks the start of the summer vacation season, while Labor Day marks its end. Memorial Day is not to be confused with Veterans Day; Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving, while Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans, living or dead.

Happy Cooking my Friends!

Heirloom Tomato Salad

Ingredients

• 1 lb.   mixed fresh tomatoes, chopped. Yellow, beefsteak, brandywine, etc...
• ½ cup  thinly sliced red onions – the thinner the better
• ¼ cup  cubed mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup  of your favorite low sodium Italian Dressing – more or less to taste
• 2 Tbsp.  chopped fresh basil
• 2 Tbsp.  chopped fresh parsley

Directions

COMBINE ingredients...tastes best if made an hour or more before serving.

Caprese Pasta Salad

Ingredients

• 6 fresh tomatoes, diced
• 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1- 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 cloves mashed garlic
• 1 Tbsp sliced sun-dried tomatoes - optional
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lb. your favorite pasta cooked according to package, cooled – want it more healthy? Use whole wheat
• 1/2 lb. fresh mozzarella cheese packed in water, cut into cubes
• 15 fresh basil leaves, finely shredded

Directions 

Cut the tomatoes into a small dice. Drain them in a colander. In a large bowl, combine the drained tomatoes, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic. Season to taste. Let sit for 10 minutes or more to marry the flavors. Add the pasta, cheese and basil to the tomato mixture and toss gently. Add salt and pepper to taste and enjoy!!!

Coca Cola BBQ sauce

Ingredients

• 2 cups Coca-Cola (or similar cola)
• 2 cups ketchup
• 1/2 cup white vinegar 
• 1/2 onion large onion, finely chopped – the finer the better
• 1 1/2 tablespoons black pepper 
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 3 teaspoons chili powder  or more to taste

Directions

Mix all ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a low simmer and cook slowly for 1-2 hours or desired thickness, stirring occasionally.