Memorial Weekend, Part Two

Tonight we had friends over for dinner. I love to grill in the summertime, and although it is sometimes fun to have a fancy grilling menu, we most often keep things really simple. That is, after all, part of the fun of grilling. You don't have to make a mess in the kitchen, you don't have to wait long for the food to be ready, and you don't have to make elaborate side dishes. Yes, grilling fits nicely with my lazy personality. I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite cook-out recipes. My criteria in choosing these particular things is that they all use very few ingredients and are lightning quick to prepare. If you plan to throw burgers and dogs on the grill sometime soon, try adding one of these super simple sides to make a perfect picnic.

Appetizer: Corn Dip

1 can mexicorn, drained

1/2 cup sour cream (can use light)

1/2 cup mayo (can use light)

1 1/2 cups shredded monterey jack cheese

1/2 can chopped green chilis

1/2 jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped

several shakes seasoning salt

Mix well and chill for several hours before serving with tortilla chips.

Side Dish: Calico Beans

1/2 lb. beef, browned with finely chopped purple onion

1/2 lb. bacon

(Note: I typically use a full pound of beef and add two or three slices of bacon, precooked and finely chopped.)

1 can red beans

1 can light red kidney beans

1 can pork and beans

1 can lima beans (drained)

1 can butter beans (drained)

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup ketchup

2 t. vinegar

3 good "glugs" of Worcestershire

Mix all ingredients together in a crock pot and simmer on low for six hours. This recipe is guaranteed to make you an absolute potluck rock star.

Side Dish: Creamy Coleslaw

1 bag Dole brand finely shredded slaw mix (This is like an angel slaw. It is a much finer shred than standard slaw mix and it does not have any purple cabbage in it.)

1 cup mayo

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 cup vinegar

green onions, finely sliced

salt and pepper to taste

Mix together and allow to sit in fridge before serving.

Dessert: Milk Chocolate Freezer Pie

Beat 3 ounces of cream cheese with 1/4 cup milk.

In separate bowl, heat 1 cup milk chocolate chips and 1/4 cup milk in microwave until melted, and stir until smooth.

Slowly add chocolate mixture to cream cheese and beat until blended well.

Fold in 8 ounces of Cool Whip.

Spoon into a Keebler chocolate crust and freeze for 5 or 6 hours before serving.

I usually add a few colored sprinkles to the top before freezing. This is a pretty dessert.

Dessert: Lemon Bars

There are many variations out there, but this one is my Aunt Judy's recipe from our family cookbook. It is Hannah's very favorite dessert.

For crust, mix

1 cup butter

1/2 cup powdered sugar

2 c. flour

Pat evenly into a 9 x 13 greased pan.

Bake at 350 for 20 minutes, until very light brown

For filling, whisk

4 eggs

2 cups sugar

1/4 cup flour

1/2 t. baking powder

1/3 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice

Pour filling over hot crust and return to oven for 20-25 minutes. When bars are completely cool, sprinkle them with powdered sugar.

Lord,

Help us to instill gratitude in our children's' hearts for the freedoms they are privileged to enjoy, and a sense of honor for those who have fought and are fighting to make those freedoms possible. May we be ever mindful that liberty comes at a cost, and may we never cease to give thanks. Happy Memorial Day!!