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How to Be Memorial Day Barbecue Ready

Memorial Day is one the most patriotic holidays kicking off the summer season. For residents of Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York, preparing to open your swimming pool is only one part of the party prep process. Other preparations important for the first Barbecue of the season include making sure your backyard is clean, supplies are stocked and features manicured landscaping. By following our pre-party advice you will work up a sweat and appetite by the time you fire up the grill on Memorial Day.

Before Firing Up Your Grill

Prepare food safely and ensure it tastes delicious, by cleaning and performing routine maintenance on your grill after each use. If you have not used your grill all years, a semi-annual cleaning is necessary. You will need a wire brush, sturdy rag, paper towels, cooking oil and non-abrasive cleaning supplies.

Before you begin cleaning it is important to check the mechanics are intact after a long winter season. First, look to see that the fuel lines are intact so gas can freely flow. Check for any defects or damages and also check that gas tank. It is important to test for an invisible opening to ensure that no gas is leaking. Using soap and water coat the line, turn on the gas and look for bubbling; this indicates leakage. Next turn off the gas and check the ignition switch to make sure it does not spark. Finally, check your fuel level and restock if necessary.

It is important to completely disconnect your gas grill before cleaning as a safety measure Dust off the grill and start cleaning to kill germs, remove dirt and built up grime. Clean all cooking grates by spraying them with cooking oil. Also, it is important to clean the following parts of the grill: burner protectors (flame tamers), venturi tubes, burners, cook box, and exterior. Charcoal Grills should be clean when the surface is still hot. Use a grill brush that dispenses water to steam-clean the grates.

How to Incorporate a Patriotic Theme

American flag mason jars luminaries light up the night in red, white and blue. Perfect arrangements for walkways, ledges, and the perimeter of garden bed mason jars are a relatively easy craft. To craft each Mason jar you will need red, white and blue acrylic paint. Begin by painting red and white stripes around the glass circumference. To allow candlelight to shine through, paint the lines farther apart from one another. Finish by painting blue polka dots if stars are tedious to draw. After the jars are dry, you may use battery-operated votives or real candles. For a fresh and fragrant centerpiece display create a Memorial Day patriotic bouquet. Using red and white roses or white petunias as your base, then insert small American flags into the center.

Easy American Themed Desserts

Make an American flag with this Cakes Pop alternative. Eliminate the hassle of baking by substituting munchkin donuts. Color them using red, white, and blue food coloring mixed with white frosting to ensure the color holds. First, place the munchkins onto sticks and freeze them to prevent moving during the frosting. Secondly, melt the frosting on a stovetop and stir in the food coloring. Lastly, dip the pop into the desired frosting and then stand them up to dry by sticking them into Styrofoam. Once dry arrange the red, white, and blue cake pops to mimic the American flag. This will serve as a great centerpiece on the dessert table.

Fruit Skewers using a tier of strawberries, marshmallows, and blueberries are a healthy alternative to a traditional Shish Kabob. Replicate the American flag by placing strawberries at the base, followed by marshmallows, and finish off with blueberries. These are best if served cold.

Show off an American the beautiful display by whipping up a Berry Trifle layered dessert. To make the berry trifle, use the following ingredients: cubed pound cake, blueberries, strawberries, and whipped crème. To start, arrange the cake cubes in the bottom of a 13-inch trifle dish. Then begin layering blueberries followed by whip cream mixture and a layer of strawberries. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour before digging in and serving guests.

Cocktails and Supervision

Everyone deserves a refreshing cocktail to unwind and kick off summer. Beverages are an important part of any BBQ and these summer cocktails are sure to show patriotism. Remember to stock up on ice for a hot weekend.

Peach and Berry American Sangria

Ingredients: 3 ripe white peaches, pitted and cubed, 1 cup Strawberries, 1 cup Blueberries, 6 tablespoons sugar, 1 tablespoon juice from 1 lemon, 3 cups dry white wine, 6 ounces London dry gin

  • Combine the peaches, blueberries, strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a large pitcher. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes for the peaches to release some of their juices.
  • Add wine and gin, and stir. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or up to overnight.
  • Garnish with fresh strawberries and American flag cocktail flag.

Watermelon-Blueberry Cooler

Ingredients: 6 ounces’ watermelon, 1-ounce blueberry vodka, 1-2 lemon wedges, Ice, blue decorating sugar, for rim

  • Puree watermelon, vodka, and juice of one lemon wedge in a blender. Then add ice for your desired thickness and blend until smooth.
  • To sugar the rim, run a lemon wedge around the rim of the glass. Dip rim in blue decorating sugar.

Memorial Day Ready

As a salute to our American soldiers that are serving or have served, we gather Memorial Day to commemorate and celebrate our gratitude. Using these simple tips and recipes, your Memorial Day Barbecue is sure to be memorable, festive and fun. For more backyard entertaining ideas check out our blog. Happy Memorial Day from Shoreline Pools!