Tasty Memorial Day Snacks, Drinks and Other Menu Ideas

Memorial Day is a time for family and friends to gather and honor our fallen heroes. As a military family we, as most people, greatly appreciate all that men and women in the military have done for us. Honor the day with traditions: by flying your flag at half staff until noon; visit memorials; participate in the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m.; perhaps fly the POW/MIA flag; attend a parade and clap loud, long and hard for the veterans in attendance; thank a person in uniform for their service.

Gather together and celebrate these heroes lives by enjoying the freedoms they have given you with family and friends. Enjoying good company and a good meal is a privilege not everyone in the world enjoys. Below are some ideas for food, mostly healthy, all tasty.

First a suggestion: always begin with the freshest and most flavorful produce you can get. If you have any farmer's markets or roadside stands that sell produce, take a look and enjoy the ripe fruits and vegetables. There is nothing better than a vine ripened tomato or fresh, ripe strawberry (substitute in your favorites!). Other suggested ingredients are found at regular grocery stores.

Red, White and Blue fruit platter ideas:

Fill a bowl with fresh strawberries sliced in half, blueberries, red grapes, and raspberries (if available) and add some mini marshmallows.
Ok, so I'm cheating with the white by adding marshmallows.

Or dip whole strawberries in white chocolate and arrange with blueberries and red grapes on a platter. (Let's face it...it doesn't have to be all healthy)

Family favorite BBQ sauce
1 bottle of chili sauce
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 Tbs. vinegar (white, cider or balsamic....depends on your preference)
1 tsp liquid smoke

I like to add 1/4 cup very finely diced sweet onion, but it's not necessary.

Stir together and use as you like. BBQ chicken, ribs, spread on hamburgers.

Curried Chicken pasta salad

Delicious with a mild curry flavor, add more if you like more curry. A nice salad that
won't easily spoil like dairy based salads.