The arrival of summer in Boulder doesn’t just mean sunshine and festivals…this time of year also brings seasonal recipes and new reasons to gather your friends and family for a backyard cookout. One of the many things we look forward to is celebrating and honoring Memorial Day with our loved ones. If you’re planning a gathering, whether indoor or outdoor, the dishes you serve are what will keep your guests talking for months. Luckily, Casey Easton of Food Lab Boulder has graciously shared with us some of her favorite Memorial Day recipes. These gourmet treats will surely impress – have fun and happy hosting!
Summer Whiskey
I love whiskey. I also love summer. This drink crosses seasonal boundaries. The simple syrup is easy to make and also makes a great gift. Meyer lemon adds a sweet acidity to the dish…
2 oz whiskey (I love Laws)
1 tsp lemon verbena simple syrup
squeeze and twist of Meyer lemon
Lemon Verbena Simple Syrup
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup fresh lemon verbena leaves
1/2 cup water
Crush and chiffonade the lemon verbena leaves.
Simmer water and sugar until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and add leaves. Let steep 20 minutes, strain and cool.
Put whiskey over ice. Stir in syrup and squeeze of lemon. Garnish with twist and edible flower if you have one.
BBQ Slider
This is easy to transport if you are going somewhere. Not to mention, it’s super simple to make.
10 slider buns, brioche or potato
Jar pickled vegetables, see what Ozuke or MMM Local has to offer
3-4 lbs pork shoulder
Jar BBQ sauce (I like Grumpy’s)
14 oz. can fire roasted tomatoes
1 onion, diced
1 TBSP garlic Powder
1 TBSP red chili powder
1 TBSP champagne vinegar
2 TBSP agave
Place all ingredients in slow cooker and cook for up to 8 hours on low. Alternatively, put in large pot, cover tightly, and cook for 8 hours on 275 in your oven (removing a few racks).
It should fall apart by fork when finished. Fork shred, place on slider buns, and top with your choice of pickled vegetables.
Grilled Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are the new white potato. This dish can easily be made vegan/paleo by omitting the Parmesan.
1 large sweet potato, sliced thinly
1 onion, sliced thin
2 jalapeños, sliced
1 clove garlic, minced
2 TBSP olive oil
½ cup Parmesan
Sea Salt
Pepper
Place foil on counter. Layer all ingredients, making it 3 layers (potatoes, onion, jalapeño, garlic, oil, cheese, salt & pepper, repeat). Fold up foil to seal package. Place on grill on a side with medium heat. Cook 20 minutes.
Sesame Cucumber Salad:
Easy salad, tastes great. You can triple the dressing and add Udon noodles and chicken for a heartier salad.
1 European cucumber, sliced in half lengthwise, then sliced into thin, half coins
¼ cup toasted sesame oil
2 TBSP rice vinegar
1 TBSP sesame seeds
Salt
Optional to add red pepper flakes for heat
Place oil, vinegar, and salt in a bowl. Toss in cucumbers and top with sesame seeds and red pepper flakes.