By Jolynn Young, Neighborhood News Staff Writer
The first original Memorial Day began in 1868 and today is a national holiday that always occurs on the last Monday in May. It is a day many Americans commemorate and honor those who served in the military and died in the line of duty. Many businesses and schools close while Americans kick-start the summer with a weekend of fun outside activities.
A popular tradition during the long Memorial Day weekend is a barbecue cookout. In Texas this commonly means barbecued brisket. It’s time again to fire up the grill and enjoy a brisket cookoff challenge!
Almost as good as the brisket itself are the traditional sides that turn a meal into a momentous occasion for friends and family to share. Corn on the cob, baked beans, mac-and-cheese, potato salad, and coleslaw are standards, while a cold macaroni salad and spicy seven-layer dip are big favorites. Desserts are light and frequently include fruit. My favorite dessert for a cookout is fruit pizza. Not many can resist the sweet cookie dough topped with fresh, colorful fruit—so yummy.
Here is my fruit pizza recipe to try this Memorial Day. Enjoy as a dessert or simply a sweet afternoon snack.
- 1 roll cookie dough
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ c sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Fruit, such as bananas, kiwi, blueberries, strawberries, and peaches
Heat oven to 375 degrees. Press cookie dough into pan. Bake 12 minutes until golden brown. Combine cream cheese, sugar and vanilla. Spread onto cooled crust. Arrange 5 or 6 fruits on top and sprinkle with lemon juice. Chill.
If you prefer, there are also lots of short-cut foods in the grocery stores that require just a little prep. For example: For a quick salad, just add salad dressing and a little sugar to a package of coleslaw. I prefer homemade baked beans, but you can also buy canned baked beans in many flavors and add your own seasonings to suit your taste.
This Memorial Day as COVID restrictions lift, go outside, enjoy the fresh air, and share a Memorial Day barbecue with friends and family.
Browse these websites for fun activities and delicious Memorial Day recipes…nosh to your heart’s content: Memorial Day Recipes and BBQ Party Planning Recipes.