SOUL FREAKING DELICIOUS: LABOR DAY DINNER IDEAS

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Submitted Date 08/31/2019
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It's Labor Day weekend, which typically means a barbecue on every street. If you are hosting, or have been invited to a party; I have gathered some recipes I'll be testing out this weekend. This compilation is made up of dinners, desserts, and appetizers. Each was selected to complement each other. I will add my personal suggestions throughout, and provide links to all the recipes so you can get cooking too.

I'm going to start with dessert because it's the best—duh. It's already getting a little colder in the morning so I really wanted to showcase summer flavors before they disappear this winter.
 

Plum Cheesecake Galette

https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/plum-cheesecake-galette-3584725

This recipe is found on Food Network's Canadian website. Plums steal the show in this rustic galette. If you've never baked a pie or if you're like me and pie crusts never quite lay as beautifully as you want— a galette can save your dessert. Plums are members of the stone-fruit family identified by their rock hard pits. I love this for Labor Day because it ends the meal with a nice warm embrace for the fall season. Serve with cold vanilla ice cream.

Peach Cobbler

https://pinchofyum.com/peach-cobbler

A cobbler is an even simpler way to serve "pie" without stressing over an elegant presentation. This recipe was found on one of my favorite blogs, Pinch of Yum. The recipe calls for fresh yellow peaches. I would use fresh if you can, although frozen would be fine too. Stay away from those canned ones though. I wonder how white peaches would taste in this? I think I will experiment with white peaches because I prefer that flavor so much more. The recipe also allows your preference for peeled or unpeeled peaches. If you would like to peel your peaches before using them in the cobbler I have learned this easy trick.
* Might even work just as well on the plums above *

To peel peaches easily, bring a pot of water to boil. While you are waiting for the pot to boil, score the bottom of your peaches with an "X" This is scratching the skin and not much more of the flesh of the fruit. When the water boils drop the peaches in for at least 2 minutes, not more than 5 minutes. Drain the water and allow the peaches to cool. The skins should be easily rubbed off once cool enough to touch. This allows you to maintain the integrity of the fruit, and achieve those nice slices later.
 

Blueberry Pie

Image from:http://www.kitchme.com/recipes/country-blueberry-pie

Recipe: https://www.thekitchn.com/classic-summer-recipe-blueberry-pie-recipes-from-the-kitchn-191859

I don't want to deter a hopeful baker from attempting a pie. The only way to learn is by trying. This Blueberry Pie looks absolutely decadent. A classic pie that serves enough for everyone. This recipe makes enough for two whole pies, Bring a pie to the party and keep one for yourself— I would. Allow cooling for at least 4 hours before serving. This can be stored at room temperature, and don't forget the ice cream!

This next group is all about dinner. Take this opportunity to whip out the grill for possibly the last time this year. I snatched some recipes that smell fantastic and won't make you sweat if you aren't exactly a chef. Don't worry if you don't have a grill, I included some oven friendly main courses. All the recipes mentioned can be adapted for those with or without a grill.
 

Crispy Baked Fish Tacos

http://www.gimmesomeoven.com/fish-tacos/

Gimme Some Oven is a blog I've been referring to for years in my home. This recipe claims to be "life-changing" and I think I believe it. I picked fish tacos because they are light, fresh, and fun. The blog mentions suggestions for making this recipe gluten-free or dairy-free. I think I'll make these just the way they are. Serve with crema and slaw. I have paired this dinner with a black bean salsa appetizer find that in the appetizer section of this post.
 

Grilled Garlic Herb Butter Pizza With Heirloom Tomatoes

https://www.howsweeteats.com/2019/07/heirloom-tomato-pizza/

I picked this recipe for the vegetarians following along. A grilled pizza! I've never grilled a pizza before but doesn't it sound magical? Garlic is probably my favorite ingredient in my arsenal. I think garlic makes everything better, I think this recipe would pair with the pasta salad recipe I have listed later in the post.

Baked Asian Chicken Wings With Raspberry Hoisin Glaze

https://www.joyfulhealthyeats.com/baked-asian-chicken-wings-raspberry-hoisin-glaze/

My family loves flavors found in this recipe. I am intrigued by a raspberry hoisin glaze. I love sweet and spicy flavor combinations. I picked this recipe to pair with the summer rolls appetizer mentioned later in this post.

No dinner or party is complete without something to snack on beforehand. This selection was picked to pair with at least one of the dinners above. These are quick to put together and won't fill you up. They are perfect to accompany the main course and complete a gorgeous meal. Happy snacking.

Spicy Pasta With Chickpeas

https://www.howsweeteats.com/2017/11/pasta-with-chickpeas-spinach-garlic/

I don't really know if this is a salad or a pasta, so I'm calling it a pasta salad because I can see spinach. I grew up with pasta salad drowning in Italian vinaigrette. This is a grown-up version that I need to try. This recipe comes together quickly, so there is less stress and more eating.
 

Black Bean Salsa

https://theblondcook.com/black-bean-salsa/

Have you ever made salsa at home? I don't think you would buy it from the store again. This is the perfect opportunity to try something new. Grab a bag of tortilla chips and dig in.

Summer Rolls

https://vegetarianmamma.com/summer-roll-the-perfect-roll-any-time-of-year/

A summer roll is like a cold burrito wrapped with raw veggies and a delectable dipping sauce. They are portable snacks that are nutritious.

All right if you have scrolled this far I'm rewarding you. I found this exciting little recipe I found from a blog called Domestically Blissful. I think it could easily be my new secret weapon in all kinds of recipes including some of the ones listed above. Please check it out and give this blog some love.
 

Watermelon Syrup

https://domesticallyblissful.com/watermelon-syrup/

I love watermelon. Summer screams watermelon. Now I can preserve summer in a syrup. I think this recipe is the most valuable one here. The blog mentions that it's great on pancakes or whatever else you put syrup on. What if I put it in the summer rolls, or in the black bean salsa? Watermelon and lime juice pair so well together. This syrup could be used in substitution for the raspberry hoisin glaze, create a watermelon hoisin glaze. I sense endless possibilities here and I can't wait to play around with this recipe.

Ashley Aker

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