What Real Food Bloggers Are Cooking Up This Labor Day Weekend
Even though the real first day of fall is still a few weeks away, for many, Labor Day weekend marks the end of summer and the last days of the backyard party season... Beware: pumpkin everything is coming.
For this week's SWAT (Sharing With A Theme), I asked our network of food bloggers from around the nation to share what they are cooking up this holiday weekend.
After another tidal wave of submissions, I narrowed it down to 10 winners. These recipes are flawless executions of thoughtful flavor combinations for Labor Day weekend celebrations, and the photos will make you want to lick your screen (we eat with our eyes first, folks).
For added Labor Day inspiration, check out 13 Cocktails to Make This Labor Day and How to Host Labor Day Like a Pro.
Enjoy the long weekend! I hope you eat your weight in grilled goodness, spend time with friends and family, and get outside to run, play, swim, or hike!
Watermelon Sashimi
What is watermelon sashimi, you ask? It's ice-cold, juicy squares of sweet summer watermelon bursting with flavor and spice! Try this recipe from Oat and Sesame for the perfect way to kick off a Labor Day party.
Scallop Ceviche With Corn and Cucumber
Making homemade ceviche is surprisingly easy, and Coley Cooks shares some excellent tips. Plus, scallop ceviche is something special; she writes, "[Raw scallops] have a beautiful, tender texture, and mild, ocean-kissed flavor. In this ceviche, corn and cucumber add extra summery sweetness and crunch, along with red onion and cilantro to bump up the flavor."
Sesame Seed Burger Buns
Every backyard barbecue needs burgers... and every burger needs a bun. The Food Hunter shares her best homemade hamburger bun recipe; fill the space in between with whatever you wish, but she suggests that her Irish Burger is the perfect way to fill that void.
Mexican Street Corn Salad
This recipe is a take on elote, the Mexican street food version of corn on the cob. Expect flavors of lime and chile, the sweetness of grilled corn, all accented by bitter arugula, a creamy dressing, and the light, yet powerful flavors of fresh cheese and cilantro.
For this recipe from The View From Great Island, click here.
Smoked Beef Ribs
"The keys to a get result for these smoked beef ribs are threefold," writes Peter Block of the blog Feed Your Soul Too. "One, a flavorful spice rub, two, a slow cooking process, and three, good sweet wood." He also mentions that for this recipe he used mesquite and a few cherry wood chips.
Pulled Pork and Homemade Coleslaw
A Mind "Full" Mom says, "This baby is the ultimate go-to. It is super easy, inexpensive, and a crowd pleaser–who doesn't like BBQ?!!"
Lemon Buttermilk Chicken Skewers
"An overnight marinade makes these lemon buttermilk chicken skewers impossibly tender," says The View from Great Island.
Avocado, Mango, and King Crab Rolls
Just check out that combo! No Spoon Necessary claims these guys are "the answer to your boring hot dog problem." Try them and tell her if she is wrong... She dares you.
Grilled Lamb Chops With Eggplant Purée, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, and Crispy Chickpeas
Coley Cooks artfully grills up marinated lamb chops, nestled them on a bed of roasted eggplant purée, and tops this Middle Eastern-inspired dish with a cucumber and tomato salad (flavored with mint and sumac). Then for "an extra layer of texture," she says, "I roast chickpeas until perfectly crisp and sprinkle them on right at the end." Forget backyard cookout, this is a backyard knockout.
Neapolitan Ice Cream Cake
"I couldn't think of a better dessert than this Neapolitan Ice Cream Cake to end a beautiful and relaxing summer season with," mentions Mon Petit Four. Here, we may have to agree.