Sunday, September 4, 2011

A Happy Labor Day Weekend Pep Talk

Feeling a little melancholy this holiday? That’s okay, you’re not alone. Sure, this weekend is supposed to acknowledge and celebrate the labor movement in America, but what it does even better is remind everyone that summer is gone.

Wow, that was fast. It seems like only yesterday I was phoning in a Memorial Day post. But, before you get too down, remember, we are now entering prime cooking and eating season. From now until Christmas (only 112 shopping days left!), the kitchen replaces the beach, backyard, and ball diamond, as the center of our happy place. As much as we'll all miss that fun in the sun, this is any serious foodie's favorite time of the year.

Anyway, here’s a shout out to all the dishwashers, cooks, chefs, and other hospitality workers that celebrate Labor Day by working, while the rest of us sit around sipping beers, trying to figure out how summer went by so fast. Have a great holiday, and we'll see you on the other side. Enjoy!

Speaking of labor – if you’re still searching for some long-weekend-style lusciousness, here are six of my all-time, backyard favs:

Grilled Pineapple Pork Al Pastor

Garlic Ginger Grilled Salmon

Grilled Five Spice Chicken
Grilled Lemon Yogurt Chicken

Grilled Thai Red Curry Beef Flank Steak

Grilled Lamb with Honey Mint Vinaigrette

5 comments:

rich said...

football season is here and the holidays are around the corner....how can anyone be melancholy? i live for this time of the year.

nancy@skinnykitchen.com said...

I love your post. I've always felt a little sad when summer comes to an end but I love fall and all the delicious recipes.

Chris K. said...

Thanks for the shout out, Chef. I prepped and cooked breakfast for 35 this morning. And one of the innkeepers took his dog's anti-anxiety medication by mistake, so you can see what I'm working with... it's kind of like a maudlin reality TV version of Newhart around here.

That pastor recipe looks really tempting, but I think I'll just stick with a grilled cheese sandwich and soup tonight. My secret ingredient is tears of despair and broken dreams.

cb said...

but I don't want the summer to be over! safe weekend to all.

Claudine said...

I am SO ready. Thanks for the great selection of recipes, and the wonderful reminder that autumn is on its way! Cooler weather and hearty meals; holidays and time with friends. Glorious.