Cool and Savory Recipes for this Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a day we stop to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the U.S. armed forces.

My parents met, fell in love and got married while serving in the US Navy during the Vietnam War era. As a child of a military family, Memorial Day holds significant meaning to me. This weekend we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve our freedoms.

Memorial Day also marks the unofficial start of summer as school winds down. To keep cool while temperatures heat up, nothing gives me summer vibes like the refreshing lime flavor of a classic mojito and a juicy, grilled burger. Enjoy!

The Mojito

is one of the most famous rum-based mixed drinks around the world, and despite its relatively long ingredient list, it’s quite easy to make.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 oz. white rum

• 1 oz. lime juice

• 1 oz. club soda

• 2 tsp sugar

• 10 to 12 mint leaves (plus 2 to 4 small sprigs for garnish)

• Ice cubes

Combine lime juice, sugar, and mint leaves in a tall 10-ounce glass (like a Collins glass) and muddle. Add half of the club soda, and stir for 10 seconds to partially dissolve sugar. Add ice cubes, rum, and remaining club soda. Stir again, then add the garnish and enjoy.

Recipe Credit: Uptown Spirits

Barbecued Burgers

Burgers:

• 1 large egg, lightly beaten

• 1/3 cup quick-cooking oats

• 1/4 teaspoon onion salt

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt

• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

• 1/8 teaspoon salt

• 1-1/2 pounds ground beef

• 6 hamburger buns, split

• Toppings of your choice

Sauce:

• 1 cup ketchup

• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar

• 1/3 cup sugar

• 1/4 cup honey

• 1/4 cup molasses

• 2 teaspoons prepared mustard

• 1-1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke

• 1/8 teaspoon pepper

In a small saucepan, combine the sauce ingredients. Bring to a boil. Remove from the heat. Set aside 1 cup barbecue sauce to serve with burgers.

In a large bowl, combine the egg, oats, 1/4 cup of the remaining barbecue sauce, onion salt, garlic salt, pepper and salt. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into 6 patties.

Grill, covered, over medium heat until a thermometer reads 160°, 6-8 minutes on each side, basting with 1/2 cup barbecue sauce during the last 5 minutes. Serve on buns with toppings of your choice and reserved barbecue sauce.

Recipe Credit: Taste of Home