Labor Day is the perfect time to host a season-ending cookout. Invite your friends and family to celebrate outdoors with this informal and relaxing Labor Day menu. Add some wine and beer and you are all set.
Appetizers
Lemon-Caper Dip
Serve this dip with your favorite cut up vegetables so your guests have something to nibble on while you grill the clams.
Ingredients
- One 8 oz. container sour cream
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons drained capers, chopped
- 2 teaspoons chopped, fresh dill, plus more for garnish
- 1 teaspoon lemon peel, finely chopped, plus more for garnish
Directions
Combine sour cream, yogurt, capers, fresh dill and lemon peel. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to use. Top with additional chopped dill and lemon zest before serving.
Grilled Clams
This will be the easiest appetizer you have ever made. Grilled Clams are best made with small littlenecks (about 1 1/2-inches wide)
6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 pounds clams
- 1/3 extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1 large garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
- 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Basil and parsley for garnish
Directions
To grill the clams:
Prepare grill for medium-high heat. Place clams directly on the grill grates. Grill (no need to turn or rotate) until they open, 3–5 minutes. Transfer clams to a large mixing bowl, discarding any that are not open.
To prepare the sauce:
Mix olive oil, shallot, garlic, chives and parsley in a small bowl. Add lemon zest and mix until well combined; season with salt and pepper.
Pour the sauce over the grilled clams in the mixing bowl and toss gently to coat. Transfer to a serving platter, arrange attractively and top with basil and parsley.
Main Course
Grilled Vegetable and Sausage Pizza
Makes 6 individual pizzas
Ingredients
- 3 small yellow and/or green summer squash
- 2 medium red onions
- 2 medium tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 6 small (6-inch) rounds of your favorite pizza dough (or use the recipe below that must be prepared a day in advance)
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casing removed, cooked and drained
- 2 cups grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- 1 tablespoon each fresh parsley, thyme and rosemary
Directions
Cut squash into diagonal slices. Cut onions and tomatoes into thick slices. Brush with olive oil.
Heat grill to medium-high.
Place vegetables on oiled grill grates over a medium-high heat (use a grill basket if you like); cook about 5 minutes, until vegetables are lightly browned and tender. Remove to a plate.
Place pizza stone on the grill. When hot, place dough rounds on the stone. Cook about 5 minutes, until the bottoms are golden. Turn crusts over.
You may need to do this in batches, depending on the size of your grill. As the pizza rounds cook place them on a tray until it is time to put them back on the grill.
Distribute sausage evenly on top of each grilled crust. Top with grilled vegetables and cheese. Sprinkle fresh herbs on top.
Cover the grill. Cook 6 to 8 minutes, until the bottoms are browned and the toppings are thoroughly heated.
Pizza Dough for Grilling
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups warm water
- 1 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for coating dough
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 5 cups bread flour (high-gluten flour)
Directions
Combine warm water, yeast and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer. Stir to combine. Let stand until the mixture foams, about 5 minutes. (If you use instant yeast, you do not have to proof it. Just mix all the ingredients together)
Stir in 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt and flour. Mix, using the paddle attachment just until dough comes together, 1 to 2 minutes.
Remove bowl from the mixer, cover, and let stand 20 minutes.
Return bowl to mixer and knead dough, using a dough hook, until surface is smooth and it springs back when you poke it, about 5 minutes. Dough will be very stiff.
Roll dough in a ball, put it in a clean bowl, and brush lightly with olive oil. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Remove dough from the refrigerator and let stand at room temperature at least 4 hours before you plan to use it.
Place dough on a board. Knead it just enough to punch the air out. Divide it into six pieces. Flatten each piece into a disk on a cutting board and cover with a cloth until you’re ready to use them.
Italian Greens with Prosciutto, Gorgonzola and Pepperoncini
6 servings
Ingredients
- ¼ lb prosciutto (8 to 10 slices), cut into 1/8-inch strips
- 4 cups bite-size pieces mixed salad greens
- 1 cup bite-size pieces arugula
- 1 small head radicchio, cut into thin strips (1 cup)
- 1/3 cup of your favorite red wine vinaigrette
- ½ cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese (2 oz)
- 6 pepperoncini peppers (bottled Italian pickled peppers), drained and cut into thick rings
Directions
In a 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook prosciutto over medium-high heat 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium. Cook 5 to 10 minutes longer, stirring frequently, until prosciutto becomes crisp. Drain on a paper towel.
In a large bowl, place salad greens, arugula, radicchio and vinaigrette; toss to coat. Sprinkle with prosciutto and cheese. Garnish with pepperoncini peppers.
Dessert
Frozen Tortoni Cups
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup crushed amaretti cookies, divided
- 3 cups of your favorite ice cream
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- 6 tablespoons flaked coconut, toasted
- 6 maraschino cherries
Directions
Beat the heavy cream with the powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
Spoon 1 tablespoon crushed cookies into each of 6 custard dishes or large foil cupcake liners.
Spoon a 1/2 cup of ice cream into each cup, spreading to form an even layer.
Top each layer with 1 tablespoon of crushed cookies, then the whipped cream and some coconut.
Cover loosely with waxed paper and freeze 1 hour or until firm.
Let stand at room temperature 5 minutes before serving. Top each dish with a cherry.
Summer may be nearing its end, school might be back in session (in the south, they are), but some of the best great weather is yet to come. These can, also, be the best grilling days of all. So, keep cooking outside. In fact, keep it outside start to finish. In other words, grill your entire meal outside next time you fire up your grill and especially for this weekend’s Labor Day get together. Some ideas to get you started are listed below:
Appetizers
Slice prepared polenta (available in most grocery stores). Brush with olive oil and grill on both sides. Top with chopped fresh tomatoes, fresh basil and shredded Parmesan cheese. Move to an indirect heat spot on the grill, lower the lid and heat until the cheese melts. Cool slightly and serve as a first course appetizer with an arugula salad.
Side dishes
Grilling vegetables brings out all the natural sweetness of the vegetables. Just about anything works.
Grilled corn: If you haven’t tried this yet, you must. Pick up freshly picked corn from the closest farmer’s stand. Pull husks back about half way and remove corn silk. Pull husks back up and soak ears of corn in cold, salted water for at least 30 minutes. Heat grill to high and place corn on the grill, turning every few minutes. The husks will get well charred. Cook 15 to 20 minutes. To serve, pull husks down, but don’t remove them – the husks form a handle for the corn.
Grilled potatoes: Slice long russet potatoes or sweet potatoes lengthwise to about 1/4-inch thick. Oil very lightly and season with salt and pepper (or seasoned salt). Grill over slightly indirect heat until softened.
Grilled green beans: Lightly toss green beans with olive oil, salt and pepper and place them on the grill ACROSS THE GRILL GRATES or use a grill basket. If you place them lined up with the grill grates, the beans will roll right through the grill. Let them char slightly, rolling them along to turn them and cook all over.
Bread
Garlic Bread: Slice good, hearty Italian bread into 1/2-inch thick slices. Grill both sides until toasted. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and rub with a garlic clove. Add a grating of Parmesan. (This is the classic base for a good bruschetta, too! Just top garlic rubbed toasts with chopped tomato tossed with fresh basil.)
Dessert
Grill slices of angel food cake or pound cake, homemade or store-bought. Top the grilled cake with a scoop of frozen low-fat yogurt or ice cream. Add toppings, if you like, (caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, fresh summer fruits).
Grill slices of fresh pineapple. Sprinkle with a little brown sugar, lower the grill lid and let the sugar melt lightly. This is also great with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Labor Day Menu On The Grill For 8
Appetizer Course
Grilled Arugula Bruschetta
Makes: 8 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf crusty Italian bread, cut diagonally into 1/2-inch slices (16 slices)
- 1-2 garlic cloves, halved lengthwise
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups chopped arugula
- 8 tablespoons basil pesto
- Cucumber rounds and slices of lime to serve on the side
Directions:
For a charcoal grill, grill bread over medium coals for 2 to 3 minutes per side or or until lightly toasted. (For a gas grill, preheat grill. Reduce heat to medium. Place bread on grill rack; grill as above.) Remove bread slices from the grill.
Rub one side of each toast with garlic; brush with olive oil. On each slice of toast layer 1/2 tablespoon pesto, 1 tablespoon arugula and 1 tablespoon ricotta cheese.
Return bruschetta to grill; grill for 5 minutes more or until cheese starts to melts and remove to a serving platter containing cucumber rounds and slices of lime.
Main Course
Grilled Chicken with Apricot-Balsamic Glaze
This simple glazed chicken is perfect for a small cookout. The glaze has just the right amount of sweetness and can be made ahead. To get the mix of thighs, drumsticks and breasts, you’ll need to buy two whole chickens and cut them into parts yourself or you can look in your store’s display case for bone-in parts that are about the same size—legs about 5 oz. each, thighs about 6 oz. and breast halves about a pound each.
Serves 8
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup apricot preserves (preferably without corn syrup)
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
- Kosher salt
- Vegetable oil for the grill
- Two 4-lb chickens, each cut into 8 pieces, or 5 to 6 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, drumsticks and breasts, each breast half cut into two pieces
- Freshly ground black pepper
Directions:
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the preserves, vinegar, red pepper flakes, rosemary and a large pinch of salt; stir to combine. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to medium low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, 3 to 5 minutes.
Remove from the heat and let cool to room temperature. (If making ahead, store covered in the refrigerator. Before using, warm over low heat or microwave to loosen the consistency.)
Prepare a medium gas or charcoal grill fire. Using a stiff wire brush, scrub the cooking grate thoroughly. Dip a folded paper towel into vegetable oil and, using tongs, rub it over the grill grate.
Season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper. Set the parts skin side down on the grill. Cook, covered, until the skin is golden brown, about 10 minutes. Stay near the grill, especially during the first 10 minutes, to manage any flare-ups, by moving pieces out of the way. If the chicken is browning too quickly, turn the heat down slightly or close the vents partially. Flip the chicken and cook until an instant-read thermometer reads 165°F in the thickest part of each piece, 5 to 10 minutes more. The thighs, legs and thinner breast pieces will cook a little faster than the thicker breast pieces. Transfer each piece to a platter when done and tent with foil.
When all the chicken is done, brush it with the glaze on all sides. Return the chicken to the grill and cook for another minute or so on each side to caramelize the glaze. Brush the chicken with any remaining glaze and serve.
Grilled Herbed Fingerling Potatoes
Serves 8
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs fingerling potatoes, cut into 1-1/2 inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary
- 2 tablespoons fresh oregano
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper, to taste
Directions:
Light the gas or charcoal grill. Combine potatoes and herbs in a large bowl.
Combine oil and garlic in a small bowl. Drizzle over the potatoes and toss well to coat. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Arrange the potatoes on a large piece of heavy duty foil and fold the edges to make a packet. (You can also make two separate packets, if that fits better on your grill.)
Place the foil packet on a hot grill over medium heat for about 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender, turning and shaking every 5 minutes.
Grilled Zucchini Salad with Mozzarella and Dill
Makes: 8servings
Ingredients
- 6 medium zucchini, sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch planks
- 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and ground black pepper
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, pulled into large pieces
- 3 tablespoons coarsely snipped fresh dill
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Directions
On a baking sheet arrange zucchini in a single layer. Drizzle with 3 tablespoons of the olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
For a charcoal grill, grill zucchini directly over medium coals about 8 minutes or until tender, turning once. (For a gas grill, preheat grill. Reduce heat. Place zucchini on grill grate over direct heat. Cover and grill as directed.)
On a serving platter arrange grilled zucchini and mozzarella. Sprinkle with dill and crushed red pepper. Drizzle with lemon juice and the remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil.
Dessert Course
Chocolate-Sauced Kabobs
Makes: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate pieces
- 1/3 cup butter or butter alternative, such as Smart Balance
- 3/4 cups sugar or sugar alternative, such as Truvia
- 3/4 cups canned evaporated milk
- 3 medium ripe nectarines or peaches
- 1/4 of a pineapple
- 3 ripe bananas, peeled
- 8 whole strawberries, stemmed
Directions
For sauce, melt chocolate pieces and butter in a small saucepan over low heat or on the side of your gas grill, if you have a side burner. Add the sugar. Gradually stir in the evaporated milk. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cook and stir over low heat for 8 minutes. Remove from heat; set aside.
Remove pits from nectarines or peaches; cut fruit into wedges. Cut the pineapple and bananas into 1-inch chunks. Alternately thread the peaches or nectarines, pineapple and bananas on eight 12-inch-long skewers. Add one strawberry to each skewer.
Grill kabobs about 5 minutes, turning once. To serve, push fruit from skewers onto dessert plates. Drizzle with the warm chocolate sauce.
Related articles
- Foodie Friday – Grilled Fresh Ravioli! (buckeyehonda.wordpress.com)
- http://jovinacooksitalian.com/2012/08/24/labor-day-get-together/
- http://jovinacooksitalian.com/2012/06/27/how-to-grill-without-meat/
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