In between the sales and backyard bbqs, we don’t want you to forget what Memorial Day is truly about.  What was once declared Decoration Day where veterans took time to decorate the graves of the fallen with flowers, is now a day for family and friends to come together.  Whether that be to visit tombstones or just be with loved ones to enjoy their company.

We hope it is spent in your backyard, enjoying the day and remembering that the freedom we have is spent in the memory of someone else’s brave fight.

Our tips below will give your get-together a patriotic push and a day to remember!

1.  Use foods that are statesmanlike in color … strawberries, blueberries, marshmallows, watermelon … it will make for a patriotic pow WOW!
2.  Decorate with red, white and blue bandanas
3.  Paint mason jars for a quick centerpiece (“pin”spiration here)
4.  Roses are red, violets are blue … pick some fresh flowers on a table for two
5.  Pick up some sparklers to enjoy at dusk
6.  Cheers with some red, white and blue sangria (recipe here)
7.  Light the night with candles
8.  Play a friendly game of American history trivia
9.   Enjoy our recipe of the month and top it off with some red velvet cupcakes (recipe here)
10.   And last but not least … wave your flags

We thought with Memorial Day coming up it would be a perfect time to dust off the grill and get cookin’! What is more nostalgic than the smell of fresh hamburgers being sizzled to perfection. We were on a mission to find “The Best Hamburger” recipe ever created. May is National Burger Month, so all the meat-loving connoisseurs are out dishing and dubbing their burger as the best. After much research and putting our tastebuds to the test (such an unfortunate job), we like to believe we found the tastiest recipe of all. Behold … “The Best Burger … Ever!”

DIRECTIONS

Lightly oil grill & heat to medium.

Whisk egg in a bowl& add next 6 ingredients.

1 egg
1 teaspoon mustard (regular or Dijon)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 small onion, finely grated
1 clove garlic, minced
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄2 teaspoon pepper
1 lb medium ground beef

Add any of the “stir-ins” that appeal to you (see below).

Crumble in beef (using your hands or a fork), gently mix together.
Handle the meat as little as possible – the more you work it, the tougher it gets.
Gently shape (don’t firmly press) mixture into burgers about ¾ inch thick.
Using your thumb, make a shallow depression in the center of each burger to prevent puffing up during cooking.
Place burgers on the grill, close lid and grill … turning once, about 6 minutes per side (or to your liking).
An instant read thermometer should read 160F.

LISTEN UP!!!  Don’t abuse your burgers by pressing with a spatula, pricking with a fork or turning frequently as precious juices will be lost! We know it’s hard to leave it alone, but fight the urge!  It will be worth it, trust us.
Tuck into a warm crusty bun (you can throw those on the grill with a little butter, that’s what we did)  and add your favorite toppings.

Enjoy!

Optional Stir-Ins

1 tablespoon creamy caesar salad dressing or 1 tablespoon Greek salad dressing
1 tablespoon chopped sun-dried tomato
1 tablespoon sour cream or 1 tablespoon yoghurt
1 tablespoon grated fresh lemon rind or 1 tablespoon lime rind
1 tablespoon grated ginger root
1 tablespoon ketchup or 1 tablespoon barbecue sauce
1 teaspoon lemon pepper
1 teaspoon curry powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano or 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 tablespoon fresh herb
2 teaspoons cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon teriyaki sauce or 1 teaspoon hoisin sauce
1 fresh jalapeños or 1 pickled jalapeño pepper, chopped

For more fantastically festive ideas and recipes for this Memorial