“Savory Barbecued Chicken” For Your Memorial Day Weekend Party

“Happy Memorial Day” weekend! The unofficial start of summertime. The last Monday in May is celebrated as a federal holiday in the United States since 1971. A day that we commemorate to all American soldiers who lost their lives defending our country. Memorial Day is an occasion for expressions of memory as people think about the courage of their deceased relatives that served in the military. As time marches on it now has become a long weekend increasingly devoted to family get-togethers, BBQ’s, fireworks, trips to the beach, and national media events such as the Indianapolis 500 auto race, held since 1911 on Memorial Day.

One way to kick off the summer is with a family BBQ, which is perfect because the month of May happens to be “National BBQ Month.” There is nothing like cooking outside on a grill. As you and your family reminisce about loved ones in the service there are so many quick and easy ideas for a very tasty BBQ. Some options are fresh corn on the cob roasted on the grill, enjoy the flavor of blueberry and rhubarb pies with homemade vanilla ice cream, and don’t forget, the gooey barbeque sauce or glaze to coat on your favorite meat, seafood or fresh vegetables…… yum, finger lick’ in good. So wipe down that patio furniture, let’s go outside, time to celebrate, and get grilling!

Before we start grilling, eating, and celebrating, let me share with you some interesting facts about the way we cook our food with this method. Typically to “grill” is to cook quickly, while “barbecue” is a much slower method using less heat than grilling over an extended period of several hours. Whether you use gas, charcoal, or flavored wood chips/boards, all of these methods add flavor and tenderness to your meats, veggies, and yes, sometimes fruits for desserts. You can use a wide variety of marinades but look for something with an acidic base, like a vinegar or citrus juice with enough flavor, but not over power it.

My dad is our Grill Master in my family. When we were young kids he would use charcoal but as the years went on he now uses the gas BBQ. He would even go outside in the rain with an umbrella or in the winter when it was snowing and start up the BBQ for our dinner. He puts on his apron with his tools and cooks for the family, his famous steak, chicken, ribs, or shish kebab recipes. Thanks dad for delicious meals and memories that will last forever! 

However you celebrate your Memorial Day remember to incorporate your holiday traditions with your family and no matter where you are, take time to be thankful for our freedom. 

**Everyone knows that a two-mile-wide EF4 tornado tore through Oklahoma City's suburbs earlier this week, demolishing an elementary school, destroying homes, and taking lives. Americans can once again show their generous spirit and look for ways to contribute to the relief and recovery efforts. If you want to help, PLEASE donate to the American Red Cross. You can call, text, or go on line to donate $10 or more. They also need prayers too! Thank you..........  

This week my recipe is a family favorite. “Savoy Barbecued Chicken” is an ideal recipe for this Memorial Day weekend and celebrate National BBQ Month. The flavors of the BBQ sauce are a tasty marriage for this delicious dish. The chicken is tender, moist, and gooey on the outside, just the way you love it. So, enjoy your holiday weekend, be safe, and 'Tutti, Mangia”

“Savory Barbecued Chicken”

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups of Ketchup
2 tablespoons of prepared mustard
1 small onion chopped finely
1/4 cup of soy sauce
1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
2 cloves of garlic, minced
3/4 teaspoon of ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon of pepper
2 (3 to -3 1/2 pound) cut up chicken

Directions:
Combine Ketchup and mustard, stirring well. Add next 6 ingredients, mixing thoroughly. Place chicken, skin side down, on BBQ grill. Grill for about 1 hour or until tender, turning chicken every 10 minutes. Each time you turn the chicken brush on enough sauce so it will create a gooey coating.  

   
Till Next Time…………………….

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