Memorial Day weekend is often celebrated with informal cookouts and basic foods, but for those whose tastes lean toward the gourmet, there are many ways to create a fancy but easy spread that still captures the spirit of the holiday.
Presentation is Everything
Instead of paper plates with stars and stripes, stick with the American theme in a more subtle, chic way. Use white chargers and tableware, blue linens, and small bowls or vases of red flowers. Clear glassware with red wine sangria is another nice way to incorporate the day's color scheme into the presentation.
If you are using place cards for seating, use a solid color matching the flag theme or feel free to use a pattern or picture that also incorporates red, white, or blue. Patio or picnic seating outdoors may seem ideal if there is nice weather, but if indoors is easier or more comfortable, show off the wood of the table by not using a table cloth - it will feel more like a simple but elegant summer affair.
Choosing what Food to Serve
If the company you will have over for the meal enjoys typical cookout foods - burgers, potato salad, etc - look for new twists on old favorites. Add a selection of sauces or cheeses such as pepper jack or swiss for burgers, and consider a vinaigrette-based potato salad with a fresh herb garnish to spruce up the basics.
If your crowd has no problem parting with food traditions, feel free to get creative. Sample appetizers that fit the bill of summer but still sizzle with gourmet appeal include mini crab cakes with a horseradish dipping sauce, small slices of Italian bread topped with basil pesto or Brie cheese and a bit of spicy sausage, and mixed raw vegetable platters with hummus and bean dip options.
A simple but tasty way to serve up the vegetables for the main meal is to use the grill or broiler on your oven. Choose a variety of your favorite veggies (asparagus, onions, tomatoes, and bell peppers are terrific for this) and toss them with olive oil and some spices (basil, oregano, salt and pepper, or whatever you enjoy). Spread out in a grill basket or on aluminum foil on the grill, or place in a thin layer on a cookie sheet under the broiler and cook them until they get small char marks.
Grilled steak fillets and grilled fish, like salmon or swordfish, are an excellent component of a classy summer holiday meal. Consider a citrus glaze for the fish, with a garnish of lemon or orange slices - orange juice mixed with honey and ginger tastes great when brushed onto salmon a few times while it's grilling.
A chilled pasta salad should balance out the warm vegetable and meat/fish dishes with a fresh and cool flavor. If you choose steak or another meat with no citrus sauce, consider a pasta salad that incorporates cranberries or another fruit. This couscous salad does the trick and brings a unique feel to the dish by borrowing a Middle Eastern grain. A flavorful Greek pasta salad will balance out a mild fish or meat dish as well with strong flavors from the cheese and red wine vinaigrette.
A variety of fresh and unique drinks, such as the sangria mentioned above (be sure to add chopped fruit such as berries, mango, pear, grapefruit, etc), lemonade (with fresh lemon slices, of course), flavored iced sun teas, seasonal beers, or wines matched with the main course will instantly add an elegant feel to the party.
Dessert for Memorial Day
Finish off your gourmet affair with a simple but delicious "themed" dessert. Try lemon poppyseed scones with a lemon glaze, sugared strawberries, and a few blueberries for garnish as a fresh and original treat. Lemon or regular cheesecake with a raspberry or strawberry drizzle will also bring in the holiday colors. Or try strawberry shortcake with fresh whipped cream and blackberries on top.
With a little planning, creativity, and making some alterations based on your preferences, this Memorial Day weekend can be a culinary experience your guests will always remember.
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