I wish the featured image for this post was a perfectly composed photo from our Memorial Day cookout but I’ll be honest with you: the sun was out, the grill was hot, and the house was full of people I love. And by the time I thought, “Wait, I should capture this,” the moment had already been lived which, I think, is the sign of a very good day!
Memorial Day Menu
Best part about these, is you can get everything organized to be able to spend more time with your guests and less time in the kitchen!
Summer Staple: Tortellini Pasta Salad with Corn & Cherry Tomatoes
This summery tortellini pasta salad is a picnic go-to! Packed with sweet corn, juicy cherry tomatoes, green onions, and a light parmesan-garlic dressing, it’s fresh, flavorful, and totally mayo-free.
Grilled Chicken Spiedes: An Upstate Find You need to Try
These grilled chicken spiedie sandwiches are juicy, flavorful, and so easy to make! Marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, and a blend of fresh herbs and spices, this chicken is perfect for grilling.
Pizza Dip
This cheesy, crowd-pleasing pizza dip is always the first to disappear at the party. Layered with cream cheese, melty mozzarella, pizza sauce, and your favorite toppings, it’s easy to make and totally irresistible.
When the Weather Doesn’t Cooperate…
You make comfort food! No one will mind!
Game Day Go-To: Chili
Oh it’s that time of year where nothing beats a nice bowl of chili while enjoying the game. I probably say that about every game day food I write about, but I can’t deny it when we’re talking chili. Years ago, my husband worked with someone from Texas and he was horrified to discover we…
Beef and Snow Peas
I have a love/hate with beef stir fries. I absolutely love them when the beef is cooked well, but not so much when the beef gets overcooked (which can be a pretty easy thing to do). So I tried a new method this week and was super happy with the results. Marinate a couple strip…
German Potato Salad with a Twist
All the tangy, savory flavors of classic German Potato Salad but with golden, crispy potatoes and grilled kielbasa in every bite. Packed with bacon, smoky mustard, and that signature sweet-and-sour tang, it’s comfort food with a cookout twist.
Bonus For Your Next Farmer’s Market Visit
The first batch of the season thanks to an over zealous trip between the raindrops to our local farmer’s market. These quick pickles are crunchy, tangy, and come together without any special equipment (or canning skills, luckily for me).
What made it to your table in May? I’d love to hear what you’re planning to carry into June.
Eat well friends!
Before you go—come join me at the table! Gather & Savor is my laid-back Substack where I share the recipes, stories, behind-the-scenes moments, and seasonal favorites that make life delicious. I’d love to have you there. Take a look and subscribe!
Michelle Cooks 
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