Memorial Day is here and it is a time to remember and honor all the men and women who have given their lives for our country by serving in the military. It marks a day to reflect on their sacrifices and the cost of our freedom. Many times it is the day that we visit the cemetery of loved ones and remember them by placing flowers on their graves. To others it may mean the beginning of the summer, family gatherings, and outdoor barbecues.

Memorial Day is not a “happy” day to observe (as some might say Happy Memorial Day), rather a day to have as a remembrance of those who have died in active duty in order for us to be able to cherish the freedom we all have.

Grilled Western Chicken

Chicken is a favorite meat at our home and there are many chicken recipes to try. I prefer chicken over steak. Grilled Western Chicken is a recipe that works best on the grill but does have the option of being put in the oven if that works better.

Ingredients

2 pounds cut up chicken or boneless chicken breast

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

2 teaspoons light brown sugar

8 ounces Western French dressing

2 tablespoons ketchup

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

Combine dressing, garlic powder, brown sugar, ketchup and Worcestershire sauce. Reserve 1/2 cup sauce. Pour remaining mixture into a flat dish. Dip chicken into mixture, turning to coat well. Cover and let stand in marinade for 15 minutes. Remove and discard marinade. Grill chicken over medium coals for 20 to 25 minutes, turning several times. Serve with remaining sauce. Second option, bake in the oven for 45 to 55 minutes at 350 degrees.

Cheddar Taters

A perfect side dish to any barbecue is a potato dish. This recipe can be made quickly and even made the day before and stored in the refrigerator until the next day to bake. Please allow an extra 10 minutes if you have to put it in the refrigerator.

Ingredients

1 10 ¾-ounce can condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted

1 13-ounce can evaporated milk

1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream

1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted

1 teaspoon garlic

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 32-ounce package shredded potatoes

1 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup crushed potato chips

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the first six ingredients. Stir in potatoes and transfer to a greased 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle it with cheese and potato chips. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes until bubbly. Yields: 8 to 10 servings.

Calico Beans

This dish works well for anyone looking for something to bring to a picnic or family gathering. It is a favorite for many. No need to drain the beans. An interesting fact is that the name “calico” for the bean dish came about because the dish resembles the multi-colored fur on calico cats.

Ingredients

1/4 pound bacon, diced

1 pound hamburger

1/2 cup chopped onion

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup ketchup

2 tablespoons vinegar

1 tablespoon dry mustard

1 can butter beans, drained

1 can kidney beans, drained

1 can pork and beans, drained

Instructions

Fry the bacon, hamburger and onion and drain off any excess grease. Add the other ingredients. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. A crock pot also works well for this recipe.

Miraculous Salad

Just the name alone will make you want to try this salad. The name is easy to remember, and the vitamins and fiber in the fruit make it a recipe that will be “miraculous.”

Ingredients

1 21-ounce can chunky pineapple, drained

1 21-ounce can peach pie filling

1 can mandarin oranges, drained

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 1/2 teaspoons almond flavoring

1 pint fruit of your choice

2 medium bananas

Instructions

Mix together the first five ingredients in your finest cut glass bowl. Just before serving, add the fruit and bananas. Mix well and serve.

Rhubarb Jam

People may be going out to their rhubarb patches and finding it is time to cut rhubarb. Usually stalks can be cut when they are 10 to 15 inches in length. This recipe for Rhubarb Jam is an easy one to prepare.

Ingredients

7 cups rhubarb

4 cups sugar

1 6-ounce package raspberry gelatin

1 can blueberry pie filling

Instructions

Mix all together. Cook for 15 minutes. Put in jars and seal, or place in a container and freeze.

Loretta Krahling is a columnist with over 38 years of newspaper experience. If you have a favorite recipe you would like to share, email it to krahling93@gmail.com.