Patch Picks: Quick And Easy Labor Day Menu

It’s time for one last barbque before we bid farewell to summer. These menu items are designed to be as labor-free as possible so you can kick back and enjoy your Labor Day!

1. Easy Peasy Zuchinni

This super-easy Zuchinni casserole is a definite crowd pleaser, and they’ll never guess how simple it is…until they ask for the recipe!

-Five large zucchini, sliced into rounds

-Three jars of your favorite red pasta sauce (if you don’t want to “cheat” by using jarred sauce, you can make your own marinara by tossing three cans of crushed tomatoes in a pot, adding a handful of fresh basil, two shakes of Italian seasoning, four cloves chopped garlic, one bay leaf, two tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp dry red wine, and a tiny pinch of sugar and simmer for an hour).

-3 pounds shredded mozzarella

-Fresh ground black pepper

The method for this casserole is similar to lasagna; just layer a few spoonfuls of the tomato sauce in the bottom of the pan, then layer 1/3 of the zucchini, then a handful of the cheese, and repeat until the whole pan is full. Spread the remaining sauce all over the top, and then sprinkle the remaining cheese and bake at 350 for 45 minutes or until the top is brown and bubbly.  Serves 10.

2. Gourmet Cheese Tray

For this menu item, you’ll need to find a grocery store that carries imported cheeses, preferably one that has a large cheese section. Of course, what would be even better is if you have a local cheese shop nearby. Choose cheeses that differ in texture and color for the best presentation, and vary the type of milk (cow, goat and sheep) for a variety of flavors.  Accompaniments on the side can include grapes, apples, honey, cranberries or other dried fruits, walnuts, different types of mustards, olives, mixed crackers and artisanal breads. A perfect cheese plate suggestion:  extra sharp cheddar, triple-cream brie or Saint Andre, Petit Basque, Chevre drizzled with honey, a marbled Blue Stilton, and an aged gouda. A cluster of grapes set in the middle of the cheeses makes a beautiful presentation. Before the party, invest in a good cheese serving set that includes the tray, side bowls, and a set of varying knives and slicers. For an extra special touch, place a bottle of champagne or sparkling cider next to the tray along with crystal flutes.

3. Very Veggie Skewers

These healthy, colorful and delectable veggie skewers are a great side dish with a smoky fresh-off-the-grill flavor.

-Two containers baby portabella mushrooms

-Four multi-colored peppers (red, green, yellow and orange)

-Two Vidalia onions, chopped

-Two containers plum tomatoes

-Wooden skewers

Marinate veggies in Italian dressing overnight. Remove from marinade and layer onto the skewers. As veggies are grilling, continue to baste them with the marinade until they are brown and the onions are caramelized.

3.  Hot dogs “dragged through the garden”

These are hog dogs prepared in the Chicago style. Some of the ingredients sound strange, but wait until you taste them!

-1 package all-beef hot dogs

-4 Jersey tomatoes from the Farmer’s Market cut into wedges

-2  onions, diced

-1 jar of dill pickle slices

-1 jar peperoncini or “sport” peppers

-Celery salt

-1 package poppy seed hot dog buns

-Yellow Mustard

Grill the hot dogs on the grill and place into the poppy seed buns. To each dog, add two tomato wedges, some chopped onions, 1 dill pickle slice, three peppers, a shake of celery salt and a good dollop of mustard. Serve with a side of chips. Serves 8.

5.  “Do It Yourself” S’mores

This is perhaps the easiest dessert to serve at a barbque, because the guests make their own!

-1 bag large marshmallows

-10 milk chocolate bars

-1 box graham crackers

-Tin foil for wrapping

Sticks or skewers for roasting

Have your guests roast their own marshmallows over the grill. Place a few squares of chocolate on a graham cracker and top with a toasted marshmallow.  Top with another graham cracker and wrap in tin foil, then place on the grill for a few minutes until the chocolate melts. Your guests will love this gooey treat!