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Fresh Fridays, May 26

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American flags placed in empty boots with dog tags, for Memorial day.

As we celebrate Memorial Day this Monday, it is important to take a moment to reflect on the significance of this solemn day. This day serves as a poignant reminder of the selfless sacrifices made by the brave men and women who laid down their lives to protect the freedom we hold dear.

It is a time to remember their unwavering dedication and express our profound gratitude for their sacrifice. Let us honor their memory and preserve their legacy, ensuring their heroism is never forgotten!

I have some new mouthwatering recipes that will make your holiday gathering special! Along with one of my top summer barbecue sides, with rave reviews and epic Memorial sales!

What I’m Makin’ & Bakin’

Today I present to you this irresistible Smashburger. Picture a juicy beef patty, smashed thin, with crispy edges and a flavorful center with melted cheese, fresh lettuce, grilled onions, and tomato all served on a toasted bun. Accompanying this scrumptious burger is our signature Smash Sauce, which adds zest to every bite.

Smashburger recipe with onions made on blackstone griddle.

Smash Burger Recipe

Get ready to meet your new favorite burger – the juicy Smashburger with caramelized onions and creamy, tangy sauce. This mouth-watering masterpiece is incredibly easy to make right at home, especially if you have a Blackstone griddle. But don’t worry if you don’t have one, I’ve got you covered!

Easy smash burger sauce with spoon dipping in and cheeseburger with sauce in background.

Best Smash Sauce

Ready to elevate your burger game? We’ve got the secret sauce for you! Introducing our copycat Smash Sauce recipe, a creamy and tangy concoction that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Slather it on your Smashburger, dip your fries in it, or heck, use it as a secret ingredient in your kitchen experiments.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad recipe in large serving bowl.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Get ready to toss your taste buds into a flavor frenzy with our chicken bacon ranch pasta salad – a creamy, dreamy, and oh-so-zesty delight that will make your picnic spread pop!

>>>> Check out these top tips on keeping your pasta salad cold outside!

#1 Memorial Day Recipe

Let’s not forget about my famous Cowboy Baked Beans, a traditional favorite that’s a must-have for any Memorial Day celebration, summer barbecue, or potluck!

These hearty baked beans infused with smoky flavors and savory seasonings will transport you to the Wild West, and the best part, they start from canned beans! They are the ideal accompaniment to your barbecue spread, bringing a touch of rustic charm to your table.

Cowboy baked beans in glass dish with crispy bacon.

Best Cowboy Baked Beans

Hold onto your cowboy hats and get ready for a wild ride of flavor with these “Best Ever Cowboy Baked Beans” that will have you two-stepping with delight as smoky bacon, tangy barbecue sauce, and a secret blend of spices create a toe-tappin’ taste sensation!

Real reader reviews

“I’ve tried many cowboy baked beans, and this recipe is by far my favorite! Thanks so much for sharing!” ~ Taylor

“The most flavorful, delicious baked beans EVER. My family and I love the molasses-based sauce and all of that tasty bacon! Another brilliant recipe from The Fresh Cooky!” ~ Eliza

“This is a favorite recipe at my house!” ~ Tasia (via Instagram)

Cowboy crack dip in bowl with shredded cheddar behind and ritz crackers.

Cowboy Crack Dip

Keep the Western theme with this incredible Cowboy Crack Dip – a great make-ahead dip! Serve hot or cold.

In the here and now | Real life stories

It has been a wonderful week filled with simple joys and precious moments! Though nothing extraordinary occurred, I am embracing each passing second, cherishing the time spent with my boys and treasuring the shared tears and burdens with a dear friend.

Over the weekend, I helped my husband pull acres of weeds (okay, maybe it was just a long strip), but weeding is satisfying, even if it means an achy back. Life’s little blessings are truly worth celebrating!

Monday was an absolute delight as I immersed myself in recipe testing – the essence of why I love blogging! I had a blast testing an upcoming biscuit recipe (psst, it’ll be live on Monday for National Biscuit Day).

Plus, I made this irresistible, melt-in-your-mouth peanut brittle that I couldn’t resist sharing with my Physical Therapist and blogging pal, and even sent some off with our oldest son, who had just headed back to Montana. The stuff was much too addictive to keep around. Oh, and make sure to catch the short reel I posted on Instagram, showcasing the delightful chaos my kitchen turned into during the process.

And I squeezed in an extra walk along our beautiful local trail and even got a summer-ready pedi! P.S. These sandals are so unique and comfortable, with incredible arch support! Cute too!

The Best Memorial Day Sales

>>>>>Clickable images are below the lists!

Memorial Day Drinks & Desserts

Enjoy browsing these favorite drinks and desserts!

Memorial Day Drinks and Desserts

Weekly Inspiration

It’s been a while since I shared a music video; this song by Tim McGraw touches me so deeply.

American flags in empty soldiers boots with dog tags, celebrating Memorial day.

May your Memorial Day be filled with gratitude, great food, and cherished moments with friends and family. Let us come together to honor the fallen, celebrate the blessings of freedom, and make lasting memories.

signature of Kathleen, The Fresh Cooky Recipe developer


P.S. If you missed last week’s Fresh Fridays, recipes, sales, tips, ideas, and more!

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Kathleen Pope, The Fresh Cooky.

About Kathleen Pope

Recipe Innovator | Food Photographer | Food Writer

Hi, I’m Kathleen Pope. Here at The Fresh Cooky you will find easy, mostly from-scratch, trusted recipes for all occasions. From speedy dinners to tasty desserts, with easy step-by-step instructions. I am here to help teach you how to make mouthwatering recipes without spending hours in the kitchen. Read more about Kathleen here.

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