Fresh Fridays, May 26
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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.
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!
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
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.
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
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!
- Home Depot has great deals on grills, outdoor furniture and accessories, gardening, appliances, and more. >>>> Check it out!
- On Amazon, this Blackstone Griddle is 43% off! Or this Shark Robot Vacuum 46% off.
- You’ve seen these Solo stoves, right? They are light, portable, and virtually smokeless!
- Get out and play; your kids and grands will think you are so cool! Like this SpikeBall Set or this Ladder Ball game — family favorites for us!
- I need one of these Massage guns, and this one is 75% off.
- My favorite sunscreen, digging this face mist!
- West Elm is having a huge sale on their outdoor furniture as is Walmart!
- We are getting ready to remodel our mud room and powder bath; Wayfair has a huge sale on everything! Checking out this pedestal sink along with other items.
Memorial Day Drinks & Desserts
Enjoy browsing these favorite drinks and desserts!
Memorial Day Drinks and Desserts
Easy Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe (no eggs)
One of my top posts! Easy (no egg) chocolate ice cream.
Moose Tracks Ice Cream Recipe {No Churn}
A seriously decadent and easy ice cream (no machine necessary).
Easy Iced Peach Green Tea Lemonade Recipe (Starbucks Copycat)
Simple, easy and so refreshing! Make a pitcher!
Healthy Strawberry Bread
Sugar-free, dairy-free and gluten-free strawberry bread -- but not taste-free!
Blueberry Crumb Coffee Cake
My friends love this coffee cake! Make it with fresh or frozen blueberries, regular or gluten-free!
Weekly Inspiration
It’s been a while since I shared a music video; this song by Tim McGraw touches me so deeply.
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.
P.S. If you missed last week’s Fresh Fridays, recipes, sales, tips, ideas, and more!
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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.
