Entertaining

Memorial Day Entertaining with Chef Jamie Gwen (Sponsored)

What are some ways to make sure we bring out the flavor of our grill?

There’s something magical about grilling with mayo. It sticks really well to the food, helps release food from the hot grill grates and gives you beautiful golden caramelization. So consider a thin layer of mayonnaise on a rib eye steak, salmon filets, chicken breasts, lamb chops. And definitely your burger buns before toasting! Mayonnaise help the proteins retain moisture as they cook on the grill, so they don’t dry out. And mayo is a clean canvas you can flavor with almost anything. Chili paste, dried spices, fresh herbs. It really is a brilliant grilling trick.

I like to mix it up by making my Spinach & Feta Turkey Burgers with Roasted Red Pepper Mayo. I simply swap Athenos Feta into recipes to bring new life to my burgers on the grill replacing the cheese you currently use – like cheddar or mozzarella. Feta’s creamy, tangy flavor pop is sure to be a hit with the family. Athenos Feta is the No. 1 Feta in America. With either crumbled or chunk, you can simply top your favorite recipe or add a flavor boost with Athenos Tomato Basil. Click here to learn more.

What are some light and easy recipes to make for your next backyard gathering?

For the summer I like to keep things light and easy. May is National Salad Month and Fresh Express is sharing different ways to enjoy their salad kits and blends with new recipe inspiration. You can make this delicious pesto pasta salad with the Fresh Express Twisted Pesto Caesar Chopped Salad Kits which is a blend of crisp iceberg and green leaf lettuce, crunchy garlic brioche croutons, parmesan cheese, and a creamy pesto Caesar dressing. Then all you have to do is combine it with rotini, tomatoes and walnuts– it’s quick and easy to prepare, making it a perfect dish to bring to any Memorial Day celebration! They also have the Mexican Style Chopped Salad Kit or Butter Supreme Crunchy Salad Blend which you can find at your favorite grocery store. Click here to learn more. Want that delicious Pesto Pasta Salad? Click here for the recipe.

And check out this sweet dessert, perfect for Memorial Day and 4th of July picnics…It’s quick, easy fun party food for the summer! These Red, White and Blue Fruit Kabobs are so easy to make with fresh berries of the season and fluffy marshmallows. My son loves to help with these…and he loves to eat them too!