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about snfd
Kim and Lauren are the mother-daughter team behind Something New For Dinner. Kim develops the recipes, shoots the photography and writes the posts and weekly emails to our subscribers. Lauren is the Internet marketing guru who developed and maintains our website, leads our marketing efforts, manages our social media and keeps us on track in general.
Together we have created a website devoted to providing flavorful, nutritious meals to share with family and friends. We believe communal meals are the cornerstone for nurturing healthy bodies, promoting communication and developing strong relationships. Who doesn’t enjoy a great meal with those you love?
We invite you to subscribe to our weekly email where we highlight our latest recipes and focus on seasonal topics, nutritious ingredients, cooking techniques and meal plans. Please let us know what you think by commenting and rating our recipes or writing in with any questions you have.
In addition to our website we work with brands to develop and photograph recipes and provide food and travel related content. Please contact us here to work with us.
Our Best Memorial Day Recipes
The History Of Memorial Day
For many people Memorial Day is the official kickoff to summer and a 3-day holiday that is widely celebrated with barbecues and picnics across the country.
A Deeper History
Lest we forget, Memorial Day began as a holiday to honor those who died in service to our country. Originally called Decoration Day, Memorial Day originated as a day set aside to decorate the graves of Civil War soldiers. While General Logan declared May 30 as a national holiday in 1868, several Southern states did not join in and instead held their own holidays to separately honor Confederate soldiers. After WWI Memorial Day became a day to commemorate all U.S. soldiers who died defending our country. It wasn't until 1971 that President Lyndon Johnson declared Memorial Day the last Monday of May, thereby creating a 3-day holiday, that has now also become the official start of summer.
Memorial Day Traditions
In addition to decorating soldiers' graves, it is traditional to fly the American flag at half mast until 3 p.m. and then to raise it to the top of the staff for the remainder of the day. At 3 p.m. there is a national pause to remember our fallen soldiers.
Click to download our free e-cookbook: 3 Fabulous Turkey Recipes Guaranteed To Be Spectacular
What to Cook on Memorial Day
I can think of no better way to honor our fallen soldiers than to celebrate with family and friends, one of the many freedoms we as Americans enjoy. Here are our recipes to make your Memorial weekend memorable.
Appetizers & Vegetables
Avocado, Shrimp Cocktails in a Jar
A tasty appetizer that is easily transported for a picnic.
Peach, Caramelized Onions & Goat Cheese Crostini
There is no better way to kick off peach season than with these delicious appetizers.
Grilled Mexican Corn
Possibly the messiest, most delicious corn you have ever eaten.
Pascal's Green Beans
Delicious make-ahead, room temperature green beans from the famed Pascal Epicerie.
Salads
Tomato Grilled Bread Salad with Burrata
An awesome variation on a traditional panzanella salad.
Kale, Broccoli & Tomato Caesar Salad
Healthy, umami-rich and oh so delicious!
Roasted Potato Salad with Herbs
Mayo-free potato salad never tasted so good. 
Orzo Salad with Tomatoes, Basil & Feta
Thank you to my friend Susan who shared this recipe that started Something New For Dinner.
Flank Steak, Tomato & Watermelon Salad
All the good flavors of summer in one hearty salad bowl.
Sandwiches
Italian Pressed Brick Sandwich
Thank you to Taylor who introduced me to this amazing make-ahead sandwich technique.
The Best Picnic Sandwich
It is all about the burrata...and the salami...and the roast peppers.
Slow Cooker Pulled Turkey with Cherry Sauce
A healthy and very tasty alternative to pulled pork.
Pulled Pork
Incredibly simple and amazingly good.
Kabobs
Spiedies
Thank you to my friend Art, an amazing cook, who introduced me to this Binghamton, New York tradition.
Chicken, Potato & Prosciutto Kabobs
Prosciutto is fancy Italian bacon and like bacon, everything's better with prosciutto.
Peach, Prosciutto & Chicken Kabobs
If you have peaches and prosciutto you should be making these kabobs.
Desserts
Angel Food Cake
A truly American dessert that you can make without going to the store.
Strawberry Ice Cream with Balsamic Vinegar and Pepper
A traditional Italian flavor combo makes amazing ice cream.
Nectarine Crisp with Salted Honey Whipped Cream
Salted honey whip? Oh yeah!
Cherry Panna Cotta
My 75-year old dinner guest told me this was the best thing he had ever put in his mouth. 
The Best Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Thank you to Yvonne for sharing this amazing recipe. I have been followed home from a PTA meeting by someone who needed to have this recipe immediately.
Lemon Meringue Pie
The quintessential summer pie, my special crust and my best tips for making this somewhat quirky pie.
Cocktails & Libations
Tropical Sangria with Passion Fruit
A white sangria taken to new heights with passion fruit, mango and pineapple. 
Watermelon Summer Cooler
The only thing better in the summer than icy watermelon is a boozy, icy watermelon cocktail.
Pimm's Cup
Our friends across the pond drink this instead of water in the summer. The Brits have some great traditions!
Garden Mule Cocktail
My most-mentioned original cocktail, which was featured in both the Huffington Post and Food52.
Aperol spritz
The Italians' preferred summer daytime drink. So that's what all the neon orange glasses in the piazzas cafes are about!
Click to download our free e-cookbook: 3 Fabulous Turkey Recipes Guaranteed To Be Spectacular
Have a wonderful Memorial Weekend, enjoy your family and friends and take a moment to honor the soldiers who gave their lives so we can live ours as we choose.
