by Micah Reeves

Created on: May 21, 2008   Last Updated: November 12, 2010

Although not the true meaning, this holiday has come to mean the beginning of Summer for many of us. Picnics and barbecues are usually planned. Parks and beaches are filled with happy families enjoying the water, playing Frisbee, or just enjoying the fresh outdoor air.

The best way to spend Memorial Day is with our family and friends. Pull out and dust off the grill for bratwursts, and hamburgers. Invite the in-laws. People are happier when surrounded by good food. Zesty potato salad, deviled eggs, and green bean casserole are abundantly served to hungry stomachs.

One of my favorite recipes for this special day is Sour Cream Cucumbers. It's simple, tasty and popular amongst friends and family.

Sour Cream Cucumbers

1 large container of sour cream
5 tbsp. white vinegar
3 tsp. salt
6 cucumbers, peeled and sliced (1/4 inch approximately)
1 small yellow onion, diced finely
1 1/2 tbsp. sugar (add more to taste if desired)

Mix all ingredients well, except for the cucumbers and onions, in a medium sized mixing bowl. Now add the cucumbers and onions and mix again. Cover your tasty side dish and allow to chill for 2-3 hours.

For a nice Memorial Day touch, put the Sour Cream Cucumbers in a patriotic bowl for serving.

Serves 8

For dessert, Watergate salad is a good choice. Light and sweet, it is sure to be a favorite. I have found that the simplest recipes are the best, when serving larger quantities of people.

Watergate Salad Ambrosia

2 instant pistachio puddings
1 can mandarin oranges, with juice.
2 cups mini marshmallows
2 containers whipped topping
2 cups coconut

Put pudding mix and undrained, mandarin oranges in a medium sized mixing bowl. Mix well by hand. Add marshmallows, coconut and whipped topping. Mix well once again. Cover and place in refrigerator. It takes approximately 2-3 hours to completely chill. Making it the day before will make sure it is nice and cold for a hot day. Serves up to 10 people as a dessert or side dish.

Some other popular variations of this dessert are made by adding coconut or maraschino cherries or adding pineapple instead of the Mandarin oranges.

This recipe can easily be turned into a low sugar one by using sugar free pudding and sugar free whipped topping.

Add something of remembrance for our soldiers at the dessert table. One picture can make people stop and think about why Memorial Day exists. Our lost soldiers.

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