Next weekend commemorates another Memorial Day. It is the official “kickoff” to many seasons. Memorial Day weekend is the official start of the summer driving season, outdoor festival season and, of course, grilling and barbecue season. We must also remember that Memorial Day weekend holds more important meaning than the things I just mentioned.
It is a huge dishonor to many individuals if Memorial Day weekend was just about grilling and having a good time. I must admit, it is easy to forget the true meaning of Memorial Day when someone is busy with the activities of planning a barbecue. It would also be improper to continue with the celebration of a three-day weekend or this column without giving credit and recognition as to why we celebrate Memorial Day.
The National Holiday Act of 1971 made the observance of Memorial Day the last Monday in May, thereby making a three-day weekend. Official Memorial Day continues to be May 30.
For many communities, this became an extra day off work and not so much a day of remembrance, as it is intended to be. The true meaning of Memorial Day is to observe and remember individuals who have lost their lives while participating in the United States military.
Understandably, it is difficult to blend what has become a very celebratory time with the true meaning of Memorial Day. In December 2000, Congress passed the “National Moment of Remembrance,” which, according to www.usmemorialday.org, asks people “to voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to ‘Taps.’ ”
The moment of remembrance takes place at 3pm local time. This is also a good day to learn some family history about a loved one who lost his or her life while in the military.
In the South Valley, there are many observances that take place throughout the weekend. You will be able to find the times and places here in the newspaper as next weekend approaches. Consider attending one and remembering the day. I also found much more information on the Web site I mentioned, which is worth a visit if you would like to know more about Memorial Day, its meaning and history.
For a Memorial Day barbecue, it is good to keep it simple. Since it is important to remember the day for what it is, things should not be overly extravagant. It is actually a perfect day to have food as simple as grilled hot dogs and hamburgers. I know you might be expecting a little something more from a grilling column, but trust me.
Many people love hot dogs and hamburgers. I don’t care much for hot dogs at all, but when they are prepared on the grill with just the right grilled flavor, I enjoy them on occasion. When I have the choice between a hot dog or a hamburger, I will always choose a hamburger. The best way to prepare a hamburger is on the grill.
There isn’t a recipe when preparing hot dogs, but a technique. The better the hot dog, the better the end result. Higher quality hot dogs can be found by asking the butcher at the grocery store if you do not have a favorite already.
You can save time and energy when grilling hot dogs simply by grilling the hot dogs parallel to the bars of the grill surface. If these openings are small enough and the hot dogs will not fall through, hot dogs can be turned by simply rolling them from one space to the next. This is a great technique I use when grilling a large quantity of hot dogs. It gives them even cooking and browning. If you have some time, and extra grill space, consider toasting the inside of the hot dog bun too.
When it comes to hamburgers, you can either make your own or purchase the pre-made patties. Some of the pre-made patties are very good. I prefer the ones made from ground sirloin. Although they usually have less fat, they are made from tender meat. When grilling pre-made patties, if you purchase the frozen variety, I suggest that you allow them to defrost. It is easier to separate them from the paper, and they grill evenly compared to grilling them frozen.
Simple Hamburgers
From Mitch Mariani
This is a great opportunity to sample the Hamburgers with Green Onions recipe from last week. Since Memorial Day weekend should be simple, I am sharing my recipe for simple grilled hamburgers. If you choose, toast the buns and add some cheese to make cheeseburgers.
Handmade hamburgers or pre-made patties, enough for all your guests
Shake of salt, pepper and granulated garlic powder, to taste
Favorite sliced cheese, optional
Hamburger buns; optional to toast them
Favorite toppings and condiments
Step 1: After starting the fire for your grill, make sure that the meat and seasonings are close at hand.
Step 2: Place the hamburger patties on the grill; immediately season with the salt, pepper and granulated garlic powder. Continue grilling until the juices start to come through to the top. Do not press down on the patties, as this will press their juices out.
Step 3: Flip the hamburger patties to cook on the other side after the pink starts to disappear from around the edge of the hamburger patties. This is a good point to add sliced cheese if you choose. Total cooking time will be about 5-6 minutes, depending upon thickness of the hamburger patties and the heat of the grill.
Step 4: Serve with buns and favorite toppings and condiments.
