Guess Who's Coming To The Barbecue

After a long, dreary winter, the kickoff of summer is a sacred event for those who live in the North. Bicycle wheels begin whipping through the streets. Walkers and joggers pick up their gait. People crack open their winter shells, and show some skin! The only thing left to the official kickoff, is the Memorial Day Barbecue!

Holiday weekends in the Melisi household were generally celebrated with family. But over the years, the clan spread out, and at times it was impossible to bring the family together. When this was the case, Mama Melisi would invite her neighbors, friends, and acquaintances to the gatherings.

One of the most eclectic groups who crashed her Memorial Day Barbecue consisted of the Medical Doctor, the Lesbian, and her friend, the Visiting Priest!

You might think that such a diverse group wouldn't have too much in common...but as the Chianti flowed, so did the conversation!

The first table topic was about travel. The MD was disappointed that she couldn't do much travel due to her hectic medical practice. The Priest shared his experience about his journey to the Holy Land. The Lesbian discussed the trials and tribulations of finding gay friendly hotels!

The chatter shifted to proper attire! The MD noted how doctors used to greet you in those starched, white lab coats. Now, it's perfectly acceptable to wear a golf shirt! The Lesbian stated how she just loved golf shirts. The Priest agreed, as he preferred golf shirts any day to his priestly frock!

The group debated over MDs marrying their practice instead of their spouse; legalizing gay marriage; priests being allowed to get married! The topics around the grill were endless!

At some point, the splendid evening took a turn. Mama Melisi could be spotted in the corner staring at her guests, who were now toasting marshmallows. The Lesbian was sobbing to the Priest that she never met the right woman. The Priest was praying, "Please, God, don't let me meet the right woman.  The MD was taking their blood pressure and monitoring their heart rate!

The evening droned on, until a merciful miracle occurred, and the guests went home! It's no wonder why each Memorial Day Weekend, Mama Melisi now says she's coming to Florida!

In honor of the varied group of Memorial Day guests, we offer you a choice of three salad recipes...each unique and delicious in their own way!

We offer this to you with love!

From Mama Melisi and Me

Italian Potato Salad

Ingredients:

2 lbs new potatoes
1 Spanish red onion
3 Stalks of celery - peeled and thinly sliced
1/4 Cup Greek pitted olives sliced in half (optional)
1/4 Cup extra virgin olive oil (more if needed)
Italian wine vinegar (amount used is per your taste)
1 Tablespoon garlic salt
1/2 Teaspoon black pepper
1 Teaspoon oregano

Preparation:

Place the potatoes in a good sized pot and cover with cold water
Cook for 15-20 minutes and test (Cooking time depends on size; do not overcook)
Run cold water over the potatoes in a colander and let cool thoroughly
Meanwhile, peel and thinly slice the red onion and place in a bowl
Add the sliced celery and olives
Peel and thinly slice the potatoes into the above bowl
Add all the condiments as listed and toss ingredients together
Taste the mixture and add more of any condiment if needed

String Bean and Tomato Salad

Ingredients:

1 lb Fresh string beans
2 Good sized red, ripe tomatoes
1 Small sized red Spanish onion
Garlic salt
Black pepper
1/4 Cup extra virgin olive oil
1 Tablespoon Italian wine vinegar

Preparation:

Steam the string beans in a steamer basket for 10-15 minutes. (Do not overcook)
Check to see if they are done
Strain the string beans and place in a bowl
Cut up the tomatoes
Thinly slice the red onion
Add these ingredients to the string beans
Add the condiments
Season according to your taste buds!

Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

1 lb tri-colored pasta
1 Small jar marinated artichoke hearts
3 Stalks celery - peeled and thinly sliced
1/2 Cup Greek pitted olives cut in half
1/2 Spanish red onion thinly sliced
Fresh tomatoes of your liking - cherry, grape, or plum tomatoes
1/4 Cup extra virgin olive oil - more if needed
1/4 Cup Italian wine vinegar

Preparation:

Cook the pasta according to the directions on the package
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the other ingredients and place into a bowl
Drain the pasta and run under cold water
Drain pasta again very well and add to the bowl
Mix well and taste to check the flavors (Pasta absorbs the liquids; that's why you check flavors)
You can sprinkle with some garlic powder if you wish

ENJOY!