Summer is just around the corner and that means warmer temperatures, outdoor barbecues, and delicious grilled nosh.

The first of many backyard barbecues this summer will take place next week for Memorial Day. Memorial Day commemorates the soldiers who have died while serving in the United States military. It is also thought of as the unofficial start to summer. While the last Monday of May was originally known as Declaration Day, it officially became Memorial day—a federal holiday—in 1971. However, the day of honoring fallen soldiers was celebrated long before that and it is said that Waterloo, NY is the birthplace of the Memorial Day holiday with businesses closing their doors and decorating soldier grave sites with flags and flowers.

This Memorial Day, treat your barbecue guests to an extensive menu of juicy black bean burgers, grilled portobello and veggies topped with homemade bbq sauce, balsamic-marinated tempeh, and the most luscious coconut-mango ice cream you’ll ever try. Here are five of my favorite recipes for your Memorial Day barbecue:

1. Juicy Black Bean Burgers
[1]2. Grilled Vegetable Kabobs
[2]3. Grilled Portobello with Basil-Mustard Sauce
[3]4. Pomegranate-Balsamic Grilled Tempeh
[4]5. Coconut-Mango Ice Cream [5]

Bonus Recipe: Homemade Barbecue Sauce [6]

Happy grilling!

xo Webmistress Melissa