Summer means more of the outdoors, including food preparation and enjoyment.  Most Memorial Day plans involve a cookout of some kind.  It might be on an open fire or over a hot grill, but will likely include some traditional favorites.  To make this holiday cookout low-stress, start planning now.  Plan your menu and supplies on ListPlanIt‘s brand new Cookout Planner.  If you are getting together with family and friends, be sure to delegate some of your menu choices.  Have fun!

Members to ListPlanIt will find the lists they need to plan a terrific cookout or barbecue for Memorial Day and other summer holidays in Meal Planning.  Not yet a member?  Join today and find menu planner, grocery lists, and more for your meal planning needs.

• On the Grill – For the meat eaters out there, it is hard to go wrong with hot dogs or hamburgers.  Steak, chicken, and ribs are all great choices as well.  For vegetarians, juicy ears of corn or eggplant make delicious grilled main courses.
• Sides – Salads complement grilled food perfectly.  Green salad, potato salad, pasta salad are all great choices.  Deviled eggs make a hearty finger food.
• Chips & Dips – Add some nutritive value  to your favorite tortilla chips with salsa and guacamole.  Try a healthier variety of chips such as the new Baked kind or even Sun Chips (with their new loud, but compostable bag).
• Condiments & Etc. – Got ketchup?  mustard?  relish?  Be sure to have buns, if you need them.  Cheese, lettuce, slices of tomato, pickles, and onions all make tasty additions to grilled food.
• Dessert – If strawberries are in season where you live, how about a Strawberry Shortcake?  Cakes, pies, and brownies are always perfect for a crowd.  Desserts are good for making a day ahead.
• Drinks – Consider everything from kid-worthy drinks to more adult beverages.  Have plenty of water on hand for a hot day.
• Tableware – Imagine how many paper plates and plastic cups and utensils will wind up in the garbage around the country on a day like Memorial Day.  Please consider using reusable dishes, cups, and utensils for your get together.  If you don’t think you have enough, ask family and friends for a loan.  Dishes can be washed up quickly with extra hands toward the end of your party.

What is on your menu for this coming Memorial Day?  With whom will you be celebrating?