🍗 Memorial Day menu: Work smarter, not harder


Happy Friday, Friends!

This week: Smart prep strategies for Memorial Day weekend so you can enjoy your time off.

"My idea of a perfect day is frozen custard and a nap." – Tina Fey

I think Memorial Day weekend should be about relaxation, not feeling tethered to the kitchen. I've collected recipes that can be prepped ahead and easy grilling options that won't eat up your precious downtime.

🌟 Recipe of the Week: Cajun Potato Salad (Make-Ahead!)
This Cajun-spiced potato salad can be made up to three days ahead and actually tastes better after the flavors have had time to meld in the fridge. The zesty seasoning brings a welcome kick to the traditional cookout favorite.

  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Prep time: 30 minutes
  • Perfect for: A flavor-packed side that improves with time

Extra Credit: Easy, No-Knead Brioche Buns - minimal effort, spectacular payoff. They make ANY burger feel gourmet. (Reader comment below...)

"These are so perfect, the look, the taste, the texture, chef’s kiss. Thank you!" ~Bri

🎯 Quick Hits

  • Trending Taste: Grilled Bone-In Chicken Thighs need just 3 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep for juicy, flavorful results. The hands-off cooking makes them perfect for lazy weekend grilling.
  • Did you know? Preheating your grill for 15 minutes before cooking doesn't just prevent sticking, it also creates those perfect grill marks and helps lock in moisture.

More Make-Ahead Salads:

Easy Grilling:

Easy Grilled Vegetables:

👩‍🍳 What's Cooking Next Week Coming Wednesday: NEW: Honey Roasted Carrots with whipped feta. This turns the humble carrot into a spectacular side!

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All my best,


Cajun Potato Salad

"I’ve made this recipe several times in the past year. It’s easy and very tasty. I don’t always add the eggs and sometimes use less cajun spices buts it’s always good." ~Susan

No-Knead Brioche Buns

"Phenomenal recipe and the notes make such a difference in understanding how bread making works. Thank you so much, they were delicious!!" ~Morgan Sitkowski

Greek Farro Salad


Tabouli Salad

"“What a lovely recipe. Just perfect…Thank You for inspiring me to bring Tabouli back into my diet.” ~Carol Cuevas

Cauliflower Potato Salad


Rosemary-Garlic Chicken Kabobs

This is now one of my favorite recipes for the grill. Even made it camping and it was awesome the next day to snack on while still cold. I added a bit more rosemary and garlic because the more the merrier! Thanks so much!! ~Carly Scherf

Grilled Bone-In Chicken Thighs

"This is, by far, the BEST recipe I’ve ever found on the internet and I’ve gotten plenty! Also, this is my first review ever! Crispy skin, moist chicken and 3 ingredients. Thank you sooo much Marissa. Second time cooking this in 2 weeks!" ~Kathy Mitchell

Grilled Lamb Chops

"This could have been the best meat I ever ate… Thank you for this simple yet delish recipe. I used fresh Rosemary, from my herb garden and followed the recipe exactly." ~Carmen

Grilled Tuna Steaks

"This is our go to ahi tuna steaks!!!! Great recipe" ~Joy

Grilled Green Beans

"Bumper crop of green beans…what to do? Invite a bunch of friends over and make this recipe. These were a big hit and will be repeated, thanks for the recipe!" ~MTNGORL

Grilled Broccolini


Grilled Cauliflower Steaks

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600 1st Ave, Ste 330 PMB 92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2246
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Pinch and Swirl

The best meals don’t come from restaurant kitchens. They come from home cooks like you who take simple ingredients and turn them into something worth sharing. My specialty is making global cooking approachable, from beloved American classics to exciting international flavors. I create recipes that make it simple to cook memorable, restaurant-quality dishes, so you can feel confident and inspired in your own kitchen.

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