From Linda Larsen,
Your Guide to Busy Cooks.
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!

In America, Labor Day is the last blast of summer. The day, which celebrates workers and laborers of all levels and experiences, occurs on the first Monday in September. Backyard barbeques and picnics are traditional, to wrap up summer and start the busy fall season.

The long weekend means that you should do your planning and shopping before Saturday, so you can relax and enjoy the holiday. These easy and delicious recipes and menus will help you make the most of your time off and still feed your family and friends wonderful food. Teach your kids the importance of valuing America's workers, fly your flag, put lots of pop, fizzy water, fruit drinks, and beer in a cooler, and enjoy the holiday with these easy menus!

Friday Night Supper

• Chicken Curry in the Crockpot
  I think it's essential that the weekend start off with dinner waiting for you when you get home. This fabulous curry recipe is the perfect meal to start your weekend.
• Baked Rice Pilaf
  Pair the curry with a baked pilaf that is super easy and so delicious.
• crusty french bread and butter
• Chocodiles
  I love this easy bar cookie, and so will your family. A creamy, crunchy, chocolaty topping covers a tender bar cookie. Yum.

Saturday Breakfast

• Blueberry French Toast Bake
  Blueberries are so good for you, and so delicious in this overnight breakfast recipe. Serve it with maple syrup and powdered sugar for a wonderful treat.
• orange juice, coffee, milk
• Apricot Bavarian Salad
  The gorgeous apricot color of this easy gelatin salad will make your breakfast table look like a Monet painting; plus, it's made ahead so you have almost no work in the morning.

Saturday Lunch

• Grilled Ham and Onion Sandwiches
  Pull out your George Foreman grill and make these easy sandwiches for a quick lunch.
• grapes and melon wedges
• More Chocodiles (see above)

Saturday Dinner

• Mustard Grilled Salmon Salad
  This is the most beautiful recipe, and it tastes fantastic too. Tender salmon gets a smoky flavor from the grill, topped with the best of summer's produce.
• Basil Cheese Pull-apart Breadsticks
  These are my favorite way to make bread on the grill. The combination of flavors and textures is fantastic.
• Simple Green Salad
  This salad is just what it says! Use the freshest and crispest greens for this easy recipe.
• Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake
  This menu is turning out to be a collection of my favorites! This delicious cheesecake is the perfect end to this celebratory meal.

Sunday Brunch

• Breakfast Strata
  The nice thing about make ahead recipes is that you feel you're one step ahead of the game. It's just so wonderful to wake up knowing breakfast is on the table just by putting something in the oven.
• orange juice, coffee, milk
• Frosty Fresh Fruit Salad
  This frozen fruit salad is the perfect complement to the hot and savory strata.

Sunday Dinner

• Grilled Chicken with Orange Salsa
  This fresh and beautiful entree combines juicy and tender grilled chicken with a sweet and hot salsa.
• Grilled Cheese Bread
  Use your favorite cheese in this easy, cheesy, melting recipe.
• Endive, Pea, and Avocado Salad
  I love this salad; the combination of textures and flavors is just perfect. Purchase the avocado on Thursday or Friday so it's ripe today.
• Lemonade Pie
  Use pink lemonade in this easy recipe for a nice change of pace.

Monday Breakfast

• Crockpot Breakfast Cobbler
  Use your crockpot again to make this delicious recipe overnight while you sleep. What luxury.
• coffee, orange juice, milk
• Stuffed Peaches
  This wonderful old recipe is really the perfect breakfast food; you must make it ahead, and it's sweet, creamy, and cheesy all at once.

Monday Lunch Picnic

• Cheese and Carrot Sandwich Buns
  These perfect sandwich buns have the best flavor and texture. Keep some in your freezer for last minute picnics!
• sandwich fixings: luncheon meat, Sandwich Spreads, lettuce, tomatoes
• potato chips and tortilla chips
• Ranger Crispy Cookies
  These cookies are the perfect picnic food. They pack and travel well, and the flavors are wonderful.

Labor Day Cookout Dinner

• Bacon Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes
  Use tomatoes from your garden for this perfect appetizer.
• Flank Steak with Nectarines
  Peaches would also be wonderful cooked with this juicy, savory steak.
• Soft Garlicky Breadsticks
  I love the flavor and texture of these savory breadsticks; you will too!
• Spinach Strawberry Salad
  Tender spinach and sweet strawberries are tossed in a honey mustard dressing for this fabulous salad.
• Ribbon Angel Food Sherbet Cake
  This light and luscious dessert is the perfect end to your holiday weekend.