Memorial Day Weekend traditionally marks the start of summer – the perfect time to fire-up your grill and enjoy some fun in the sun over a delicious, healthy meal.

Whether you’ll be enjoying the holiday with a cookout at the beach, picnic in the park, or a simple gathering at home, this easy holiday menu will help you spend more time with your family and friends, and less time in the kitchen! That’s because you can make much of it in advance. That way, you can quickly pull it all together for a stress-free, delicious meal!

And let’s not forget, with all the festivities, to take some time to pray for our soldiers, fly the flag, and remember those who’ve given their lives for the freedoms we enjoy!

Healthy & Delicious Patriotic Menu

(perfect for Memorial Day, July 4th, or any day you're feeling patriotic!)

Appealing Appetizer Red, White & Blue Berries & Cheese Tray (Simply cut fresh organic strawberries and your favorite white cheese. Then arrange with fresh organic blueberries and raspberries, as shown above.)

Memorable Main Dish Sweet-n-Spicy BBQ Chicken (See recipe below.)

Sensational Sides Cultured Potato Salad Mesclun Greens w/Balsamic Dressing

Decadent Dessert Patriotic Cupcakes (The perfect grand finale to your patriotic holiday celebrations!)

Sweet-n-Spicy BBQ Chicken

Ingredients: 1 cup organic all-fruit peach jam (or apricot jam) 1 clove garlic, minced 2 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp Coconut Secret soy-free sauce (or organic soy sauce) 1 tbsp dry mustard 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (use more if you like it extra spicy!) 1 tsp sea salt 1/4 tsp fresh-ground black pepper 8 organic split chicken breasts (skin-on with ribs)

Directions: 1. Preheat grill to medium heat. In a small bowl, whisk together apricot preserves, garlic, olive oil, soy-free sauce, dry mustard, cayenne pepper, salt and black pepper. (Time-Saving Tip: This delicious sweet-n-spicy glaze can be prepared in advance, making this a quick and easy recipe to toss on the grill with minimal effort.)

2. Sprinkle chicken breasts with a dash of sea salt and fresh-ground black pepper. Then, place skin side down on the grill. Cook chicken uncovered over medium heat about 6-8 minutes on each side before generously brushing the upturned side with glaze.

3. Continue cooking chicken for another 10-12 minutes, turning it every 2-3 minutes while generously brushing each upturned side with glaze every time, until the chicken is cooked through.

4. If chicken starts to get too dark before it's cooked through, turn down the heat and move it to a cooler part of the grill to finish cooking, or turn off the grill and cover, until cooked through. Delicious! (Recipe inspired by Everyday Food.)

Blessings to you as you enjoy a nice, long weekend with your friends and family celebrating all of the blessings the Lord has provided!

Joyfully Serving Him, Kelly