Patch Picks: Our Favorite Memorial Day Barbecue Recipes

No plans yet for Memorial Day weekend? Gather a few friends for a backyard cookout! It’ll be a less stressful than having to organize an involved vacation itinerary, plus you’ll actually get to relax for that few days.

Here are a few delicious recipesfrom our favorite cooking websites to help:

Butch’s Strawberry Avocado Salsa

Credit for recipe: AllRecipes.com

Give this snazzy version of Mexican salsa a try by swapping tomatoes with fruits. Friends will surely be astounded at your creativity in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 cup hulled strawberries, coarsely chopped
• 1 avocado - peeled, pitted, and coarsely chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 1/2 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped - or to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 pinch freshly ground black pepper to taste

Sweet and Sticky Barbecue Sauce

Credit for recipe: Rachael Ray

Skip the A1 Sauce with this homemade topping for anything grilled: chicken, burgers, ribs and steaks. The rest will take care of itself.

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 5 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• Salt
• 1/4 cup dark rum
• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground clove
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 2 cups water
• 2 cups ketchup
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1/2 cup yellow mustard
• 1/2 cup cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons hot sauce

Kansas City Rib Sauce

Credit for recipe: About.com

The secret spices to this sauce? Tomatoes and cayenne pepper. Plus, the entire process only takes 25 minutes.

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cayenne

Preparation:

Heat oil in a saucepan. Add garlic and sauté until brown. Add remaining ingredients and reduce heat. Simmer for 15 minutes until thickened.

Buffalo Chicken Dip

Credit for recipe: Food.com

Because who doesn’t love buffalo chicken?

• 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 (10 ounce) can chicken, drained (or equivalent rotisserie or freshly-cooked, chopped chicken)
• 1 cup ranch dressing
• 3/4 cup red hot sauce
• shredded cheddar cheese, you decide how much
• Frito corn chip, scoops