All-American Labor Day Recipes

We do a lot of camping and outdoor cooking. This all-American, homemade hamburger recipe is on our menu more than any other food. —Diane Hixon, Niceville, Florida

Bring on the red, white and blue with this creative cupcake cake perfect for the Fourth of July, Memorial Day or any favorite occasion. With some delicious and colorful frosting and a careful arrangement, your sweet display will be a patriotic nod to our great American flag. —Rebecca Wetherbee, Marion, Ohio

Everyone has a favorite potato salad, and this is mine. As a young bride, I was eager to learn how to cook and make things that my husband would love. I combined my mom’s and his mom’s recipes, and this is the delicious result. —Angela Leinenbach, Mechanicsville, Virginia

Nothing’s better than having a sauce with the perfect consistency for slathering. Here’s one that’ll ensure a lip-smacking feast. Make the sauce up to a week ahead. —Caitlin Hawes, Westwood, Massachusetts

Tomato wedges give this salad a juicy bite. It’s a great use of fresh herbs and veggies from your own garden or the farmers market. —Matthew Hass, Franklin, Wisconsin

I got this recipe from an aunt and made a couple of changes to suit our tastes. With ground beef and bacon mixed in, these satisfying beans are a big hit at backyard barbecues and church picnics. I’m always asked to bring my “special” beans. —Julie Currington, Gahanna, Ohio

I came up with this recipe after my daughter had cheese fries at a restaurant and couldn’t stop talking about them. She loves that I can fix them so quickly at home. Plus, the frozen fry packets can be refrigerated and reheated. —Melissa Tatum, Greensboro, North Carolina

Whether you’re hosting a picnic at home or at a park, cook these bratwurst on the stovetop first. Then you can quickly brown them on the grill. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

We have summer parties at my home every year and this is the delicious pie I always serve. My family always enjoys it because it is so festive. —Sherry R Clubine, Independence, Kansas

I took these slow-cooked wings to work, and they vanished before I even got a bite! The tangy sauce is lip-smacking good. —Sherry Pitzer, Troy, Missouri

My mother used to make this salad on holidays. With all the cabbage that is grown here in the Northwest, the recipe is a real natural for us! —Deb Darr, Falls City, Oregon

My primo pork is smoky, tender and tastes like it came from a barbecue joint. Without much help from me, it basically shreds itself. —Lauren Adamson, Layton, Utah

Cucumber salad recipes are my absolute favorite! This fast, fresh salad is a winner at every get together. It’s an easygoing, healthy side dish for kabobs, chicken or anything hot off the grill. —Blair Lonergan, Rochelle, Virginia

I created this chicken sandwich recipe based on a meal my daughter ordered at a restaurant. She likes to dip her sandwich in the extra honey-mustard sauce. —Marilyn Moberg, Papillion, Nebraska

To feed a crowd, I make this eye-popping cornbread salad. It’s beautiful in a trifle bowl and instant sunshine by the spoonful. —Debbie Johnson, Centertown, Missouri

This easy green bean casserole has always been one of my favorite dishes. You can make it before any guests arrive and refrigerate it until it’s ready to bake. —Anna Baker, Blaine, Washington

I invented this refreshing fruit salad one sultry afternoon while my friends were gathered around my pool. It was quick and easy to prepare and disappeared from their plates even quicker. Even the kids loved it! —Antoinette DuBeck, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania

Our July Fourth tradition is to grill chickens that stand up on a can of beer. It’s a fun conversation piece. — Karen Barros, Bristol, Rhode Island

Sugar-free lemonade drink mix is the perfect ingredient to add to traditional iced tea. It not only tastes cool and refreshing, but also cuts out extra calories. I rely on this beverage during the hot days of summer, but also enjoy it year-round. —Dawn Lowenstein, Hatboro, Pennsylvania

We Southerners have been eating cola cake for decades. This easy version has strawberries, too. Chill it in the fridge for a dreamy summer dessert. —Peggy Walpert, Fort Worth, Texas

I grill everything—veggies, oxtail, tofu. This chicken is our favorite. I keep a ready supply of sauce and rub, so prep couldn’t be easier. —Jerry Rosiek, Eugene, Oregon

Here’s my favorite twist on broccoli salad. It’s so easy to make and has an irresistible tangy crunch. —Konny Thomas, Citrus Heights, California

This patriotic drink is as pretty as it is tasty. Layering cherries, blueberries and lemon juice, we created a striped lemonade that sings with Fourth of July pride. —Shawn Carleton, San Diego, California

Roasting fresh-picked corn is as old as the Ozark hills where I was raised. My Grandpa Mitchell always salted and peppered his butter on the edge of his plate before spreading it on his corn, and I did the same as a kid. Today, I continue the tradition by serving lemon-pepper butter with roasted corn—it’s a favorite! —Allene Bary-Cooper, Wichita Falls, Texas

I made these pickles while growing up and love them because you can eat them with just about anything. Now, both of my children love these pickles, too. I think you’ll enjoy them as much as we do! —Linda Weger, Robinson, Illinois

Our family celebrates the Fourth of July with a watermelon salad that resembles the flag. Here’s an all-American centerpiece that’s truly red, white and blue. —Jan Whitworth, Roebuck, South Carolina

The recipe for these four-ingredient biscuits has been handed down for many generations. —Fran Thompson, Tarboro, North Carolina

Rosemary adds a special touch to these beautifully glazed pork chops that are just right for any meal. —Louise Gilbert, Quesnel, British Columbia

These spiced-just-right whoopie pies combine two popular flavors in one fun treat. The moist cookies are rolled in sugar before baking for a bit of crunch. —Jamie Jones, Madison, Georgia

A true Southerner to the core, I love to cook—especially on the grill. This recipe is one of my favorites! The seasoning rub makes a wonderful marinade, and nothing beats the summertime taste of these flavorful grilled steaks! —Sharon Bickett, Chester, South Carolina

My sister and I spent a week each summer with our Aunt Frances, who always had this thirst-quenching lemonade in a stoneware crock in the refrigerator. It makes a refreshing drink after a hot day of running around. —Debbie Reinhart, New Cumberland, Pennsylvania

It’s well worth the effort to whip up this creamy tart bursting with juicy berries. A friend gave me the recipe, and it always receives rave reviews at gatherings. —Susan Terzakis, Andover, Massachusetts

My in-laws are from Ohio, so we have Cincinnati chili at many of our family gatherings. I spiced up this family classic with cinnamon and cocoa powder and ladled it over hot dogs. It’s perfect for game day, tailgates and potlucks. —Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, Michigan

I created this recipe a few years ago when I was craving something different to do with hard-cooked eggs. Three of my favorite foods—bacon, eggs and cheese—come together in these deviled eggs. They’re my go-to party snack. —Laura LeMay, Deerfield Beach, Florida

I got this recipe from a friend a few years ago. It’s perfect for relaxed get-togethers. It’s even better if you make it the night before and let the flavors steep. But watch out—it goes down easy. —Tracy Field, Bremerton, Washington

We Northeasterners have been baking this pie since the 18th century. Settlers would’ve used little wild blueberries and topped it with cream. I do, too. —Nancy O’Connell, Biddeford, Maine

In Wisconsin, brats are a food group! We are always looking for new ways to cook them. This recipe is easy and a hit at any tailgate party or cookout, any time of year. —Jessica Abnet, DePere, Wisconsin

Get a load of this: sour cream, bacon, shredded cheddar, green onions and more come together to give you all the richness of restaurant potato skins at your next picnic. —Monique Boulanger, Greenwood, Nova Scotia

I make Key lime pie at least four times a month during summer, it’s so refreshing. The shortbread crust adds richness. —Brynn LeMaire, Gueydan, Louisiana

When we grill, my mother asks me to make this summer pasta salad. To make it extra creamy, I like to keep a small amount of dressing separate and stir it in just before serving. —Carly Curtin, Ellicott City, Maryland

Our family absolutely loves zucchini, especially when we grow it ourselves. We’ve found many ways to use it, including this spiced cake that’s super moist and chocolaty good. —Sue Falk, Warren, Michigan

This pie is as delicious as it is beautiful. It’s not just a summer dessert, either. I also make it for the holidays, using strawberries and strawberry gelatin. —Lorraine Wright, Grand Forks, British Columbia

Go on a burger road trip in your own backyard. Grill the patties and load them sky-high. Peanut butter and bacon make them Southern style; coleslaw and tomatoes, a Northern version. —Susan Mahaney, New Hartford, New York

My take on the classic cookie is inspired by a bakery in California called Hungry Bear. It’s big, thick and chewy—truly the best chocolate chip cookie recipe. —Irene Yeh, Mequon, Wisconsin

Give friends a taste of the tropics on warm summer days with this refreshing fruit blend. For a little extra punch, you might add a splash of coconut rum. —Carol Farnsworth, Greenwood, Indiana

This patriotic-themed cake makes a stunningly delicious centerpiece on any summer celebration table. To honor our troops, pass it along to all your family and friends! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

I used to live in Texas and since moving away, missed those classic Tex-Mex flavors that were always such a big part of my meals. I decided to create a fresh and healthy salad that reminds me of traditional pico de gallo. My friends especially love it because it’s so different; it’s always a pretty popular dish at our gatherings. —Tammy Davis, Arlington, Virginia

I made this creamy cheesecake for a Fourth of July get-together with friends. Everyone raved about it, especially my friend’s 9-year-old grandson. It looks so pretty and tastes delicious. —Connie LaFond, Troy, New York

Prepared with fresh peaches, this dessert is out of this world. I was raised in Oklahoma, and we used Elberta peaches right off our trees when we made this outstanding cobbler. —Virginia Crowell, Lyons, Oregon

When my family thinks of summer grilling, it’s ribs all the way. Our Asian-inspired recipe is a welcome change from the usual barbecue-sauce versions. —Ginger Sullivan, Cutler Bay, Florida

When these tangy bars were served in my husband’s childhood, family meals were memorably complete. That’s still true today for our family. Their sweetness rounds out the meal, but the lemony flavor keeps them light. Don’t expect many leftovers once family and friends taste these bars! —Denise Baumert, Dalhart, Texas

I remember coming home sullen one day because we’d lost a softball game. Grandma, in her wisdom, suggested, “Maybe a slice of my homemade apple pie will make you feel better.” One bite, and Grandma was right. If you want to learn how to make homemade apple pie filling, this is really the only recipe you need. —Maggie Greene, Granite Falls, Washington