RECIPIES
Get ready for grilling season
A simple pina colada and grilled sliders make for the perfect Memorial Day get-together .
In Southeast Texas , Memorial Day parties are casual and releaxed . All you need are a few touches to ready your backyard for a party . This no-stress menu makes entertaining a crowd easy peasy .
SIMPLE PINA COLADA
INGREDIENTS 1 1 / 2 cup ice 1 / 2 cup diced pineapple , frozen 2 ounces pineapple juice 2 ounces Coco Lopez coconut cream 1 1 / 2 ounces white rum 1 ounce dark rum Pineapple slices
DIRECTIONS Put the ice , frozen pineapple , juice , coconut cream , and the white and dark rums into a blender . Blend until smooth and frosty . Pour the drink into 2 glasses and garnish the rim with pineapple slices .
NOTE : This cocktail is easily multiplied and can be made in big batches . Serve it from a pitcher or drink dispenser at your next party .
PERFECT SLIDERS FOR THE GRILL
INGREDIENTS 2 lb . 80-20 ground beef 1 tbl . Dijon mustard 3 tbl . good olive oil , plus extra for brushing the grill 1 tsp . chopped thyme leaves 3 tsp . chopped garlic 1 tsp . kosher salt 1 tsp . freshly ground black pepper 6 ounces grated Gruyere 12 small Brioche buns 4 ounces baby arugula 3 tomatoes ( 1 / 8-inch sliced ) 2 red onions ( 1 / 8-inch sliced ) Ketchup , for serving
DIRECTIONS In a large bowl , mix beef , mustard , olive oil , thyme , garlic , salt and pepper . Mix gently with a fork to combine , taking care not to compress the ingredients . Shape the meat into 12 ( 2-inch ) patties . When the grill is medium-hot , brush the grill grate with oil to keep the sliders from sticking . Place the sliders on the grill and cook for 4 minutes . Turn the sliders over with a spatula and cook for another 4 to 6 minutes , until medium-rare , or cook longer if you prefer the sliders more well done . For the last 2 minutes of cooking time , place 1 / 2-ounce Gruyere on the top of each burger and close the grill lid . Remove the sliders to a platter and cover with foil . Slice the buns in half crosswise and toast the halves cut side down on the grill . Divide the baby arugula among the 12 bottom buns , top each with a slider , and finish with a slice of tomato and red onion . Cover with the top of the bun and serve hot with ketchup .
HUNTSVILLE LIVING | MAY-JUNE 2021 | 11