Last Hurrah of the season


In most of the United States, Labor Day is the last summer holiday. The last 3 day weekend for camping, boating, picnics etc. It's where BBQ grills and smokers are firing up in backyards across the country. Everyone is ready to enjoy the great outdoors before Summer fades into Fall.

And that is true in Texas but it's also the start of Hunting Season!! Usually dove season starts around Labor Day and there are lines at sporting goods stores for hunting licenses. Hunters begin filling deer feeders and cleaning up their hunting camps for the upcoming seasons for deer, turkey, and migratory birds such as white wing dove and ducks.

We are all grasping at one finally "hurrah" to make the most of summer before it's gone. And at the same time we also looking forward to the next season aka Hunting Season. Deer hunters believe this is the year that they will bag the big guy! Positivity is in the air! The deer of their dreams will be there this year, they just know it. "The Big One" will not only fill their freezer but will be their story for years to come. (No worries, the only thing we shot was this picture, we didn't even have a long rifle in the deer stand when this gorgeous guy arrived at our feeder)

So whether you are in Texas or anywhere else in the world, this is the time to grab your sweetie, your "youngins" and fill a basket with great food. Go fire up the grill and enjoy that flavor that only cooking outside will produce. Grab some gusto!! Because summer is over after Sept 1st even if the hot weather isn't in Texas.

Happy Labor Day Weekend Y'all!!

New or Updated Recipes

Say hello to your new favorite snack! 🥒✨ Parmesan Roasted Zucchini Slices – they’re light, flavorful, and oh so crispy! These little bites are perfect for garden-to-table eating. Dusted with seasonings and served with ranch dip, they taste so good, you’ll forget they’re actually healthy! Perfect for family game night or football Sunday. They are just irresistible!

Get ready to fire up your taste buds with this Spicy Thai Green Beans Recipe. These garlicky spicy green beans are bursting with bold flavors. We stir fry fresh green beans into a zesty, fiery delightful Thai side dish using aromatic garlic and dried spicy red Thai chilies.

Labor Day Cookouts!

📣Calling all BBQ Lovers! We have a recipe that will make you the star⭐ of every summer cookout! These tantalizing Barbecue Skewers not only boast of white chicken🍗, fresh pineapple🍍, onion, and red bell pepper but they also come off the grill with a smoky charred flavor that's sure to leave everyone asking for more! So are you ready to fire the grill?

Take your tastebuds on a trip to California with these mouth-watering Mexican Steak Tacos! Our marinade recipe for flank steak tacos is easy and will make you feel like you're at your favorite taco stand. Plus, with some delicious toppings and a few kitchen essentials, you'll have dinner ready in no time.

This Cedar Plank Smoked Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin is so amazing and can be on your table this week with just a little effort. It’s seasoned with teriyaki sauce with a lite smoked flavor with the use of cedar planks. We have been using cedar planks for years with our smoked salmon and they do an amazing job of adding just the right amount of smoke.

True BBQ lovers, it's time to ignite your senses! Discover our grilled, Apple-Seasoned BBQ Baby Back Ribs - bursting with the smoky flavors usually reserved for a smoker. Prepared with a unique two-step grilling technique developed by a true grill master, these ribs are first seasoned liberally, then bathed in apple ale, giving it that irresistible applewood taste. Let your taste buds rejoice, for this is a BBQ experience like no other!

You don't have to go to Cracker Barrel to enjoy their delicious creamy coleslaw. Our Copycat Cracker Barrel Coleslaw Recipe is made with fresh shredded green and purple cabbage, carrots, and a tangy Miracle Whip dressing infused with buttermilk, lemon juice, vinegar, and spices.

Unleash the foodie in you with our simple yet delicious Southern Egg Salad recipe. Try variations like spicy Texas Egg Salad or an Easter special using leftover dyed eggs. With this recipe at hand, your egg salad sandwiches are bound to be the star of any meal, whether it's breakfast, lunch or dinner. Also, discover more exciting ways to serve and enjoy egg salad all year round.

Grilled Peaches with Feta, a delightful dessert or side dish. Fresh peach halves are grilled for a smoky-sweet flavor, then drizzled with honey and topped with crunchy pecans and tangy feta cheese. Ready in just 15 minutes, this dish offers a unique blend of sweet, savory, and smoky notes.

Over 20 camping desserts including dutch oven desserts, campfire desserts in foil and other family favorites. It seems like everything tastes better cooked over a campfire, not sure if it’s all the fresh air or the primitive love of an open fire. Either way, cooking outside is a definite part of the camping experience. You don’t have to be all fancy but it’s always fun to try a few new camping desserts and other recipes.

Add some fun with classic games like horseshoes or corn hole! Horseshoes is perfect for all ages—toss metal shoes at stakes in the ground, aiming for a "ringer" to score big. It’s easy to set up and sparks friendly competition. Corn hole, with its bean bag toss to angled boards, is another crowd-pleaser, great for teams and casual play. Both games are portable, fit any campsite, and keep everyone entertained while the barbecue skewers sizzle. Have a safe and amazing Labor Day Weekend!

P. O. Box 513, Merkel, TX 79536
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