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Photo: Andrea Mathis
My family has adopted many new holidays over the years, and a few years ago, we added Juneteenth to the lineup. Juneteenth is a holiday celebrating the emancipation of African Americans from slavery in the United States. It’s celebrated on June 19 because, on that date in 1865, Major General Gordon Granger of the Union Army landed in Galveston, Texas, and informed enslaved people that the Civil War had ended and slavery had been abolished. The name Juneteenth comes from combining “June” and “nineteenth.”
Food plays an integral part in Juneteenth, as certain foods hold strong significance. Red-colored foods are served to remember struggle and sacrifice, such as BBQ sauced meats, red beans and rice, red velvet cake and various red-colored refreshments like strawberry soda. And there are what we call prosperity foods—those you serve to wish family and friends the best of everything life offers. Many of these have roots in Southern cooking: black-eyed peas, collard greens, BBQ pork, corn, cornbread and sweet potato. However, they can include favorites from whatever part of the country you live in, as everyone makes the day more personal, adding their family’s best recipes and rich traditions.
How to Celebrate Juneteenth
What’s on the Menu?
01of 05Grilled Chicken with Citrus-BBQ GlazeAndrea MathisThe key to a great cookout is choosing a great entree! For most of our cookouts we usually have hamburgers or barbecue ribs, but this time I decided to prepare this Grilled Chicken with Citrus-BBQ Glaze. This recipe is extremely easy to make and is packed with so much flavor, thanks to the sweetness from orange zest and juice.View Recipe
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Grilled Chicken with Citrus-BBQ Glaze
Andrea Mathis
The key to a great cookout is choosing a great entree! For most of our cookouts we usually have hamburgers or barbecue ribs, but this time I decided to prepare this Grilled Chicken with Citrus-BBQ Glaze. This recipe is extremely easy to make and is packed with so much flavor, thanks to the sweetness from orange zest and juice.
View Recipe
02of 05Easy Pineapple ColeslawAndrea MathisThe second most important component to a cookout is the side items. This pineapple coleslaw is a fresh take on the traditional coleslaw recipe. It contains those familiar savory flavors, and a touch of sweetness thanks to the pineapple. When making this recipe, I recommend using fresh pineapple, which helps to give this slaw such amazing flavor and crunch.View Recipe
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Easy Pineapple Coleslaw
The second most important component to a cookout is the side items. This pineapple coleslaw is a fresh take on the traditional coleslaw recipe. It contains those familiar savory flavors, and a touch of sweetness thanks to the pineapple. When making this recipe, I recommend using fresh pineapple, which helps to give this slaw such amazing flavor and crunch.
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Spicy Grilled Corn on the Cob
When grilling the corn in the husks, here’s a tip: Soak the corn in the husks in a bucket of water for about an hour before cooking so they don’t dry out and flame up while on the grill.
04of 05Marinated Cucumber & Tomato SaladAndrea MathisNext on the menu is this marinated cucumber and tomato salad. It’s the perfect summer salad. It’s both sweet and tangy and contains the perfect combination of flavors. This simple salad is a mixture of olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper along with freshly sliced tomatoes, onions and cucumbers. Cucumbers are so versatile and inexpensive, especially during the summer months. They have a very high water content which is a great way to stay hydrated during those hot months.View Recipe
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Marinated Cucumber & Tomato Salad
Next on the menu is this marinated cucumber and tomato salad. It’s the perfect summer salad. It’s both sweet and tangy and contains the perfect combination of flavors. This simple salad is a mixture of olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper along with freshly sliced tomatoes, onions and cucumbers. Cucumbers are so versatile and inexpensive, especially during the summer months. They have a very high water content which is a great way to stay hydrated during those hot months.
05of 05Banana Pudding ParfaitsAndrea MathisFor the finishing touch and to make my Juneteenth menu complete, I decided to make banana pudding parfaits. Banana pudding is always a great dessert option for any outdoor gathering. It’s super easy to make and requires zero cooking. For this recipe, I used Greek yogurt, fresh bananas, a little sugar for sweetness, vanilla wafers and whipped cream for the topping. It contains all of those traditional banana pudding flavors, but it’s lower in sugar and calories than many versions. Plus, the individual portions are a fun way to serve it. I like to serve mine in small Mason jars or martini glasses.View Recipe
05of 05
Banana Pudding Parfaits
For the finishing touch and to make my Juneteenth menu complete, I decided to make banana pudding parfaits. Banana pudding is always a great dessert option for any outdoor gathering. It’s super easy to make and requires zero cooking. For this recipe, I used Greek yogurt, fresh bananas, a little sugar for sweetness, vanilla wafers and whipped cream for the topping. It contains all of those traditional banana pudding flavors, but it’s lower in sugar and calories than many versions. Plus, the individual portions are a fun way to serve it. I like to serve mine in small Mason jars or martini glasses.
To complete the meal, all you need is a few drink selections, such as iced tea and water. Now that our Juneteenth menu is complete, it’s time to sit back, relax and dig in!
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