Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer for millions across the country and right here in Charlottesville. The weekend wouldn’t be complete without a backyard barbecue and some good tunes.

When planning your Memorial Day Weekend, why not incorporate some tried and true recommendations by our radio hosts?

3WV Rocks! And So Does “Highway’s Big Greasy Margarita”

“Stop trying to make everybody happy! You’re not Tequila!” – Anonymous

You know when I was up late one night watching the FX series “Archer”, I came across this recipe for tequila when he uttered a line about margaritas only having 5 ingredients. Of course, my next move was to check this fact against the wide wide world of web. Imagine my lack of surprise when I found out that, yes, you can make a margarita with only 5 ingredients (4 if you don’t want ice and 3 if you don’t want salt!). There’s no secret potion in that store bought mix, but this fun cocktail could be the secret ingredient to your Memorial Day shindig’s success.

Ingredients:

  • Tequila
  • Cointreau
  • Coarse Kosher Salt
  • Lime and/or Lime Juice
  • Ice (if you want it)

From the bar:

  • Margarita glass
  • A small plate or saucer
  • Shaker
  • Strainer

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Glass: If you want a salted rim, cut a wedge of lime and put a slit in the middle. Run the lime around the rim of the glass. (If you just have lime juice, apply some on a napkin or your finger and run it along the rim.)
  2. Mix Ingredients: In your shaker, mix Tequila, Cointreau, and lime juice in a 3:2:1 ratio. (Pro Tip: Use the big end of a jigger for Tequila, the small end for Cointreau, and give a good squirt of lime juice.)
  3. Shake and Strain: Shake and strain into your glass or keep the ice and toss everything into the glass.
  4. Finish: Add some club soda to taste, garnish with the lime wedge, and enjoy.

These can be made in batches for your cookout too. Just maintain the same ratio for your liquid ingredients. If you go heavy on the club soda, the alcohol taste is barely noticeable, so tread lightly!

Uncle Pauly & Tom Morgan’s Bang Bang Skewers

You can’t do Memorial Day without grilling, and this recipe is perfect—so good, they get “Yeah Buddy” status!

Ingredients:

  • Bamboo skewers
  • 4 chicken breasts, cubed
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic salt
  • ¾ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Pineapple, diced
  • Onions, diced
  • Peppers, diced
  • Mayo (Dukes)
  • Sweet chili sauce
  • Sriracha

Instructions:

  1. Soak Skewers: Soak bamboo skewers in warm water for at least 20 minutes.
  2. Prepare Chicken: Mix garlic powder, onion powder, garlic salt, black pepper, and chili powder. Pour the mix over cubed chicken in a bowl and coat with olive oil. Mix well.
  3. Skewer Ingredients: Thread chicken onto half of the skewers. Thread pineapple, onions, and peppers onto the other half.
  4. Mix Sauce: Combine mayo (DUKES OR NOTHING), sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha to taste.
  5. Grill: Place both chicken and veggie skewers on the grill. Brush with the sauce mixture.
  6. Pro Tip: Add a little “Zippy-Zap” on ’em… if you know, you know!

 

Lisa’s Classic Potato Salad

Who can resist the classic charm of potato salad? Lisa Allen of Z95.1 graciously shares her sensational recipe that’s sure to steal the spotlight.

Ingredients:

  • 3 pounds baby red potatoes, quartered (leave skin on)
  • 1 cup mayonnaise (Helman’s with olive oil recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon kosher or sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground pepper
  • 4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Chopped fresh parsley to taste
  • Optional: chopped green onions or finely minced red onion

Instructions:

  1. Cook Potatoes: Place cut potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, add 2 tablespoons of salt. Bring to a boil and cook until potatoes are tender. Drain.
  2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine all other ingredients except eggs and parsley. Add warm potatoes and stir until covered with the mixture. Stir in eggs.
  3. Season: Add additional salt and pepper to taste, then stir in parsley.
  4. Chill: Cover and refrigerate until chilled. Serve and enjoy!

106.1 The Corner’s Memorial Day Playlist

Julie, Luke, Jason, Samantha, and Melissa from 106.1 The Corner have put together a playlist featuring some of their favorite summertime BBQ songs…here’s just a few from their curated list!

  • Noah Kahan – “Dial Drunk”
  • Hozier – “Too Sweet”
  • Harry Styles – “Watermelon Sugar”

Listen to the full playlist on Spotify!