I know everybody says this, but Labor Day truly snuck up on me this year. In my mind, Labor Day was next Monday and I had a whole week to prepare for a Labor Day post. Then Spabettie's post popped up in my inbox on Wednesday, and I was like "Well, that's kind of jumping the gun." Then I realized that Kristina is totally on top of it and I am delusional because Labor Day is actually this weekend. Surprise, surprise, I know, but I was completely taken aback by this revelation.
Because my brain is moving like a high-speed train in a million different directions lately, I decided that I was not going to try to come up with something on the fly and only provide you with one suggestion for this holiday. Instead, I am going to provide you with a plethora of kind menu ideas to get your Labor Day party hopping (did I just say "hopping?" Gross.).
If you're the one hosting or if you're just in charge of bringing the main course, here are a few that will be sure to satisfy your guest's hunger while amazing them with your kitchen prowess at the same time:
Lentil Mushroom Cheeseburger with Sun-Dried Tomato Cashew Cheez
Cilantro Avocado Chickpea Salad Tacos
Are you in charge of bringing the salad? Liven things up with one of these salads:
Roasted Beet & Sweet Potato Salad with Saffron Citronette
Spaghetti Squash & Farro Salad
Perhaps you're looking for some awesome snacks or side dishes for your guests to nibble on while laughing and reminiscing on that one time that someone's husband got himself arrested by the Disney Police at Disneyland (true story):
Carrot Cashew Pâté Cucumber Canapé
Sun-Dried Tomato Sriracha Hummus
And then there's dessert. You need something that says "I kinda like working, but I love having Monday off!"
Deluxe Chocolate Marshmallow Bars
Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies
Red Velvet Cupcakes with Sugar-Free Cream Cheese Frosting
Whatever you end up eating and however you end up celebrating, I hope you have a fantastic Labor Day weekend. Keep it real, yo! (is this 1991? Jeez. I apologize.)
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All Photos taken by Chris Miller
© Kristy Turner and Keepin' It Kind, 2012. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material (content and images) without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Kristy Turner and Keepin' It Kind with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Gabby @ the veggie nook
Wow Kristy, you seriously have some fantastic recipes on here! I mean I already knew that, but seeing them laid out like this really highlights that!
Have a fantastic long weekend!
keepinitkind
Thanks, Gabby! Right back at ya!
Caitlin
everything looks fantastic. i'd be one happy lady if those were on the menu at a labor day party i went to! (it snuck up on me, too :/)
keepinitkind
Thank you, Caitlin! Darn this year and it going by so fast! 😉 Have a great weekend!
Somer
Um, I want to know exactly what Chris did to get himself arrested by the Disneyland police, I know its gotta be a story that will have me giggling so hard that I will cry.
Can you just come to my house for labor day and bring all that food. Seriously girl, you've got skillz. I just want to shove everything in my mouth all at the same time.
xoxo
keepinitkind
I wish we lived close enough so that I could bring over some food to share! How great would that be?!
I'm trying to think of the best way to tell Chris's tale. 😉 I will keep you posted.
Annie
Beautiful and tasty round-up, Kristy! The photos are mouthwatering. Enjoy the long weekend.
keepinitkind
Thank you, Annie! Likewise! 🙂
jess
um, yo.
screw any of my plans - can i just come to your labour day party and feast on your delicious eats?
keepinitkind
Yo girl! Screw Labour day! Come over anytime and I'll hook you up! 😉
Heather
Yo homey I'm hoppin' ova to yo place for som mighty fin' eats - hahaha that was awful sorry!
Love this round up - seriously though if I lived remotely close to you I would be over in a hearbeat for some yummy and incredible food and to definitely beg to hear the story about being arrested by the Disney Land Police (how is that even possible! 🙂 )
I have to give your lentil mushroom burger a try this weekend!
keepinitkind
Bomb diggity, yo! I don't what I've started here, but I LOVE it!
You are welcome anytime, holiday or not! And I'm trying to decide on how to tell Chris's tale. We'll see... 🙂
Cadry
Everything looks gorgeous, and clearly we all need to know what happened that Chris got himself arrested by the Disneyland police! Or maybe better, you should have a contest in which we all make up our best stories about how we think Chris got arrested by the Disneyland police. Then you can pick a winner and reveal the true story!
Richa`
I am right there with Cadry. We need a contest and a winner gets to hear the story 😉
This round up is fantastilicious!
keepinitkind
Thank you! I'm thinking you guys are on to something with this contest idea! Stay tuned! 🙂
keepinitkind
I love that idea! Like, LOVE that idea. Stay tuned! 🙂
Shira
Enjoy your weekend Kristy and fab job on this post! Impressive the list of amazing foods you've got here...perfect timing and looking amazing 🙂 xx
keepinitkind
Thank you, Shira! And I hope you're enjoying your weekend as well! 🙂
The Bear and The Blackberry
Wow! All of this looks so amazingly tasty!
keepinitkind
Thank you! And thank you for stopping by and introducing yourself! I can't wait to spend a bit more time at your blog as well! 🙂 I hope you're having a great weekend!
Caralyn @ glutenfreehappytummy
wow everything looks amazing!!! i know, labor day totally snuck up on me too this year!! where did summer go??!!
keepinitkind
Thanks, Caralyn! Labor Day is a sneaky one, isn't it? 😉