Recipes the World Forgot: Labor Day Edition
Look no further than this list of favorite Labor Day recipes if you need some inspiration for your next Labor Day barbeque festivities!
It’s been a loooong while since I’ve posted a Recipes the World Forgot edition (one of my favorite little segments; sorry it’s been so long!), and I thought no better time to feature some recipes that may have gotten lost in the archives than right around Labor Day!
If you haven’t figured out what to make for the classic cook-everything-outside holiday, below are a few of my favorite BBQ/grilling recipes.
Those jalapeno turkey burgers are probably one of my favorite recipes of all time, and if you haven’t made the cookie dough ice cream sandwiches (surprisingly easy!), I think now might be the time!
Other Recipes Like This:
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Glad to hear you are back! And I LOVE that mom, dinner, homework, and FAMILY are #1. …Even if it means i had a heart attack that I kinda thought you’d discontinued your blog. Ha. Mwah. From me in Utah.
I promise to give advance notice if that ever happens!
I did try one day to get on your website & found it down. I dug through my printed recipes (yours of course!) & found something similar to what I was looking for All was well & I didn’t think bad thoughts about you 🙂 Why anyone would be mad at you, like you did it yourself just to be mean??? Ignore the haters, you don’t want them to make your yummy recipes anyway, they don’t deserve them! Ha!
Haha, thanks, Kathy!
People fuss when your website is down?!?!? You. Gotta. Be. Kidding me.
Kudos to you for putting your family first.
It’s always been the case, but this week and last was baaaaad. Don’t know why so many people were upset, but you positive folks are making it A-ok. 🙂
Sorry to hear about the website issues. As for the haters, IGNORE! Plenty of people love and appreciate your recipes.
Thanks, cute Kalyn. 🙂
Thank you so much for this blog….I love it! Also enjoy these “Recipes the World forgot”.
I’ve been following you for so long but I don’t ever remember seeing the chocolate chip dough ice cream sandwiches…well! That will be the first thing I make this weekend! LOL
I also enjoy reading the comments to see what everyone else enjoys so much. I’ve made and enjoyed the island grilled chicken. I’m interested in trying the flank steak and the pork tenderloin. I feel bad that you receive mean/rude emails…you don’t deserve that!
I hope you love those cookie dough ice cream sandwiches, Gail!
I was definitely bummed to not be able to access my Mel’s recipes several times, but I knew it was probably something you knew about and would fix when you were able to. No worries! I’m a mom too and know you are doing your best with juggling those kids of yours and this blog. Really appreciate all you do and the amazing recipes you post. Love love love all of them! Just tried that latest cookie recipe you posted, the egg-less one, and it was amazing! Worth the wait for it to finally pop up on my screen, I think I let out a happy shout that Mel’s was up and working again!
You’re fantastic, Mel!
Thank you!
Mel,
I did confess to my husband Sunday, that the end of the world must becoming because I couldn’t access your website. I had planned to cook up two of your recipes that night with guest coming over and I was in a panic. Knowing that your Sunday too was a day of rest I wasn’t about to email, but figured I would have to figure things out on my own. So I did!
I surprised myself but pulling off a buttermilk biscuits and balsamic pork from just my memory. Not being about to lean on your exact recipe I had to lean more on my experience as a cook. Though stressful, it was such a good experience and truly boosted my self-esteem in regards to my cooking. Since following your site faithfully for over four years, I have been told I am a good cook and I just simple push it away knowing that I’m just copying you, I sorta felt like a cheater. But know I can say that yes, I am a good cook:) I can figure things out if needs be from just my experience. So, thanks for having your website down, if only to give this little cook a chance to prove herself. Though don’t worry, I still prefer following recipes 🙂
Oh shoot, Angela, I’m so sorry! But wow, way to go on improvising! You are amazing and should feel so good about yourself! Don’t feel like a cheater. You are legit. 🙂
Hi Mel. I just wanted to say I’m sorry you had to deal with unkind people. Technical issues happen, websites crash, etc. People need to chill and save their outrage for real issues. Hope you have a great holiday weekend!
Isn’t that the truth? It makes me sad that such negativity is going to food, for Pete’s sake. But at the end of the day, I need to remember, those comments are in the minority. Thanks for taking the time to comment today, Jill.
I think the time these people took to be so nasty proves that one- grown ups can sometimes act like big fat crybabies, and two- the fact they were so angry just goes to show how awesome your recipes and blog are, and that nothing else quite compares. Take comfort in the fact that they see your recipes as so valuable (and darn near earth shattering when they can’t access them! ) You’re awesome!
Thanks, Melissa! 🙂
I brought this kids to the library this morning for a special “play” by the Lion & the Scarecrow from Wizard of Oz. Along with other great life lessons, they learned that bullies are people who don’t feel good about themselves and are hurting inside. As I got home and read your post, I felt so sad for you that you had to experience bullying, even as an adult. So take the Scarecrow’s word for it: those people who posted mean things to you don’t feel good about themselves and want to take you down with them. But all of your devoted follower-friends know that they can’t get you down, and we all understand and support you! May knowing how many people adore your posts and website keep you going strong! Can’t wait to try out some new recipes for LD weekend!
This made me smile! Sometimes I just need to remember the life lessons I learned as a kid. Thanks for the reminder. 🙂
I’m sorry you had to deal with angry people! Of course, when I’m in need of a new recipe I’d be lost without your site! I use an app called Anylist that allows me to download your recipes and then scale to the serving size I need. That way I always have your recipes with me. Thanks for all your hard work!
That app sounds amazing, Jamie!
You are AWESOME!!! Seriously, you have changed my life when it comes to cooking. Thanks to you, I am much more organized now with meal planning which has really helped our budget and my sanity! I use your recipes 99% of the time. Every time I make something people say “Wow, where did you find this recipe?” And every time I answer “same place I find every recipe! From Mel’s Kitchen!”
Another reason why I love your blog is that it’s so positive. The internet can be a very negative place, as you have seen with the mean commenters. But I really love the community you have built and the “realness” of your posts…you somehow manage to portray real family life without being negative about it (which is super hard…I have 4 under 5 years old, close together just like you and man some days are tough!)
Thanks to you, our family comes together for a delicious meal every night. Of course, sometimes it’s less than “ideal” and people are crazy or grumpy…but it is SUCH a blessing to use food to bring everyone together!
Thank you for all the time you put into it and just remember out of every mean commenter you get, there are probably a thousand other people who love you!!
Oh, thank you, Ashley! I appreciate your comment so much.
Now would seem to be the time to make my first ever comment on your blog. I found it about 6 months ago and am on here almost daily. I no longer google recipes, I just search on your site! They are consistently fantastic and have given me a serious boost in the daily what’s for dinner (or dessert!) struggle. Thank you so much for your selfless sharing and creating. You have a beautiful blog that is easy to navigate and a joy to read. It has made a difference in my life and I am very grateful to you. Best wishes to you and your family. ❤❤❤
Btw, munching on leftover falafel meatballs as I type. Yum!!!
Your first comment! Thank you! For your kindness and for letting me know you love the recipes. I appreciate it so much. And those falafel meatballs? YUM!
Dear Mel, even though we’ve never met I just love you! I love how sincere and real you are and how your personality shines through in your blog. I’ve followed your blog for at least seven years and have only and always been inspired by and grateful for you. Family always comes first. We are the lucky ones who benefit from your sharing. Your recipes are fantastic and my saving grace. I cook from your site almost daily. Don’t let the haters get to you. Just remember how much the rest of us love and appreciate you!
Thank you, Holly! You’ve always been so kind to me! Thank you, thank you.
Mel~ Let me first say you are amazing to take on a blog in addition to 5(!!!!) kids! I use your recipes several times a week ( made the lemon bread yesterday) and could not cook without it! Your family should always be the first priority! For those who are upset then need to learn to give themselves some grace because not everything can go smoothly all the time and then they need to get on google! I hope you have a great weekend!
Thanks, Jessica – always love seeing your comments pop up.
It saddens me that people are sometimes mean and especially when it is directed at someone who gladly shares herself along with the recipes. Keep doing what you are doing – I love your blog! Not a fan of the media – but there have been lots of shared great stories that give me hope that kindness still exists in this world!
I agree – there is a lot of kindness in the world (as evidenced by this comment thread!). Thank you, Lisa!
Your family definitely should come first! No need to apologize for that. Technology is awful sometimes. Thanks for sharing all of your great recipes – your blog is my go to for yummy food!
Technology is definitely the best and worst of times – thanks for your comment, Rachel!
Well, listen. I know it can be frustrating to have a dinner planned and not be able to access the recipe. But taking it out on you–the one who provides these amazing nuggets FOR US FOR FREE?!? Now that’s just a complete disregard for sanity. You will always have my undying devotion because I’m not sure how I would feed my family without losing my mind in the deepest of ruts of mind-numbing repetition. Anyway, love your guts back. (And if you ever decide to shut down this labor of love, please do give us notice so I can buy a ream of paper and print everything out! 😉
Haha, I’ll definitely give notice! Thank you, Michelle.
Yours is my absolute favorite source of recipes, Mel, and to think that I receive them free of charge, beautifully written and in such an entertaining manner. You are a public servant, and for readers to insult you, and be downright rude, is so counter intuitive. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for the wonderful service you provide. Opening your recipes is one of the joys of my cooking life. I appreciate whenever you have the chance to post, which is amazingly often considering everything else on your plate. With gratitude.
Thank you so much, Sarah!
If I knew how to start a viral movement, I’d want one that could help return common civility to public and internet discourse. I’m so tired of the negativity and toxicity of internet trolls, protest trolls, and also a growing segment of the media that tends to celebrate negativity, violence, nastiness, and divisiveness far more than it does the common decency, kindness, and caring nature of humanity all across the nation.
I’d felt so badly when the first responder police in TX had come under a massive social media attack this past week when they had been filmed receiving a meal from volunteers at a Houston shelter, after having been rescuing flood victims for 37 hrs straight with nothing more to sustain them for all that time than some energy bars. One of that group of officers had been drowned in his patrol car when attempting to get to work, also, so those completely selfless and hard-working had also been dealing with the loss of one of their colleagues, and many had been flooded out of their own homes along with their own families, as well. Haters hadn’t felt they were deserving enough of food, and had been taking it away from other victims. What a shame!
I’m sorry you were subjected to some haters and trolls, too, Mel!
Your first paragraph summed up my feelings, too – very well put! Although I will say NOTHING I have dealt with compares to the trials of those in Houston and other places (both in the tragedy of events and in the backlash of certain decisions). That is beyond belief.
Along with all the others who have said this… I’m sorry for people being rude!
Obviously you blog because you love cooking and baking and want to share that joy with others. I think people forget that you don’t HAVE to.
I have been following you since 2011 and have made almost everything on your site. My family loves your recipes and ideas!! Will continue to follow you for as long as you blog.
Thank you, Natalie! You’ve been around for a long time! And that makes me happy.
Oh geez…sorry the meanies came out! I have lots of my favorites of yours printed out in case of these types of kerfuffles! Plus, it keeps my laptop a lot cleaner 🙂
Enjoy your long weekend! <3
Kerfuffles! I like that. And amen to a dirty laptop from cooking with it in the kitchen.
Mel you are great! What a service you do for all of us to test, and post recipes for all of us for FREE!!! Sad that you have to apologize for something out of your control. I love your site and recipes. I can’t ever plan a menu without my husband making sure your Lemon Garlic Grilled Chicken is on it. And I just canned a batch of your Best Ever Salsa. So I just want to say THANKS for all you do!
Thank you, thank you, Kalli!
Mmm… that classic potato salad is my favorite! Sorry people suck, Mel. Mostly I am sorry they have the behind the screen courage to be jerks when they most likely would not have the courage to say the same things to your face. I love ya, you are the best!
Thanks, Angela! It’s amazing what people will say in the cloak of anonymity or faceless confrontation.
I was one of the ones who (nicely!) emailed about your site being down. And you know what? I found a cached version, guessed on a few things, and IT WAS ALL FINE. People need to calm down if they are getting upset over system issues–I work in IT on a corporate business system and I can tell you for a fact that there is no site or system in the world that is up all the time.
For what it’s worth, I read your site every day on my blog reader and it’s my go-to if I need a recipe. Not only that, but I have tried so many things that would have otherwise intimidated me (last year’s Thanksgiving turkey, for one!), because I know I can always count on your excellent directions to guide me! You are one of the best!
PS: please don’t stop blogging. My husband thinks I am a creative dinner genius due to your recipes and I don’t want that to change. 😉
Yes, thank you for your nice email! Really, thank you. This blog has helped me get out of my comfort zone, too – so I’m right there with you! Thanks for being here. 🙂
Your recipes are amazing Mel and have made me such a better cook! I now have no fear of homemade bread and have found my favorite dessert of all time (brownie pudding-to die for!). Sorry that people are rude about your website. People don’t think about what they say when they are writing things online and make comments that they would never say in person. Your recipes are free, so they shouldn’t be complaining!
Thanks, Kim! And you know what? That brownie pudding is right up there with my favorite desserts of all time, too. Soul sisters! 🙂
Thanks for all you do, Mel! My family would not be as well fed if it wasn’t for you and this blog. The flank steak is one of our favorites of all time. I have made it so often, I know the marinade by heart! I’m so sorry to hear (although it doesn’t surprise me) that people were lacking common decency, patience, and generosity towards you this week. Please hear the voices loud and clear of those of us who feel so happy and supported by you in our attempts to take care of our families. I too feel like we would be besties if you lived across the street instead of across the country. Hope you have a great weekend with your family!
Thank you, Sara! I hear those voices (thankfully they are in the majority) and it makes a huge difference.
I’m so sorry Mel! I noticed it was down (because I consult your recipes for everything), but figured you’d get it back up when you got it up. So glad you have your priorities straight and put family first. That’s one of the things I love most about you! (and the fact that you understand that dark chocolate is always the way to go) 😉
Hahahahaha. Yes to dark chocolate! You don’t EVEN want to know how much was consumed in the MKC Website Fiasco of 2017 (or in other words, these last two weeks).
Besides the fact that all of your recipes are outstanding and big hits in this az home, I love that you put family first! You are so honest, and REAL and totally would be one of my real life friends if I ever meet you in person
Thank you soooo much for continuing to blog and thank you for teaching me how to cook (I’ve followed you since I was newly married, which was a long time ago now, back when I didn’t know how to cook at all!)
Seriously, thank you!
Thank you, Heidi! So happy you’ve been around for a long time. That makes my day. I always joke to my husband that maybe I’d have friends in real life if I didn’t have so many awesome virtual friends (not normal, I know, but I love this community of awesome readers!).
Love the recipes. So glad you are back up and running. Don’t let others bring you down – just keep on doing your thing! (I can’t imagine the trauma I would endure if I had a public blog!!)
Haha, I’m much tougher than I used to be (oh, the tears of the first few years of blogging and mean comments was rough!)…but somedays (apparently this week!) it’s hard again. But life goes on as we all know. 🙂
Mel, Our family loves your recipes, your personality and your commitment to your family. I am on your website all the time and you are a household name around here. I’m a mom of five (four girls, one boy:)) and we are all so blessed all the time by you and your recipes! Don’t stop, don’t listen to the voice of fools and keep being “real!” It’s one of the many things we love about you and your site. Keep putting your family first and ignore the immature, self-centered voices. If this nation had more people like you and fewer mannerless cowards, it would be a much better place!:)
Love that we have a total swap of genders for our kids. 🙂 Thank you for your sweetness. I’m going to be better at letting things slide (doesn’t help that I’m sleep deprived). Thank you!
Mine are a bit older than yours – ages 22 down to 10:). If you ever travel up here to Washington State, let us know and we’ll show you around. We seriously feel like we already know you! Several times a night we are having “Mel” recipes and I am being asked by the family, “Is this one of Mel’s?” all the time! 99% of my recipes come from you! I think of your recipes as “real food for real people”! Never feel pressure to “produce” for us ladies out here – we just enjoy what you share when you have time to share it. It’s a treat (no pun intended)!
Family first, no question! You are awesome and don’t forget it! There is never, ever any call for being rude, so just ignore them. You rock at my house. I make something of yours almost daily. Tonight I am doing your freezer beef and bean burritos. You are amazing Mel and our family really appreciates all you do, but always remember your family is first! God bless you and your family! Thanks for all you do for everyone else!!!
I just love you, Jen! Thanks for being such a loyal reader for so many years.
Mel, Love your guts too. You are my T&T website to visit for wonderful recipes. Please let those mean comments roll of your back. Have a wonderful day!
Jennifer – fellow troller of your website for over 5 years. 🙂
Haha, thanks for making me smile, Jennifer!
Thank you for all you do!! We love your blog and we love your recipes!
Thanks, Katie!
I found your blog by accident years ago I guess and check in daily to see what your cooking. I’ve made many of your recipes and all have been great. In reading your note about mean comments…I just can’t understand why people feel the need to do that. THESE ARE RECIPES PEOPLE! I’m pretty sure life will not come to an end if you can’t print a cookie recipe today. I always enjoy your writing and recipes and wish you continued success.
Haha, I thought the same thing several times over the last week (and over the past decade when this has happened before a time or two)…surely life will go on if peach pie cannot be accessed today?? I’m so glad you found your way here by accident, Sheree!
I love your site and your recipes are always good–I can count on that! I’ve made dozens of your recipes over the last 5 years, and I’ve never had a single fail. You are my go to source! Thank you for all the hard work you’ve put into this, and the fact that it’s all free is amazing. (Boo to impatient people who are unkind about your site being down! My husband is a pastor, and even after 20 years in the ministry, it never fails to surprise me how crazy people can be.) Trust me, your supporters WAY outnumber your critics. 🙂
Oh gosh, I bet you and your husband have heard a lot of craziness over the years! Thank you for your confidence and positivity, Sarah!
While you were offline, it just confirmed to me that you need to make a cookbook! Thanks for all your great recipes and the time you take vetting them for us readers!
Thank you! The cookbook conundrum is constantly on my mind …
I never comment on any blogs, but here I am commenting on yours for the 3rd time. I love your recipes and use them frequently. Many are on birthday and holiday request lists. After finally retiring after 33 years as a teacher, I have all the lovely kitchen time I want! I know people can be thoughtless and say mean things. As a teacher, I heard many, but I also heard many good things. Some how though, it is the mean things we remember. Try not to. You are a delight!
Ah, Nancy, thank you! I’m sitting here so impressed at your 33 years of service as a teacher! Gave me goose bumps. That’s awesome.
You are my absolute favorite! People are braver with their unkindness on the internet. Don’t sweat it, things happen!
Thanks, Jamie. 🙂
WOW! Can’t believe people can be so mean. Try not to take it personally. I love your recipes and I’m so glad to take the time to test them and post them for us. I know if I see it on your site my family will love it! We love your grilled island chicken and your pork marinade. And my family loves your baked brown rice. So simple to make but delicious!
Thanks, Becky! I usually do pretty good at not taking it personally – I guess the last week or so has been kind of tough, but all will be well!
Agreed. You are my most favorite blogger. Family comes first and the smiles on your kids pictures says it all. Chin up and keep smiling (and blogging please).
Thanks, Susan. I don’t have any plans to stop blogging. Ok, that’s a lie, I almost quit on Monday night, but then my husband reminded me that I would regret that decision very much (and actually, what I think he was saying is “please don’t quit blogging, I’m worried we’d never get another homecooked meal, ever”). He’s right, I would regret it! I love this community and those of you who genuinely make the effort of blogging worth it.
You are my most favorite blogger ever. 95% of everything I make my family comes from your website. I consider what you do a service to my family. Thank you for all of your hard work! You are the best Mel!
Thank you so much, Liz. That means a lot.
I could not agree more with Liz!!!
I’m so sorry about the mean comments. I got an error when looking for a recipe and just came back later and the site was up.
I’ve made the grilled flank steak and island chicken recipes before and they are great! Thanks for the reminder. I have both meats in my freezer, so I can make those recipes again this weekend.
Another older recipe I made recently was the apple crisp. I brought some to work and am eating it for breakfast. 🙂
Oh yes, that apple crisp is yummy! Thanks for reminding ME! 🙂
I’m sorry people were being nasty about your site being down! Good for you for worrying about your family first– people can always order pizza! Hope everything is worked out now and you can rest easily!
The “order pizza” comment made me laugh. Thanks, Alanna! I think everything should be pretty much resolved (fingers crossed!)
It makes me sad that some of your blog readers would be so rude. Thank you for everything you do! I think I speak for most of us when I say that we totally support you in putting your family first.
Thanks, Emily! The unkindness is definitely in the minority, but it always catches me off guard when it happens. I need to work on letting it not even affect me and make me insecure. Thank you for your comment! 🙂
Have no fear!! The world did NOT forget these! We make these cookie dough ice cream sandwiches several times a year. And let me just tell you about the marinade for the grilled pork tenderloin. Our local grocery store has pork tenderloin on BOGO pretty frequently and we always stock up and this is the ONLY recipe we use. In fact, I always read other marinade recipes (from your blog of course) to my husband and he’s always like…”that sounds yummy…buuuut I love the other so much let’s try it next time”. Next time has never come. I know that recipe by heart and we use it 2 to 3 times a month. And I use your recipes so frequently and refer to you by first name so often my kids think I actually know you. #fangirl
Which marinade recipe are you talking about?
Michelle, this recipe. Soooo good. https://www.melskitchencafe.com/succulent-grilled-pork-tenderloin/
Haha, I figured there were some avid fans of those cookie dough ice cream sandwiches out there. Glad you are one of them! You are so cute…love that you are loving the recipes. Means so much!
I made the cookie dough ice cream sandwiches for the first time this summer and they were amazing! And I completely support you for putting your family first! Thanks for all of the great recipes!
Oh gosh, those ice cream sandwiches are dangerous! I’m glad you loved them!
You are totally fine!! You keep the main things the main things!! Your family should ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS come first!! They are a GIFT from the Lord, and you have the responsibility and privilege of caring for them first!! Don’t let people deceive you with empty, foolish talk!! We are grateful for you and the example that you set in the kitchen and most importantly in your everyday life!! Thank you!!
So true! And a great reminder of what I tell myself every day. Thank you!
Thanks for everything you do and I’m sorry people can be so cruel and unkind to you. You don’t deserve it. People need to learn how to “wing it”.
Thanks, Brenna. And I probably need to learn how to let it slide off my back…work in progress! It’s hard to hear unkind things, but at the end of the day, I’m grateful for readers like you. Thank you!