As you enjoy your day off next Monday, remember that Labor Day was established to honor the men and women who campaigned for workers’ rights in the labor movement of the late 19th and 20th centuries. Without their efforts, Americans might not enjoy the rights and protections we now take for granted — a 40-hour work week, safe and humane working conditions, paid time off, sick leave and even federal holidays. However you decide to celebrate, remember to “pay tribute to all the laborers, past and present, who helped build America and make it the country it is today,” says The Pioneer Woman.
Tag: cookout
Enjoy the Great Outdoors on Labor Day
Labor Day — the unofficial end of summer — puts you on notice to enjoy the warm weather while you still can. Get outdoors and soak up some sun with a bike ride, cookout, tailgate or trip to the beach, Country Living suggests. A hike or overnight camping trip a state or national park is a great way to commune with nature and get away from it all, and most people have outdoorsy options close to home if you have to be back at the office on Tuesday. You could even do some backyard camping with the family, complete with a neighborhood parade or ice-cream social. Whatever you choose, take full advantage of the #holiday. #LaborDay
Use That Summer Produce Before It Spoils
Whether your #summer #garden has reached peak yields or you went overboard at the farmers market, you may find yourself with a lot of fresh #produce this season. Don’t let it go to #waste. There are easy ways to use up your favorite #vegetables, fruits and herbs before they turn to mush. Turn excess zucchini into lasagna or zucchini bread. Add vegetables to stews. Freeze extra berries and fruits for smoothies or cobblers. Make extra greens and herbs into a savory pesto to toss with pasta or use in marinades. And toss anything that goes bad into a #compost bin. “You’ll be saving your budget and the earth all at once,” says Better Homes & Gardens. #SummerGarden
When the Garden Yields More Than You Can Consume
#Gardens can be unpredictable. Some seasons, you’ll only get a taste of your favorite foodstuffs because of low yields, poor weather conditions or the local critters; others, you’ll be awash in so many #fruits and #vegetables you won’t know what to do with them all. This is a good problem to have! Don’t let your hard work go to waste — you can preserve the bounty for future feasts by canning, freezing or dehydrating, says Gingham Gardens, or stage a sidewalk-sale farmer’s market to sell surplus vegetables. Or you can give away those delicious foodstuffs to family, friends or a #food pantry. Who doesn’t appreciate a fresh tomato? #SummerGarden
Try Canning to Preserve Summer’s Bounty
Experiencing a glut of #summer #produce and unable to consume it all at your backyard #cookouts? Try your hand at #canning to (quite literally) preserve access to summer’s bounty for weeks and months. Start with the freshest fruits and vegetables and follow a recipe that meets USDA safety guidelines for preserving foods. You’ll need a selection of basic canning equipment including jars and a large pot or pressure canning device, as well as some quality time in the #kitchen. The payoff? You get better-than-bought flavor from your #summer #garden throughout the years. “The truth is, anyone who can boil a pot of water can make a pickle or a jar of jam.” Food Network says.