Last Minute Labor Day Recipes

This weekend I will be throwing a Labor Day pool party at my house and Im in charge of the “sides”.  Searching around for some great recipes online of course I had to go to my girl Martha’s site (thats Stewart).  I think these are some of the things Im going to make.  Easy and virtually effortless for someone who really screws up Mac and Cheese out of the box.  I scored these from her 60 Summer Sides. Happy cooking!!

Ingredients

Serves 6 to 8

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon coarse salt
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 small green cabbage, (about 1 3/4 pounds), finely shredded
• 2 medium carrots, cut into 1/8-inch-thick matchsticks or coarsely grated
• 1 small onion, coarsely grated (optional)

Directions

1. Whisk together mustard, vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, salt, mayonnaise, and sour cream in a small bowl. Refrigerate dressing, covered, until ready to use, or up to 2 days.
2. Put cabbage, carrots, and onion (if desired) in a large bowl. Pour in dressing, and toss thoroughly. Refrigerate, covered, until slaw begins to soften, 1 to 2 hours. If not using immediately, refrigerate, covered, up to 2 days. Just before serving, toss coleslaw again.

Ingredients

Serves 8

• 2 pounds small Yukon gold potatoes, halved if large (about 6 cups)
• 1/4 cup white-wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon coarse salt
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh chervil leaves
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh chives
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh tarragon, plus sprigs for garnish
• Freshly ground pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Place potatoes in a saucepan, and cover with 2 inches of water. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer until tender when pierced with the tip of a knife, 25 to 30 minutes. Drain.
2. Whisk vinegar and salt in a bowl. Add oil in a slow, steady stream, whisking until emulsified. Add herbs and pepper.
3. Add warm potatoes to vinaigrette, and toss. Garnish with tarragon sprigs.