Labor Day is a holiday created to acknowledge the American Labor Movement and is dedicated to all those working the grind every day. Labor day weekend also often signifies the final big bash, BBQ or other party to be had before the fall comes in.
For many of you, the excitement of a day off is met with a little trepidation as you may not know exactly what you want to do.  Part of you wants to simply laze around and not wear pants all day. That is a legitimate feeling and I completely support you spending a portion of the day doing just that. At some point, however, you are going to get at least a little hungry, not just for food but for company as well. You could choose to go camping, host a BBQ, or happily be a guest (I would recommend an invited one) at one of your friends’ or family’s outdoor eating scenarios.
You will probably need to either please your guests or impress your host but, as an avid Paleo practitioner you also want to be able to eat the food. Most folks enjoy eating a traditional American hot dog at the end of summer, but it is not necessary to serve the logs of who-knows-how processed who-knows-what-part-of-the-animal. Instead, make or take some delicious Paleo friendly summer food! All you need are a few easy and tasty recipes that will celebrate the theme of the day.
The Mains
When it comes to grilling meats and serving mains, we’ve got you covered with:
On The Side
Creative salads and sides that satisfy all tastes and meet your Paleo diet standards can sometimes be a little more challenging.
Salads are often an after-thought at a traditional BBQ, but serving something fun and filling can be a crowd pleaser. Check out our salad guide which provides a foundation to mix, match and create your own, unique signature dish
Other Paleo Labor Day sides to tempt the taste buds
Bacon Wrapped Vegetable Skewers
Be sure to use Pete's Paleo bacon for the best bacon flavor!Â
Something Sweet
Whether you’re spending Labo Day in your home or visiting friends and/or family, the holiday is always that much better and everyone always has room for the flavors of homemade desserts. Although the standard Labor Day menu makes it a challenge to stay true to Paleo principles, it is possible to keep your Paleo streak intact without sacrificing the taste of something sweet after your feast. These suggestions maintain your nutritional principles but are just as delicious for non-Paleo folks to enjoy.
Ice Cream with Crackle Topping
Grilled fruit
For anyone who’s still got room, or who has a bit of a sweet tooth, grilled fresh fruit will offer a surprisingly satisfying finish to the meal. Scrape off a section of the grill (unless you want your fruit to taste like steak) and place halves of your favorite fruit (I like stone fruit, figs or pineapple slices)  over the flame until softened. Remove from the grill and place on a plate tented in foil and serve after 10 – 15 minutes. Serve with the ice cream recipe above, some coconut milk ‘whipped cream’ or scatter fresh basil or mint on top for a flavor profile with a bit more depth.
These recipes and suggestions will help you get ready for this last official big summer bash whether for entertaining and impressing your own guests or your host and theirs! Enjoy and happy cooking.