Summer Recipes for the Perfect BBQ

Has the coronavirus (COVID-19) altered your Fourth of July plans?

The global pandemic may be putting a damper on summer 2020 – from travel plans to family gatherings – but the Marine Corps Marathon Organization (MCMO) team has the perfect recipe for a staycation. Scroll down for two delicious, family-friendly BBQ recipes from MCM staff members.

Pro tip: these recipes can be enjoyed “guilt-free” after completing your training runs for the live Quantico 12K or Belleau Wood 8K.

Potato Salad with Bacon Ranch Dressing
A favorite summertime side shared by Emily Walz, Marketing Coordinator.
Serves: 6
Time: 35-40 minutesIngredients:

• ½ cup real bacon pieces
• ¼ cup milk
• ¼ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 ½ tsp. ranch style salad dressing mix (the powder packet)
• 2 ½ lbs. red potatoes cut into 1/4 in slices / wedges
• Vegetable cooking spray
• 1 sweet onion chopped
• 1 jar (4-ounces) pimientos drained
• 2 stalks celery chopped
• 2 tbsp. finely chopped parsley
• Salt
• Ground black pepper

Directions:

Bacon Ranch Dressing – In a medium bowl combine bacon pieces, milk, sour cream, mayonnaise and salad dressing mix. Cover and chill until ready to serve.

Potatoes – Cut potatoes into bite-size pieces and boil on stove top until tender. Then lay out potatoes on a baking sheet and roast at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes.

Once potatoes cool, in a large bowl combine potatoes, pimentos, celery and parsley. Using a spatula, fold in Bacon Ranch Dressing until combined. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Chill at least 1 to 2 hours before serving.

Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork
Pair potato salad with this mildly sweet, no-fuss main dish shared by Kayla Fagan, Sponsorship Coordinator.
Serves: 6-8
Time: 9-10.5 HoursIngredients:

• Pork Butt OR Pork Shoulder
• One 12-oz can of Cream Soda or Dr. Pepper
• One bottle (approx. 19oz) BBQ sauce (Personal favorite: Campfire Apple Cider)

Directions:

Place pork in slow cooker and pour soda over it. Cover and cook on low for 9-10 hours. Remove pork and drain juices from slow cooker. Shred pork on a separate plate. Add pork back into slow cooker, smother in BBQ sauce and cook on low for an additional 20-30 minutes.

Best wishes for a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend from the MCM Organization!