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Memorial Day always seems to sneak up on me…but it’s a pleasant surprise because it means summer—as we know it, anyway--has arrived. I'm always proud to be an American, but it means even more at this time of year, doesn't it? I read an article this morning on a local news site that warmed my heart. In Long Beach Island, New Jersey, a beautiful beach-town not far from Philadelphia, students from the community high school in Manahawkin put 6,847 American flags into the ground at a local park in honor of the U.S. servicemen and women who were killed in Afghanistan or Iraq. Can you imagine how beautiful that would be??

A Memorial Day service is happening at the field at this very minute and I’m thanking the young men and women who made such a kind gesture as well as all of the people who have fought and died for this country. As we all sit down at our picnic tables this weekend for some great food and fellowship, don’t forget to say a prayer for our brave soldiers—living and gone.

If you’re lucky enough to know a veteran or soldier on active duty, I can’t think of a nicer gesture than to invite them to a backyard barbecue this weekend. I posted 16 of my favorite barbecue recipes yesterday in a special blog and here’s another to consider…it’s Sunday’s recipe on In the Kitchen with David, Cheeseburger Quesadillas.

Cheeseburger Quesadillas
Serves 4

This recipe is prepared with the Traeger Lone Star Wood Fired Grill & Smoker (K41583).

Go to David's Recipe Item Page for the full list of items that David has used in his recipes.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef, cooked and drained


• 2 Tbsp finely diced red onion


• 1-1/2 Tbsp ketchup


• 1 Tbsp yellow mustard


• 1-1/2 Tbsp dill pickle relish


• 1/2 tsp salt


• 1/4 tsp black pepper


• 2 10" flour tortillas


• 4 slices American cheese


• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Preparation:

1. Preheat a grill over medium heat.


2. Combine the ground beef, onion, ketchup, mustard, relish, salt and pepper in a medium-size bowl.


3. Place the tortillas on a clean work surface. Spread half the meat mixture on half of each tortilla, leaving about a 1/2" border. Top the beef with 2 slices of American cheese and 1/2 cup cheddar. Fold the empty side of each tortilla over the filled side.


4. Grill for 1–2 minutes on each side, or until the cheese has melted and light grill marks appear. Cut into wedges before serving.

I think you’ll be thrilled with this dish, foodies. I’m hesitant to call it an entrée because it could very easily be cut into smaller pieces and served as an appetizer. I just love how you can assemble a classic cheeseburger and grill the whole thing…it doesn’t get easier than that. We even have you put the condiments on there beforehand so there’s nothing you’ll need to serve on the side, unless you just like to give your guests the option.

Again, don’t forget to check out my entire list of Memorial Day must-tries, but in case you’re looking for a Mexican-American side to accompany those quesadillas, might I suggest my Tomatillo Guacamole:

Or, how about Quick and Easy Queso Dip?

I’ll see you on Sunday at Noon ET for more In the Kitchen with David fun. Have a TERRIFIC weekend, everyone. Happy, happy Memorial Day.

Keep it flavorful!
—David