You guys, this is it: Labor Day weekend, the unofficial end of summertime. I’m not quite ready for fall leaves and fire pits, so I’m resolving to pack this weekend with pool, lake and grill time…and of course, one last plate of summertime fare. Don’t miss out on these (practically) mandatory foods of the season. Hurry — get a taste before it’s too late!

Have a Clambake
Some call it a clambake, others prefer “low-country boil” — whatever you say in your neck of the woods, there’s a reason that this seafood-packed dish is a summer staple all along the East Coast. Our grilled version is ridiculously easy to prepare, feeds a crowd and makes you look like a rock star. Really, isn’t that what we all want in a summer party meal?
RECIPE: Grilled Clambake

Grill the Ultimate Burger
The end of summer is no time for restraint. You want bacon. And cheese. And ranch dressing. This is the burger for you.
RECIPE: Bacon-and-Ranch Baby Cheeseburgers
RELATED: Have You Tried these Top Summer Apps?

Image courtesy Food Network Magazine
Eat a Lobster Roll
Didn’t make it to a seaside lobster shack? Make your own authentic version of this summer staple with huge chunks of lobster coated in a light dressing and tucked into a buttered split-top bun. Don’t miss it.
RECIPE: Lobster Rolls

Sip a Frozen Cocktail
Frozen cocktails….they’re not quite as fun to savor when the earth is also frozen, so drink up now. This Bailey’s-spiked pina colada is the perfect way to say “Sayonara, summer!”
RECIPES: Must-Try Summer Cocktails
RELATED: Our Weekly Happy Hour Drink Picks

Savor the Season’s Last Tomatoes (and Corn)
Pretty soon, the tomato situation will get dire: think pale, mealy, shadows of their summer selves. But don’t worry about that now — think about bruschetta and BLTs and caprese salad and tomato sauce. Hit the farmers’ market and stock up while you can. While you’re at it, don’t forget the corn on the cob!
RECIPE: Whole Grain Roasted Garlic Bruschetta
Have a delicious Labor Day weekend!

























[...] Macarons Party Food: Summer Bucket List HGTV Design Happens Fri, August 31, 2012 2:00 PM UTC HGTV Design Happens Rate Share (function(){var [...]
! Everything looks so yummy but that pina colada is on my to do list this weekend !
My mouth is watering now.
Grilling hamburgers this weekend. Can't wait.
Those hamburgers are calling my name!
Getting really good food that tastes like nothing. Really it was a nice dish. I am very much interested to prepare this dish.