A Working Person's Feast

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In the U.S., Labor Day (the first Monday in September) celebrates all working men and women who have contributed to wealth and well-being of this great nation. Americans celebrate the day with picnics, barbecues and parades. It's a time to relax with family and friends.

Labor Day also signals the official end of summer and time for back-to-school.

Our Working Person's Feast is a simple meal to make. After all, who wants to work hard on a meal on a day that is meant for relaxing? Each of these dishes take less than 1 hour to prepare and cook. The brownies can be made a day or two ahead of time and the steaks need to marinate overnight.

Since this is a casual meal, the ambience should be casual as well. Decorations should be simple. Try placing U.S. flags in clay flowerpots filled with jelly beans or peanuts. Cover tables with traditional checkered tablecloths. Fill wheelbarrows with ice for canned drinks and beer and place them in accessible spots for guests to grab their own.