Labor Day History and Barbecue Recipes

Labor Day always falls on the first Monday in September. Today, it seems that Labor Day is all about vacations and barbecues. It can be easy to forget what the real meaning behind Labor Day really is and how it came to be.

As is noted by the Department of Labor, Labor Day was created by the labor movement and it celebrates all of the achievements and contributions made by American workers. The first Labor Day was celebrated over 100 years ago in 1882 in New York City when the Central Labor Union adopted a Labor Day proposal. The government did not start recognizing the holiday until 1885-1886. By 1894, 28 states had adopted Labor Day. As far as who founded the holiday, it is believed that either Peter McGuire (general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners) or Matthew Maguire (a machinist) founded Labor Day. It appears more likely that Matthew Maguire founded the holiday. He was the secretary of the Central Labor Union for a period of time.

Back in the day, Labor Day parades were very common; however, the mode of expression has changed today. A number of industrialists, union officials, educators, and government officials still address the holiday.

Today, Labor Day would not be Labor Day without a barbecue. Whether you are cooking for a large crowd of twenty or just for a few people, there are some great meal ideas:

Barbecued Beef Brisket

This recipe is for those who wish to not deal with the heat and would rather cook indoors. This recipe is sure to get your mouth watering. This is one of my family's favorite recipes.

Ingredients Needed:

1 cup ketchup

1 cup water

1 tablespoon instant minced onion

2 tablespoons cider vinegar

1 tablespoon white horseradish

1 tablespoon prepared mustard

½ teaspoon pepper

2 ½- 4 lbs brisket

2 large onions sliced

4-5 carrots, slices in 2-in chunks

5 medium potatoes, quartered

Directions:

In a bowl, combine ketchup, water, instant onion, vinegar, horseradish, mustard, and pepper. Place the brisket in a non-aluminum covered casserole fat side up. Pour the mixture over the brisket and let it marinate overnight.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place the onions on top of the brisket. Cook covered for about 2 ½ - 3 hours. Then, add the carrots and potatoes. Continue cooking (covered) for another 1 to 1 ½ hours. Slice the meat and serve it with vegetables, using the pan juices as gravy. You can add any other vegetables to the dish that you would like.

Bush Family Pork Spareribs

This recipe will help you create some of the most delectable pork spareribs on your street. To see how to make it, clear here.

Barbecued Zucchini

Yum yum, this will get your mouth watering. It is good on the gas or charcoal grill (I prefer the taste given by the charcoal). All you have to do is slice them up, baste them with your favorite barbecue sauce, and throw them on the grill for just a few minutes until they brown.

Sources:

"The History of Labor Day." U.S. Department of Labor.
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