Spring has sprung and now you’re going to want to invite your friends over for BBQs and day time kick-backs. Here are some easy and fun recipes for the occasion — courtesy of The Fearless Flyer and the wonderful employees of Trader Joe’s to make them better.
Appetizers:
1. Chimichurri Toast
This delicate appetizer is essentially like bruschetta, but with a twist. Mix it up a little and pair it with a Caprese salad and a nice Chianti.
2. Spicy Chicken and Waffle Bites
You are probably thinking to yourself, “Can you eat chicken and waffles after noon?” And you better believe it. The hint of spice in the recipe turns this breakfast meal into a pleasant appetizer.
3. Salad Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
TJ’s is using the sweet potato as a vessel for sweet salad goodness. Obviously you can try any type of salad you want, but that baked sweet potato is the cherry on this salad sundae.
Entrees:
4. Stuffed Avocado
All right, everyone now knows you can put a fried egg inside an avocado, but they took it one step further and put a tuna salad in there. This way, you can cut out the carbs, if you’re worried about something silly like that, and replace it with spring’s favorite fruit.
5. Shrimp Nugget Taco
This is a new take on the shrimp taco because the shrimp recommended has already been fried. It adds another aspect of crunch to the dish and allows for the toppings to stick to the protein instead of falling out the sides.
6. Steak, Pesta, Quinoa, Kale Salad
Coming from someone who thinks any meal without meat in it is a snack, putting meat in a salad is the most reasonable thing a person could do. This course is meant to be light and easily packed for day time adventures.
7. Chili Cornbread Casserole
We obviously can’t go to Papa’s Soul Food every night, so when you want to bring some good soul cooking into your home this is the recipe to go for. Try garnishing with green peppers and as much butter as you want.
8. Marinated 7 Spice Ribs
Fire up the BBQ and let’s get cooking. This recipe might seem like the simplest, but it takes a delicate touch to make sure these ribs are cooked to everyone’s liking. Be sure to ask some of the grill masters at TJ’s about BBQ tips.
Desserts:
9. Berry Yogurt Pops
This is a fun recipe to make with friends or have ready after your intramural soccer game gets out.  I am also told you can turn it into a frozen daiquiri pop with a dash of tequila.
10. Ginger Molasses Ice Cream Sandwich
The chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwich has been done. Put a couple of these puppies together when the parents come to town for graduation and they might cool down after you tell them you want to switch your major again.
These recipes and more can be found on the Trader Joe’s website and The Fearless Flyer Magazine.