Labor Day Celebrations

WHAT IS LABOR DAY?
Always held on the first Monday in September, Labor Day was the idea of Peter J. Maguire (although recent research has shown that it might have been his brother Matthew’s idea), a labor union leader who in 1882 proposed a celebration honoring the American worker.
The date chosen was simply “convenient,” according to Maguire, because it was midway between the Fourth of July and Thanksgiving.
Although the day’s focus on organized labor has diminished over the years, the holiday has become a way to mark the end of the summer season—and the start of the school year.

LABOR DAY RECIPES
Traditionally, Labor Day consists of barbecues and time spent together with family. So enjoy your summer send-off with a healthy option from your bounty of fresh corn. Hopefully you have been to your local farmers market to get some.

Summer Salsa Salad

INGREDIENTS
8 ears corn, husked
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1-1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon sea salt (optional)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil or 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 large tomatoes, seeded and coarsely chopped
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/3 cup chopped green bell pepper
1/3 cup chopped red bell pepper

INSTRUCTIONS
In a pot, boil corn for 5 to 7 minutes, or until tender. Drain and set aside to cool.
In a bowl, whisk together oil, vinegar, parsley, basil, sugar, lemon juice, salt (if using), and cayenne.
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Cut cooled corn off cob and add to oil mixture. Add tomatoes, onions, and peppers to corn and oil mixture. Stir to combine. Chill in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight.