Labor Day: more than a celebration of Summer

Labor Day - Celebrating more than just the end of Summer - visit the U.S. Department of Labor website to learn more about the meaning and purpose of Labor Day!

The dog days of summer are rapidly coming to a close.  The Labor Day weekend is the traditional close of summer.  Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.  The vital force of labor added materially to the highest standard of living and the greatest production the world has ever known and has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy.  It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pay tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation's strength, freedom, and leadership — the American worker.  While you relax with your family and friends, celebrating the end of summer and remembering what the American Can Do attitude and workers have done, make your picnic equally memorable with this twist on a picnic staple, cole slaw.  Send out summer with a snap with this spicy slaw!

Spicy Pepper Slaw Recipe - from pg 35 April/May 2011 issue of Healthy Cooking

“I love coleslaw, but wanted to jazz it up and make it just a little healthier. This recipe not only makes a good side dish, but it’s also great as a relish on a chicken sandwich or burger. Jalapenos give it just the right kick.” —Cheryl McCleary, Kansas City, Kansas

• Prep: 20 min. + chilling
• Yield: 8 Servings

2020

Ingredients

• 3 cups shredded cabbage
• 2 celery ribs, chopped
• 1 medium green pepper, julienned
• 1 cup cut fresh green beans (1-inch pieces)
• 1 cup cut fresh asparagus (1-inch pieces)
• 1 bunch green onions, chopped
• 1 banana pepper, seeded and chopped
• 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped
• 2 serrano peppers, seeded and chopped
• 1/2 cup cider vinegar
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon snipped fresh dill
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper

Directions

• In a large bowl, combine the first nine ingredients. In a small bowl, whisk the remaining ingredients; pour over salad and toss to coat. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Yield: 8 servings.

Editor's Note: Wear disposable gloves when cutting hot peppers; the oils can burn skin. Avoid touching your face.

Nutritional Facts1 cup equals 76 calories, 5 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 314 mg sodium, 6 g carbohydrate, 3 g fiber, 2 g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.