Let's face it, kids: Since New Year's, we've been piddling around with our weekends. Sure, there's been Super Bowl Sunday and the occasional Saturday afternoon grill session, but the three-day feast has simply been on the back burner.

All that changes this weekend, my friends.

And because I'm your best food pal, I'm going to let you in on my list of the six things that should be included in any 72-hour celebration. Sure, you'll need lots of charcoal and libations, but that's the price you pay for having a party the neighborhood will be talking about for years to come.

So, without further ado:

1. Grill EVERYTHING: If you haven't done your Springtime Grill Rehab yet, get it done now. You wouldn't cut meat with a dirty knife, so don't cook it on a dirty grill.

Don't just do meat, although I'm sure that'll occupy the greater portion of your time. Try making three meals a day on the grill! Yes, you might want to have some Cap'n Crunch on hand just in case, but nothing beats the great smoky flavor of toast done over charcoal. And this'll be a great time to let your well-seasoned cast iron pots live outdoors and cook over an open flame, like they were meant to.

Want a neat appetizer? Add a shot of hot sauce and a shower of fresh parmesan to an oyster on the half shell and put it on the grill for a couple of minutes. Trust me.

2. Go To Margaritaville: At some point during the weekend, put on your flip-flops, Bermuda shorts and loudest Hawaiian shirt. Pretend your back porch is a boat deck or other island-type destination. If you are of an age, please feel free to indulge in adult beverages in the appropriate quantities.

And speaking of margaritas, the fine folks at Jose Cuervo have a new tipple that deserves a place in any dedicated Memorial Day partier's arsenal. Their new Golden Margarita is a highly drinkable blend of Cuervo Gold, Grand Marnier and lime. I gathered a group of friends, including my French pal Bernard who'd never tasted a margarita, and poured a round for tasting. The results were rather painful ... they beat me up when they found I only had the one bottle. Bernard immediately announced his intention to renounce his French citizenship and move to Margaritaville. He's still depressed over learning that M-ville doesn't have an official government for him to apply for citizenship.

Without naming any names, the flavor is highly reminiscent of the "Top Shelf" margarita at a certain restaurant chain, where one might enjoy one's 'rita with a strangely cut deep-fried onion.

3. Wrap Stuff In Bacon: Here, you'll prove the old axiom that everything is better wrapped in a little bit of properly cured pig meat. Wrap steak, shrimp, chicken breasts, chicken legs, pork chops, carrots, Brussels sprouts ... OK, maybe I got carried away. Make sure you keep the pieces fairly small so the bacon isn't burned to a crisp before the meat's done.

For an elegant appetizer turn, try something my pal Carolyn, she who knows all about the wonders of bacon, introduced me to: bites of cantaloupe with thin slices of prosciutto wrapped around them. It's stunningly good.

4. Eat Like A Kid: How long has it been since you grilled something as "mundane" as hot dogs and hamburgers? I'll just bet your inner child hasn't forgotten the allure of a properly grilled dog giving that *snap* at the first bite, or the way the slightly charred edge of a grilled burger tastes.

Use plenty of ketchup or whatever your inner rugrat demands. And don't skimp on the fries! You don't have to make the fries yourself, but if you want to be the Big Kid in the neighborhood, try Alton Brown's method. The par-frying is the secret to the perfect crispy/tender fries.

5. Eat Like An Adult: How long has it been since you had the time to really plan out a menu, do the shopping and prepare a great meal? It's an artistic achievement, and few things in daily life will give you such a sense of accomplishment. Cash in some babysitting credits with your spouse/partner/parents/friends and devote your full attention to putting together a real feast.

I always find doing this therapeutic. I write about food every day, but sadly get precious little time to do the sort of cooking my heart desires. When I do get the time, I feel creatively refreshed and revitalized.

6. Make Breakfast: Here's another excuse for bacon! You could even combine this with No. 5 if you're the hyper-efficient sort. Make pancakes, fried eggs or even a Cast-Iron Frittata if you'd like.

Remember: It's the most important meal of the day ... and done right it can be the only one of the day.

But you don't want to gorge like that. It won't leave room for the evening's grillerations!

Happy Memorial Day, and don't forget to hang your flags!

Got a question? Comment? Topic you'd like to see covered? Drop me a line, anytime!