Memorial Day

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in service of the United States of America. After the Civil War, in order to honor the soldiers who died people would decorated their graves. Today, many people choose to celebrate Memorial Day with barbeque's, cook out's, and parades.

Although tempting, there are healthier options to eat besides the common hotdog, cheeseburger, and sweet cakes usually found at a barbeque or cookout. Try bringing some of these healthier options to celebrate with family and friends. 

Try a Shrimp Roll, made with a hotdog bun or whole wheat bread. 

INGREDIENTS

1 lb. medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 stalk celery, thinly sliced

1/4 c. mayonnaise

2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice

1 tbsp. prepared horseradish

1 tsp. paprika

kosher salt

8 hot dog buns, preferably split top, toasted

or whole wheat bread

Scallions, for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

Boil shrimp in salted boiling water until opaque, 2 to 3 minutes. Drain and transfer to a cutting board to cool.

In a large bowl, mix together celery, mayonnaise, lemon juice, horseradish, and paprika and season with salt.

Chop shrimp and add to mayo mixture. Spoon shrimp mixture into toasted buns and garnish with scallions.

Try doing salads a little differently! This is a Cobb Pasta Salad. The pasta can always be replaced with whole grain noodles. 

INGREDIENTS

kosher salt

1 lb. pasta

4 slices bacon

ranch dressing

3 hard boiled eggs, roughly chopped

1 c. cherry tomatoes, halved

1 avocado, chopped

1/4 c. crumbled blue cheese

Freshly ground black pepper

DIRECTIONS

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook gemelli according to package directions until al dente. Drain and transfer to a large serving bowl.

Cook bacon until crispy. Drain and chop, then set aside.

To serving bowl, add ranch dressing and toss with pasta until evenly coated. Add bacon, egg, tomatoes, avocado, and blue cheese. Season with salt and pepper and toss to incorporate.

Drizzle with more ranch dressing and serve.

For an interesting dessert try Fruit Skewers

INGREDIENTS

6 peaches, sliced

1 pt. Strawberries, sliced

1 pineapple, cut into large cubes

8 skewers, soaked in water for 20 minutes

Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling

kosher salt

Honey, for drizzling

DIRECTIONS

Preheat grill to medium-high. Skewer peaches, strawberries, and pineapple. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt.

Grill, turning occasionally, until fruit is tender and slightly charred, 10 to 12 minutes.

Drizzle with honey.

Things To Look For:

Keep an eye out for strawberry, cherry, peas, asparagus and cabbage in your local produce sections. These fruits and vegetables are ready for harvesting in June!!! Fruits and vegetables lose their optimal nutritional value as soon as they are picked. Eating them as soon as they are ready will increase their taste and nutritional value. By eating locally grown fruits and vegetables, you'll reduce the number of miles your food has to travel and reduce your food's carbon footprint by 7%!!