Memorial Day Weekend Recipes

As we gather with friends and family this Memorial Day, there's nothing better than sharing good food and drinks. To make your holiday entertaining easy (and delightful) I'm excited to share a few recipes from the family-owned tree fruit experts at Stemilt. These recipes are not only delicious but also highlight the best of fresh, seasonal produce. Let’s dive in!

BBQ Shrimp, Apple & Cauliflower Skewers

These skewers are perfect for a Memorial Day BBQ. The combination of succulent shrimp, crispy cauliflower, and sweet apples makes for a delightful medley of flavors. The best part for me is there's not much clean-up to do when you serve skewers!

Ingredients

Skewers:

2 Stemilt Apples cut into 1-inch cubes

1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp

1 head cauliflower (stems removed), cut into florets 

1 tsp lemon juice

BBQ Sauce for serving (optional)

Marinade:

1/4 c olive oil

2 tbsp soy sauce

2 tbsp tomato paste

2 tbsp light brown sugar

2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp paprika

4 garlic cloves minced

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

Instructions:

Mix together all ingredients for the marinade in a large bowl.

Divide between two zipper top bags or tupperware containers.

Add the shrimp to one container and the cauliflower to the other container. Toss to coat.

Place in the fridge and let marinate for 2-6 hours.

When ready to cook, toss the apples with the lemon juice.

Alternating between the three, thread the apples, shrimp, and cauliflower onto skewers.

Preheat a grill over medium-high heat.

Add the skewers to the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until shrimp are just opaque and pink.

Serve immediately with barbecue sauce if desired.

Cherry Limeade Mocktails

No celebration is complete without a refreshing drink. This cherry limeade can be enjoyed with or without alcohol, making it perfect for all guests.

Ingredients:

½ lbs Stemilt Dark Sweet Cherries, pitted

12 ounce can frozen limeade concentrate

2 liter bottle lemon-lime soda (like 7Up or Sprite)

Ice

Vodka (optional)

1 small lime, cut into wedges

6 Stemilt Dark Sweet Cherries, for garnish

Instructions:

Add the cherries to a large glass pitcher. Muddle until the cherries are crushed and juices have been released.

Add the frozen limeade concentrate and lemon-lime soda and stir.

To prepare a drink, fill a pint glass with ice. Add 2 oz of vodka if using. Top each with the cherry limeade mixture until the glass is full.

Garnish with a lime wedge and cherry and serve.

Apple & Pear Fruit Salad

This Apple & Pear Fruit Salad makes a great side dish or a scrumptious (but still light) dessert that is perfect for Memorial Day gatherings!

Ingredients:

2 Stemilt Pink Lady® Apples

1 Stemilt D’Anjou Pear

1 cup grapes

1/4 cup coconut cream

2 tsp maple syrup

1 tsp poppy seeds

Zest of 1 lemon

Juice of 1/2 lemon

Instructions:

Core and dice the apples and pears into ½ inch pieces. Add to a serving bowl.

Slice grapes in half. Add to serving bowl.

Whisk coconut cream, maple syrup, poppy seeds, lemon zest, and lemon juice together in a small bowl.

Pour over fruit in serving bowl. Toss to coat and serve.

For more recipe inspiration, be sure to check out Stemilt website. Enjoy your Memorial Day celebrations with these delightful dishes and drinks!