Memorial Day Weekend is upon us. Time to celebrate those who fought for our freedom with family and friends.
While summer doesn’t offically begin until June 21, Memorial Day has become the unofficial start to the summer. It’s been 90’s here in Charlotte and as we say bring on summer, patios, cocktails, and fun with family and friends!
I love using traditional patriotic colors, but also mixing it up with bright colors. This tablescape from an event I hosted is the perfect combination of spring and summer colors. You can’t go wrong with mixing and matching costal, pastels, and classic colors like blue and white.
Everything is in bloom, so use what you have in your yard as a floral centerpiece. You could even add a flower to each place setting as a special touch.
Guests were served shrimp cocktail with avocado and a cheese platter as starters. Then dined family style with grilled salmon, grilled squash, zucchini and bell peppers with roasted rosemary new potatoes. Add fresh bread from your local bakery with a side of olive oil.
One of my favorite and easy summer time desserts is homemade cookie ice cream sandwiches! Adults and kids a like love this one. You can find the recipe here. Another favorite is any berry or peach cobbler. You can find my healthy and light recipe here.
The grilled salmon recipe is a family favorite created by my father, Zuheir Sofia, and modified over the years.
Grilled Salmon Filet – Serves 5-6 People
Ingredients
2 lbs salmon filet
1/2 cup Marzetti’s light slaw dressing
1/3 cup of Grey Poupon Dijon Mustard
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon dill
1/2 teaspoon dry or fresh rosemary
1 teaspoon dry or fresh chopped parsley
1/2 teaspoon dry oregano flakes
Pam Olive Oil Spray for grill
Wash filet in cold water. Pat dry. Check for occasional bones in filet. Mix slaw dressing, Dijon mustard, and spices in a small bowl. Then spread the mixture over the top of the filet. (the skin goes on the bottom). Put fish directly on outdoor grill, which has been slightly oiled. Cook over a medium heat for 8-12 minutes until fish begins to flake. Do not turn. Skin should peel off easily when filet is removed from grill. Divide into individual serving and serve immediately.
Wishing everyone a happy Memorial Day Weekend and start to the summer!
