Labor-less Labor Day Eats x Atlanta Plugged In

Summer isn't over yet!! I want to (air) scream this every time I cite a mention of Fall food and flavors these days.  Don't get me wrong, I loveeee the Fall.  It's my favorite season, in fact, but I'm all about celebrating each season to its fullest--and that means relishing the final days of Summer.

Just as Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of Summer, Labor Day tends to mark the unofficial end of this sultry time of year.  And with Labor Day in mind (and on the horizon), I have to share a few, fun recipes to make your entertaining over the long weekend anything but laborious.  Think effortless!

If you follow me on social media (I'd love it if you did--see the easy 'connect' buttons in the right margin. Shameless plug. ;-) ), then you're likely aware that I had the awesome privilege of returning to my favorite, Atlanta Plugged In, earlier this week to share my tips and recipes for making the most of the holiday.

WATCH ME HERE

Now that you've watched the segment, I hope you're inspired to try these easy, delicious, and, yes, healthy dishes.  Win, win, win.

And to tie it all together with a big bow on top, I'm sharing a bonus "recipe" in the way of a super fun and effortless sip.  Because there's so much to cheers to and be thankful for.

Enjoy a delicious, effortless, and safe holiday weekend.

Happy Eating!

Peach Caprese Bites
Ingredients:
Fresh peaches, sliced into rounds
Fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced
Prosciutto, thinly sliced
Basil leaves
Flaked sea salt (optional)
Balsamic syrup, for garnish, (optional)

Method:
Arrange peaches, mozzarella, basil and prosciutto in stacks.  Sprinkle lightly with sea salt and drizzle balsalmic, if using.  Enjoy!

Roasted Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers
Ingredients:
Shrimp, peeled and deveined
Fresh pineapple
Old Bay Seasoning
Kosher Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Olive Oil  
Brown sugar 
Cilantro
Fresh limes  

Method:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

On a baking sheet, toss together shrimp, seasoning, a light sprinkling of salt, freshly ground pepper and olive oil.  Roast in preheated oven for 5-6 minutes.  Set aside.

On a separate baking sheet, toss together pineapple, brown sugar, salt, pepper and olive oil.  Roast for 15 minutes in preheated oven. (*Cook's Note: Shrimp and pineapple can be prepared a day ahead and served at room temperature, if preferred.)

Add roasted shrimp, pineapple and cilantro to skewers.  Garnish with more chopped cilantro and fresh lime juice.  Enjoy!

Watermelon with Chili-Spiced Salt
Ingredients:
Fresh watermelon slices or chunks
1 tablespoon kosher salt 
1/2 teaspoon chili powder 
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or less, to taste)

Method:
Add salt and spices to a dish and stir well to combine.  Sprinkle over melon, serve and enjoy! (*Cook's Note: leftover salt can be stored in an airtight container in your pantry.)

Cotton Candy Sparkler
Ingredients:
Cotton candy
Sparkling drink of choice (cider, prosecco, champagne, etc.)

Method:
Pour sparkling beverage in glasses.  Top with cotton candy.  Toast and enjoy!