A 2024 National Retail Federation survey revealed Mother’s Day spending is expected to reach $33.5 billion this year. This is the second highest projection to be released to date behind last year’s estimate of $35.7 billion.
But making something for mom is still special – you don’t have to break the bank to make her feel celebrated. Alongside something crafty, preparing some special dishes for mom is a great way to celebrate her.
Whether you’re hosting a brunch, a picnic or an intimate gathering at home, try these bite-sized tapas that are full of flavor and easy to make:
Grilled Shrimp Watermelon Bites with Jalapeño
These refreshing shrimp bites combine a balance of sweet from the crisp watermelon and spicy from the jalapeño. Simply prepare a sauce, marinate the shrimp and cook for a short time before assembly.
Difficulty: Easy
Serves: 6
Prep time: 15 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 Tbsp. cup honey
- ¼ cup light soy sauce
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp. grated ginger
- ½ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- ½ pound raw shrimp, peeled, deveined
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
- 1 personal size watermelon, diced to 1-inch cubes
- 1 jalapeño pepper, sliced, seeds removed
- 1 lime, wedged
- Toothpicks for assembly
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, stir together the honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger and red pepper flakes.
- Place the shrimp into zip lock bag and pour 1/3 of the sauce. Rub the shrimp into sauce and marinate for 20 minutes.
- Heat the oil in a pan on medium-high heat. Add the shrimp (discarding any leftover marinade) and cook for 1 minute on each side, until pink and just barely cooked through.
- Pour remaining 2/3 sauce into the pan and bring to a simmer. Stir as it reduces and warms, about a minute.
- Turn off the heat and top with sliced green onions.
- On a toothpick, add jalapeño slice, a shrimp and watermelon cube so that the watermelon cube sits flat on a serving plate. Squeeze a little lime on top. Enjoy!
Sundried Tomato and Basil Stuffed Grilled Zucchini
These savory roll-ups are easy to make and are loaded with nutrients. Zucchini slices are grilled until grill marks appear and softened for rolling. They’re then filled with a mixture of ricotta, sundried tomato, fresh basil and lemon. Serve these right away as these are best enjoyed fresh.
Serves: 4
Difficulty: Easy
Prep time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 zucchini
- Spray oil
- ¾ cup ricotta cheese
- 1/3 cup julienne cut sundried tomatoes in oil, diced
- ¼ cup basil, shredded
- 2 tsp. lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Toothpicks for securing rolls
Instructions:
- Heat a grill to medium-high.
- Wash and dry zucchini, then slice zucchini vertically, about ¼-inch.
- Spray zucchini slices generously with spray oil. Once grill is hot, add zucchini and grill on each side for 2-3 minutes, or until grill marks appear. Set aside.
- In a bowl, add ricotta cheese, diced sundried tomatoes and 1 Tbsp. of the oil, basil and lemon juice. Mix well, then a little salt and pepper at a time to taste preference.
On the flat of the zucchini, spread about 2 Tbsp. of the mixture. Roll up and secure with a toothpick. Serve and enjoy!
Shanthi Appelö is a registered dietitian and health and wellness spokesperson for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan based in Detroit. For more recipes and health information, visit ahealthiermichigan.org.
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