Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Can't find crème fraîche at the store, what can I use?

Last week I tried to locate crème fraîche at the local supermarket with no success. Most stores do not carry this product. With a little research found that Crema Mexicana may be used as a substitute. Try it out the next time your recipe calls for crème fraîche.

Monday, May 25, 2009

Perfect Summer Dinner – Basil Wrapped Shrimp with Grill Corn and Vegetables

Perfect Summer Dinner – Basil Wrapped Shrimp with Grill Corn and Vegetables
This recipe was inspired by the warmer weather and enjoying time with friends and family.
Ingredients:
1. 1 LB of 16-20 Count bag of Shrimp
2. 16-20 Large Basil leaves (depending on the amount of shrimp)
3. 4 ears of corn husk on
4. 2 cucumber
5. 2 tomatoes
6. 1 medium red onion
7. Cilantro
8. Flat Leaf Parsley
9. Salt & Peper
10. Red Wine Vinegar
11. Olive Oil
12. Sugar
13. 1 Lime

1. Soak the corn in water for about an hour with the husk on.
2. Cut up the cucumber, tomatoes and red onion in half inch pieces and place in a serving bowl.
3. Mix together 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, ½ cup olive oil, juice of half a lime and a pinch of sugar
4. Pour mixture over the chopped vegetables and mix adding salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cover vegetables and let stand. Do not refrigerate otherwise tomatoes loose the taste.
6. Defrost and rinse shrimp. Pat dry.
7. Lightly brush the shrimp with olive oil.
8. Wrap each shrimp with a large basil leaf and secure with a toothpick.
9. Heat grill on medium heat.
10. Place the corn on the grill with direct heat and grill on all sides. The husk will look like it is almost burned. It’s ok because the corn is protected. (About 15 minutes)
11. Once corn is grilled remove and husk to reveal delicious perfectly grilled corn on the cob. Brush with butter, salt and pepper to taste.
12. On a medium indirect heat, place shrimp on the grill, turn once. They grill very fast so you will need to watch them. Only about 2 minutes per side. They will have turned from blue/gray to pink remove from grill.
13. Uncover summer vegetables and sprinkle with chopped cilantro and parsley.

Plate up or serve buffet style to let your guest be part of the experience. Enjoy the basil wrapped shrimp with corn on the cob and a cup of summer vegetable salad. Serve with basil infused lemonade or a delicious glass of white wine.

Enjoy.
www.everythinginthekitchen.com

Friday, May 22, 2009

Save the bubbles....

I've been scanning the internet and see several gadgets offering to save the bubbles in your open bottle of champagne. First off, skip shelling out 12 bucks for a Champagne Saver, like the one I found at Container Store. Simply use a metal fork and insert the handle into the bottle. The metal causes a reaction that saves the bubbles in your bubbly.

Friday, May 8, 2009

Grilling Ideas

Most people I know love the smell of a great BBQ, but sometimes we are just sick and tired of the same old Chicken, Steak or Hamburgers on the grill. I checked out Better Homes and Garden section about grilling ideas. Check out their site, especially the Grilled Herbed Ratatouille and Polenta or the Grilled Portobello Mushroom Pasta Bowl!

Check it out. Recipes and ideas are free.
http://www.bhg.com/recipes/grilling/

Happy Grilling this weekend!