Shramp.

No it’s not a typo. It’s a shrimp recipe that is amped up with all kinds of yummy flavors. Hence shramp. It’s ok if my word blending confuses you because the blend of these ingredients will be sure to make you happy (ha did you like how I did that, oh come on, I have so much fun writing these). Anyway, let’s get down to biz. Its quick and has a short grocery list, enough said. Try it and let us know how it turns out on Twitter, Instagram, or the comments section below. We need more of you guys talking vs. us rambling.
  • 1 tsp. minced garlic (Again that jar stuff I keep referencing and using in like EVERY recipe, if you haven’t gotten it yet, what exactly are you waiting for?)
  • 1 tbsp. of mojo Cuban seasoning (I bought the pre made stuff at Whole foods but heard McCormick’s has stuff in regular (non price gauging) grocery stores as well)
  • 1 tbsp. of olive oil
  • 1-2 tbsp. of fresh lime juice (bottle stuff has preservatives, just sayin’).
  • 1 lb*. of peeled & deveined shrimp (have the guy do it, I wouldn’t know the 1st clue on advising you to do it yourself).
Mix the first 4 ingredients and marinade the shrimp for 15-30 minutes, however much time you can afford to let it sit for. Then pan sear in a nonstick pan for 3-4 min on each side. When pink and cooked you can serve warm over spinach, the heat will wilt it and the extra sauce from pan acts as a dressing.
*Note: its a tbsp. to each pound of shrimp (or scallops). So if you do less/more than a pound, make sure to cut/increase the seasoning accordingly.
Shramp
Happy Eating, XO.

Sunday Simmer

People say Sunday is the day of God, Rest, and Football. As you know I am a prolaxer (professional relaxer, for those of you slow on the uptake) So when it comes to a nice Sunday dinner, I am not one to slave over to stove for hours. I want something I can set & forget while I watch some NFL games and pray to God that my team wins! Here is an easy and yummy crock pot special that you can make any day of the week, mine just happened to be on a Sunday.

  • 1 package of  boneless, skinless chicken breasts (dark meat tends to be juicer and less dry so feel free to use chicken thighs vs. breasts. I just had breasts lying around…haha oh breasts.)
  • 3 chopped garlic cloves
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • Pinch of dried basil (if you do fresh, add it at the end and not to crock pot mixture).
  • Salt & pepper to  taste

(So I added a few of my own twists since again god forbid a recipe is too easy or short for me: 1 tbsp. of brown sugar, 1 chopped medium onion, 1 tsp of sri racha or a pinch of cayenne pepper)

Cut your chicken breasts in half, sprinkle with salt and pepper and place in bottom of crock pot. Chop up your garlic cloves (or use 3 tbsp. of that jarred minced stuff we keep referencing) and add to the cup and half of liquids listed above (And my additions because I am an over achiever and act like I have an important cooking blog or something). Pour over chicken and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours.
Remove chicken from the crock pot and transfer to covered plate to keep warm. Simmer or reduce the sauce in a pot until thickened to desired consistency. Serve sauce over chicken.
Note, I made the jazzed up rice and steamed some broccoli to go with this and it was pretty yummy!
Happy Eating, XO.
Sunday Simmer

Goan Shrimp Curry

Goa is a part of India that is on the coast & is a beach town. Known for its great seafood and Thai style cuisine, this is a funky dish to add to your arsenal that will make you seem more global and culinary advanced than is actually required for making this dish!

  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 2.5 tbsp. minced garlic
  • 2 tbsp. of tomato paste
  • 2 tsp. each of: cumin, turmeric, ginger powder, garam masala, cayenne, coriander powder, salt, pepper (Seems like a lot of spices, but these are the staples of Indian cooking and can often be found in packets together)
  • 1 can of coconut milk
  • 2 fistfuls of baby spinach (I know that is a really accurate measurement, but I had some leftover from a salad and I didn’t want it to go bad so I threw it in and I really liked how much heartier it made the curry so its completely optional)
  • 1.5 lb. peeled and deveined shrimp (that’s a lot, but think about it- no one complains that there was too much shrimp in their entree. However 1lb will be fine too if on a budget)
In a nonstick pan (or wok) heat up a good amount of olive oil, I’d say enough to coat the bottom of the pan or about 3 tbsp. When on high heat add the onions and spices. Cook until the spices are all one color and the onions have softened (in Indian cooking this is known as tadka, it will legit make your whole apt/house smell so make sure the exhaust fan is working and the near by windows are open. Also note I don’t love garam masala so I lessen that and in place increase the coriander or cumin…these are all very Indian and very strong spices. Adjust the measurements on what you like and if you don’t know what you like, use equal parts for the 1st try).
Now add the garlic and tomato paste. Simmer until the tomato paste has melted into the onion mixture…keep stirring. (If adding spinach this is where you would, mushrooms would also be a good idea…I don’t know if I would try any other veggies though because the star of the dish should still be the shrimp). Reduce the heat to medium now and add the milk and shrimp. Stir once, but then leave it alone to come to a boil & for the shrimp to cook (approx. 5 min since shrimp really doesn’t take more than that to be done. Also note I am sure this dish would be just as good with scallops too).
Cut the heat, stir, and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if you want the truly authentic Indian feel. Enough for 4-6 servings. Accompany with rice & Check out the sidekicks section on a quick recipe on how to jazz up rice for company!
Happy Eating, XO.

Jazzed Up Rice

  • Chicken broth
  • Medium onion
  • 1 tbsp. of butter
  • 1 cup of rice
Boil with chicken broth instead of water. (Add flavor where you least expect it). Slice up half of a medium onion and let that float at the top of the rice & broth mixture (chill, you can use the other half for one of the salads or eggs the next morning, we aren’t wasting food). Add one tsp. of dried parsley flakes (not fresh because that would just wilt when boiling).
Once rice is cooked, fluff with fork and stir in one 1 tbsp. of butter. (feel free to leave out if you are counting calories, but if not you should see the richness & glow it adds to the rice when serving…divine!) Also if you are like me and are forever forgetting how to actually make rice, note the ratio is 2:1 (2 parts liquid for 1 part rice) That also means that 1 cup of cooked rice should yield 2 servings.
*Editor’s note, if you don’t like onions leave them out, or sub the onions for frozen corn…get creative & leave comments on how you changed this recipe up or jazzed up rice in your own way.
Happy Eating, XO.