Shrimp n Grits

Not too sure if I submitted a recipe for this before......but if I did and you didn't see it..Well, here is a different one...One that comes straight from Memphis, Tennessee...

Shrimp and grits, Shrimp and grits! You might think you know what this is supposed to taste like, but with the addition of some fried green tomatoes, an array of seasonings, and wine, it breathes new life into this Southern dish, worthy of being passed on to the next generation —Now mind you...I can't eat this...I'm allergic to all seafood, but I hope that you all can fix this and enjoy this...It looks delicious!

  SHRIMP INGREDIENTS:

1/2 pound peeled and cleaned wild-caught American shrimp

2 cups cooked black-eyed peas

3 teaspoons blackening seasoning

1/2 cup scallions cut on a bias

2 ounces Benton ham

1 teaspoon chopped garlic

1 teaspoon chopped shallots

1 stick butter

2 cups white wine


GRITS INGREDIENTS:
2 cups stone-ground grits

1 quart water

1 quart half-and-half

Salt and pepper to taste

FRIED GREEN TOMATOES INGREDIENTS:

1 medium-size green tomato, sliced 1/4-inch thick
2 cups yellow cornmeal
2 cups flour
3 eggs
2 teaspoons water
3 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning

DIRECTIONS:

Combine water and half-and-half with a generous amount of salt and pepper in a medium-size sauce pan. Bring to a boil. Once liquid comes to a boil, stir in grits and reduce heat to medium. Stir frequently until grits become tender, about 20 minutes. Check seasoning and reserve in a warm area.

Set up three small pans, one containing flour that's been seasoned with a little salt and pepper, one with eggs and water whisked together, and one with Old Bay and cornmeal mix.

Dip slices of tomatoes in flour, then egg, then cornmeal to evenly coat both sides of tomato. Do this one at a time using one hand for wet and one hand for dry. Once tomatoes are breaded, fry them in small batches in 350-degree peanut oil or canola oil, until golden brown.

In a mixing bowl, combine shrimp and blackening seasoning. In a large sauté pan, heat just enough oil to coat the bottom of pan. Just before oil begins to smoke, add shrimp and lightly toss to evenly coat them in oil and so the seasoning doesn’t start to burn. Then add garlic, shallots and ham, sautéing those until the garlic and shallots start to become translucent and the ham starts to crisp. Add black-eyed peas and white wine. Let wine reduce by half, then stir in butter; this will create your sauce for the dish. When the shrimp are pink and firm, you are ready to serve.

Put a large scoop of grits in the middle of a bowl. Top with shrimp and black-eyed pea mix with about 2 teaspoons sauce. Garnish with sliced scallions and two fried green tomatoes.


Serve in the morning with a nice Mimosa:

Enjoy........

(For my good friend, Chris (1964-2010)  , you would've loved this....Rest In Peace!

Let's Barbecue Some Ribs.

It's Sunday....There's a basketball game on...NBA, College...You've got people over.....How about some ribs?

Yeah...It's the season for it....

INGREDIENTS:

Well you know that you need-
ingredients for the Seasoning Blend

* unsalted meat tenderizer

* cayenne pepper

* seasoning salt

* paprika

* onion powder

* garlic powder

* black pepper

And of course...a rack of ribs!

DIRECTIONS:

To prepare seasoning blend mix equal amounts of the listed ingredients in small bowl. Mix thoroughly to ensure seasonings are well blended. Place seasoning blend in empty shaker. Shake well before using. Leftover seasoning should be stored in cool, dry place.

1. Season your ribs and refrigerate the night before your barbecue cookout. Allow ribs to come to room temperature before placing on the grill.

2. While ribs are coming to room temperature go ahead and start up the grill. If you are using a gas grill I feel sorry for you, because foods cooked over coals taste so much better. If you're using charcoals allow briquettes to burn off until they are ash grey and glowing. Prepare coals for direct heating by spreading them in a single layer over the entire bottom surface of the grill.

3. Start the ribs off by grilling them bone side down about three inches from the heat source. It's important that once your ribs begin to cook turn them frequently. You can keep your baby back ribs from drying out by basting them frequently while they cook. I use a simple basting mixture of water, vinegar and seasoning blend to taste. This also works well in putting out fires.

4. When you think the ribs are nearly done add your favorite barbecue sauce. Apply sauce to one side of the ribs, let them cook for a while and repeat the process for the other side of the ribs. This step can be done multiple times until the ribs are done.


Serve with some Peach cobbler!

Enjoy!

Sautéed Beef with White Wine and Rosemary

Here is a nice gourmet dinner idea for you if you're really ready to start doing some serious cooking again.  I know I've posted some easy one skillet recipes the past few days...Playtime and rest time is over..Let's start cooking.

INGREDIENTS:

First off , your kitchen will need the following-



1/2 lb boneless sirloin steak (preferably top butt; about 1 inch thick)

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

4 tablespoons olive oil, divided

4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

1 1/2 tablespoons chopped rosemary

2/3 cup dry white wine


Though slightly unconventional, white wine works incredibly well with steak.

DIRECTIONS:

Trim excess fat, then thinly slice steak. Toss with flour, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.

Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté steak in 2 or 3 batches until no longer pink on the outside, about 2 minutes per batch, adding 1 1/2 tablespoons more oil as needed. Transfer to a plate.

Sauté garlic and rosemary in remaining tablespoon oil over medium-high heat until golden, 1 to 2 minutes. Add wine and 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper and boil, scraping up brown bits, until reduced by half. Return beef with juices to skillet and warm through.

Serve with Red Wine...Enjoy!

Beef and Potato Skillit Meal

Yet another easy, one skillet meal for a mid winter, mid week night is this dish....


INGREDIENTS:

1jar (7 or 7.25 oz) roasted red bell peppers, drained

1/2 cup half-and-half

4 teaspoons vegetable oil

1 bag (20 oz) refrigerated cooked diced potatoes with onions

1 lb boneless beef sirloin steak, cut into thin strips

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 bag (12 oz) Green Giant® Valley Fresh Steamers™ frozen broccoli florets, thawed

1 teaspoon chopped fresh tarragon leaves


DIRECTIONS :

1.In food processor or blender, place roasted peppers and half-and-half. Cover; process on medium-high speed 30 seconds until smooth. Set aside.

2.In deep 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat 2 teaspoons of the oil over medium-high heat. Add potatoes. Cover; cook 10 to 12 minutes, stirring frequently, until tender. Remove from skillet; cover to keep warm.

3.In same skillet, heat remaining 2 teaspoons oil over medium-high heat. Cook beef, salt and pepper in oil 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until beef is browned.

4.Add broccoli and potatoes. Pour reserved red pepper sauce over mixture; gently toss to coat. Reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered 2 to 3 minutes or until broccoli is crisp-tender. Sprinkle with tarragon.


Serve with Hot Biscuits-

Enjoy!   Stay Warm!

Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chilli

Here is something definitely different to take the chill off of a dull mid winters night.


INGREDIENTS:

1 tablespoon(s) extra-virgin olive oil

2 teaspoon(s) extra-virgin olive oil

1 medium-large sweet potato, peeled and diced

1 large onion, diced

4 clove(s) garlic, minced

2 tablespoon(s) chili powder

4 teaspoon(s) ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon(s) ground chipotle chile ( *see Note)

1/4 teaspoon(s) salt

2 1/2 cup(s) water

2 can(s) (15-ounce) black beans, rinsed

1 can(s) (14-ounce) diced tomatoes

4 teaspoon(s) lime juice

1/2 cup(s) chopped fresh cilantro


DIRECTIONS:

1.Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add sweet potato and onion and cook, stirring often, until the onion is beginning to soften, about 4 minutes. Add garlic, chili powder, cumin, chipotle, and salt and cook, stirring constantly, for 30 seconds. Add water and bring to a simmer. Cover, reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook until the sweet potato is tender, 10 to 12 minutes.

2.Add beans, tomatoes and lime juice; increase heat to high and return to a simmer, stirring often. Reduce heat and simmer until slightly reduced, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cilantro.


TIPS & TECHNIQUES: *Note: Chipotle peppers are dried, smoked jalapeño peppers. Ground chipotle chile pepper can be found in the spice section of most supermarkets.


As usual...Enjoy!

A Game Day Treat!

It's Sunday...Game Day!  The New England Patriots take on the Baltimore Ravens...and The New York Giants take on the San-Francisco 49ers...Regardless of who you are rooting for...You might want to serve something extra besides the Hoagies, Cheese-steaks, Hot wings that I know you're going to have when your guests come over...

Here is one..Ham and swiss dip....Check it out!

INGREDIENTS:

1 pound thinly sliced deli ham, sliced into thin strips

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, cut into cubes

1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted

1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of celery soup, undiluted

2 cups shredded Swiss cheese

2 (1 pound) loaves cocktail rye bread


DIRECTIONS:

1.In a slow cooker, combine the ham, cream cheese, cream of mushroom soup and cream of celery soup.

2.Stir in the Swiss cheese. Cover, and cook on Low until cheese is melted, about 2 hours, stirring occasionally.

3.Serve on cocktail rye slices.

Simple enough right? Serve on some Ritz Crackers and enjoy!

Deep Southern Fried Chicken

It's Dr.King's birthday today....Well actually, it was yesterday, but since we are celebrating....Uh huh, yeah, you get it.

It's a known fact that Dr. King loved Fried Chicken, as does any good Baptist...including yours truly...So in honor of Dr. King...Here is a fried chicken recipe, I know he would have loved.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2-1/2 to 3 pounds fryer chicken, cut into 8-10 pieces
• 2 cups butter milk
• 6 egg yolks
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1/2 sugar less cornflakes (plain)
• 2 tablespoons of seasoning salt
• 2 tablespoons garlic
• 2 tablespoons onion powder
• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon poultry season
• Cooking oil for Deep Fryer

Cookware and Utensils:
# 1 Deep Fryer

# 2 large bowlsv

# 1 small bowl

# 1 ton

DIRECTIONS:

Remember, As always the key to great cooking is  good preparation and  good quality ingredients.

1. Wash chicken and pat dry with paper towels. Pour buttermilk into a large bowl. Place chicken into bowl and soak in your refrigerator for about 4 hours.

2. Now it's time to form your mixture. In another large bowl, crush cornflakes well. After crushing cornflakes add flour, seasoning salt, garlic, onion powder, cayenne pepper and poultry seasoning.

3. After about 4 hours remove chicken from the refrigerator.

4. Place egg yolks into a small bowl and beat until smooth.

5. Find yourself a paper or plastic bag that will be used to shake the chicken. Now place enough mixture to coat a piece of chicken into the bag.

6. Dip a single piece of chicken into the egg yolks and then shake the chicken in the mixture. Do this twice for each piece of chicken. Allow your chicken to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before frying.

7. Follow the instructions on your deep fryer for preparing and heating your oil. When the oil is ready place your chicken into fryer and cook until done. The chicken should be golden brow, using tongs turn the chicken if necessary. Don't overcrowd the fryer.


Just thinking about this....I know Dr. King would have approved!   By all means, enjoy!

Seared Lamb with Balsamic sauce

So yesterday, I reprinted one of my favorite food posts from my other blog, Keith's Space. I wrote that post three years ago....but it's the type of post I'm going to do more of..and the type I originally thought of doing when I created this blog.

That said...It is Sunday and I have a nice lamb recipe for a Sunday dinner meal...

INGREDIENTS:


2 teaspoons olive oil $
Click to see savings

8 (4-ounce) lamb loin chops, trimmed $
Click to see savings

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper $
Click to see savings

1 cup finely chopped red onion $
Click to see savings

2 garlic cloves, chopped $
Click to see savings

1/4 cup dry red wine $
Click to see savings

1/3 cup fat-free, lower-sodium beef broth $
Click to see savings

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar $
Click to see savings

DIRECTIONS:

Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.

Sprinkle lamb loin chops with salt and pepper. Add lamb to pan, and cook 3 minutes or until browned.

Turn lamb over, and cook 4 minutes or until desired degree of doneness.

Remove lamb from pan; keep warm.

Add chopped onion and garlic to pan; cook 3 minutes or until onion is tender. Add wine; bring to a boil. Cook 3 minutes or until liquid evaporates.

Stir in broth and balsamic vinegar; bring to a boil. Cook 2 minutes or until reduced to about 2/3 cup.

Serve sauce with lamb, enjoy!

The Foods Of Love

On Valentine's Day, there are certain foods you can eat that can possibly be aphrodisiacs. I have heard this for years and have wondered aloud if this could be possible or if it was just the stuff of legend. Well, apparently there is a scientific basis to all of this and the great editors of Men's Health will once again enlighten everyone on this subject...

MSN Health & Fitness

Have Sex for Dessert
A meal that leads to bed but, not for sleep.
by the Editors of Men's Health

What fuels great sex? The clichéd stimulants, such as oysters and avocados, "aren't necessarily valid aphrodisiacs," says Barry Swanson, Ph.D., a professor of food science at Washington State University. Follow our menu for a libido-lifting, energy-boosting, three-course meal that will guarantee she stays for breakfast. Bon appétit! Your catch of the day starts here... GO!

FIRST COURSE

Drink: A glass of red wine

Why: Grape skins contain the antioxidant resveratrol, the closest thing we have to an actual aphrodisiac. It increases estrogen production, say Northwestern University researchers, and that heightens sexual appetite and makes lubrication easier for her later in the evening.
Red wines from muscadine grapes have a higher resveratrol content than other reds do, say researchers at Mississippi State University. But too much vino in too little time forces the body to absorb the alcohol quickly, causing drowsiness.

Appetizer: Shrimp cocktail

Why: The zinc-dense shrimp increase sperm levels and make orgasms more powerful, according to a study in Fertility and Sterility. They also contain a stress-reducing amino acid and the feel-good hormone serotonin.

SECOND COURSE

Entrée: Filet mignon au poivre (6 oz)
Why: High-protein foods boost production of dopamine and norepinephrine, hormones that increase alertness and assertiveness. Eating too much (and this goes for everything on the menu) can trigger your body to release cytokines—hormones that induce sleep. Black pepper aids digestion, according to an Indian Journal of Medical Research study, and is helpful for any energetic activities after dinner.

Side: Baked sweet potato
Why: It's high in potassium, which helps reduce stress, a great way to curb performance anxiety later that night. "The thing to avoid is dumping on a lot of salt, because the sodium can inhibit the potato's potassium," says Swanson. Top the potato with a dollop of sour cream, another source of libido-friendly protein.

Side: Spinach salad
Why: Spinach is a potent source of magnesium, which helps dilate blood vessels, ensuring the smooth bloodflow that's crucial for strong erections, according to Japanese researchers.

THIRD COURSE
Dessert: Fresh raspberries drizzled with melted dark chocolate
Why: British scientists have discovered that women release four times more endorphins after eating chocolate than they do after making out. The caffeine in chocolate also increases your alertness for what's to come after dessert. Try using Chocolove's Extra Strong Dark Chocolate (77 percent cacao) on the raspberries, and pair them with a glass of port. You'll get a double dose of polyphenols, antioxidants that increase your HDL (good) cholesterol.

Recipe for Seduction:

Seal the deal with these three dinner moves...

1. Strategize Your Seating: Arrange the table so she'll sit with her back to the wall. "She'll feel like all your attention is focused on her instead of wandering about the room," says Joy Davidson, Ph.D., author of Fearless Sex.

2. Don't Hurry to the Table: Meeting her at your front door with the food already on the table can be awkward. Instead, greet her with a glass of wine, give her a quick tour, and then seat her near the counter to watch you prep.

3. Skip the Movie: "Rushing isn't sexy," says April Masini, author of Date Out of Your League. Time-sensitive activities, like going to the movies, are better for when you're not tied to a stove.




(This was originally published in "Keith's Space" in 2008)

Spanakopita

Okay...the name of this alone should peak your interest.....I know it did mine...

Prep Time:30 Minutes

Cook Time:1 Hour

Ready In:1 Hour & 30 Minutes

INGREDIENTS:

5 (10 ounce) packages frozen chopped spinach - thawed, drained and squeezed dry

6 eggs

1 cup chopped fresh dill leaves

1 large onion, chopped

1 pound crumbled feta cheese

1/2 pound cottage cheese

1 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste

8 sheets phyllo dough, thawed

3 tablespoons olive oil, divided

sour cream for garnish (optional)


DIRECTIONS:


1.Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

2.Place the spinach, eggs, dill, onion, feta cheese, cottage cheese, and black pepper into a large bowl, and mix well.

3.Place 2 sheets of phyllo dough into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish, and drizzle with about 1 tablespoon of olive oil; top with 2 more sheets of phyllo dough. Spread the spinach filling evenly over the sheets of phyllo, pat it down gently, and top with 2 more sheets of phyllo. Drizzle with 1 more tablespoon of olive oil, and top with the remaining 2 phyllo sheets. Drizzle with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil.

4.Bake in the preheated oven until the top is browned and the filling is set, about 1 hour. To serve, cut into squares and top each square with a dollop of sour cream.


At best this is something nice and different to serve the next time you have that dinner party.....I don't even know what to tell you to have with this.....but enjoy!

Oatmeal (Why you should eat it!)

It's one of the few breakfast foods that is actually good for you that I actually like...You know how it is folks..Most foods that your doctor tells you  you should eat are usually things that you either don't like or bore you at just the thought of partaking.

Oatmeal is not one of those foods... At least not to me...I have always loved it..You can add a little cinnamon, add sugar, warm milk, raisons, strawberrys, nuts....MMMM Good...And I'm not being funny...I love it..Year round...

Now, let me tell you why YOU should love it...

Although oatmeal isn't particularly low on the glycemic index, it outranks almost every other breakfast cereal and most of your  whole-grain breakfast products. Oatmeal is also regarded as a super food when it comes to supporting digestive health. For those reasons, many medical practitioners and nutritionists not only allow their diabetic patients to eat oatmeal but actually encourage it, especially since oatmeal helps maintain normal blood sugar levels.

Here is why it works: Carbohydrates spend the least amount of time in the stomach, which means you get a quick boost of energy. But unlike processed, sugary cereals, whole oats don't result in a sugar crash. The high dietary fiber content in oats helps you feel full longer, preventing overeating throughout the day, which can lead to weight gain, sluggishness, and fatigue. Fiber is also crucial to healthy digestion; the soluble fiber in oats feeds the beneficial bacteria in your digestive tract and prevents energy-draining constipation.

In addition to its high fiber content, oatmeal provides magnesium, protein, and phosphorus, three nutrients that significantly and directly affect energy levels, making it an ideal food for fighting fatigue. It's also a good source of vitamin B1 (thiamin), which is crucial for producing energy. Symptoms of too little B1 include a lack of energy and loss of appetite. Along with other nutrients, vitamin B1 helps support the breakdown and conversion to energy of the food we eat.

Here's when to eat it: Eat oatmeal first thing in the morning for instant energy. Breakfast is especially important because it replenishes energy reserves and sets the tone for your day.

Here's how to enjoy it: Go old school, minimally processed organic oats, and avoid the instant and flavored varieties. Hint: Look for oats labeled "Scottish," "Irish," "steel-cut," "thick cut," or "Old-fashioned," and you'll be on the right track.

Enjoy!

Mashed Sweet Potatoes..

I must admit...I had never heard of this dish until I happened to dine at a local soul food establishment and they served it...I've been hooked ever since...Special thanks to my good friend, Chef Tamika..who shared this recipe with me-

INGREDIENTS:

10 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped

1/4 to 1/2 cup butter

3 tablespoons honey

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt



DIRECTIONS:

Add the potatoes to a large Dutch oven and cover with water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Reduce the heat and simmer or until the potatoes are tender, about 8 to 10 minutes, drain well.

Return the potatoes to the Dutch oven and add the butter, honey, cinnamon, and salt. Beat at medium-low speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Transfer to a serving bowl and serve hot.


Cook's Note: For more sweetness, add more honey.  You can also use sugar in place of salt.


You can serve these with almost anything...Enjoy!

Banana Crumb Muffins

Let's start the New Year off right with a nice sweet treat...Banana Crumb Muffins!

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 bananas, mashed

3/4 cup white sugar

1 egg, lightly beaten

1/3 cup butter, melted

1/3 cup packed brown sugar

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon butter

DIRECTIONS:

1.Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease 10 muffin cups, or line with muffin papers.

2.In a large bowl, mix together 1 1/2 cups flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. In another bowl, beat together bananas, sugar, egg and melted butter. Stir the banana mixture into the flour mixture just until moistened. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups.

3.In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, 2 tablespoons flour and cinnamon. Cut in 1 tablespoon butter until mixture resembles coarse cornmeal. Sprinkle topping over muffins.

4.Bake in preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of a muffin comes out clean.

Of course, enjoy this with milk......Happy New Years!