Shrimp & Grits

414. I have a confession to make, and that is never making homemade grits!   Although, tasting grits in a restaurant several times was enjoyable but being raised in the Northeast, we were not exposed to grits.  

"The Magnolia Table" Volume 2 by Joanna Gaines is a beautiful cookbook and so practical.  It is a great basics cookbook and a brilliant cookbook to have for every day meals and treats.  We have been cooking through this book and when we came across this recipe, I was game to try it.

What I loved was the rapid preparation but, OHHHHHHH, the flavors make you wish this dish would never end!  And, it has bacon.  The End.

Recipe

• prep: 10 minutes  cook: under 25 minutes 

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup quick-cooking grits

1 teaspoon kosher salt

8 ounces sharp white Cheddar cheese, grated, about 2 cups

1/2 cup heavy cream

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Freshly ground black pepper

4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 garlic clove, minced

1 tablespoon fresh chopped chives

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1. In a large saucepan, combine the broth and 2 1/2 cups water and bring to a boil over high heat. Pour in the grits and salt, stirring constantly. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the grits thicken, about 8 minutes. Stir in the cheddar, cream, butter, garlic powder, and pepper. Remove from the heat and cover to keep warm.
2. In a skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until crispy,  about 8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon to paper towels, reserving the drippings in the pan.
3. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the shrimp and garlic to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink, 4 to 6 minutes.
4. Divide the grits among four bowls and top with the shrimp and bacon and a sprinkling of chives and paprika.
5. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.     Makes 4 servings
   
   
   Include this recipe on your "Must Do" list.  Trust me!
   
   
   "For me, the art of gathering isn't about appearance or aesthetics.  It's about the way people feel when they're in my home and around my table.  Whether it's my own kids or new friends, I want them to leave at the end of the night with light hearts and full stomachs.  Not just from the food we shared but from the time well spent in each other's company."
   ~Joanna Gaines, "Magnolia Table" Volume 2

Fettuccini Alfredo

356.  Valentine's Day is always approached with excitement and anticipation to enjoy loving words, thoughts and gifts of chocolate, jewelry or flowers.  Although, I always look forward to a luscious plate of Fettuccini Alfredo.  I say, it is on the same "love level" as chocolate, jewelry or flowers if not more-so.

Many chefs and cooks have their own version of this dish.  I seem to have settled on Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman's recipe.  You can find her recipe here.  Don't you just love her simplicity?

I made a convenient recipe card for you with just slight changes.  On occasion I will add frozen, cleaned shrimp to the boiling pasta just before it is al denté.  It's a nice, yummy surprise.

To save recipe select, drag and drop onto your desktop.  Print as a photo.

DELICIOUS!!!

"Butter, cream and bacon. That's such a great foundation right there!"  

~ Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman

"I'm as flawed as the next person. But maybe I inspire women because I'm an example that you should never assume that where you are in life or what you're doing is going to remain exactly as it is forever."

~ Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman

Curry Squash Soup

 353.  Our Farmers Market in town has beautiful homegrown, fresh produce on a weekly basis every Saturday morning.  This week I picked up lovely squash to make soup.
This recipe is similar to my Curry Butternut Squash Soup I made years ago.  I've made a few adjustments and I love the flavor.  Here is a recipe card for you:

                                          To save recipe select, drag and drop onto your desktop.  Print as a photo.

This is a delicious soup and is so warm and satisfying.  It also freezes well and you get your turmeric fix as well *wink *wink.

"Only the pure in heart can make a good soup."  ~ Ludwig van Beethoven

"I live on good soup not on fine words."  ~ Moliere