Succulent Shrimp Cocktail

Shrimp cocktail is one of the easiest things to make.  Most people make one basic mistake at home, they overcook the shrimp.   Follow these easy directions and you will always have the most succulent shrimp!

1 lb. 21-25 count AMERICAN Shrimp (the count # is how many shrimp in one pound), peeled & deveined
1 tablespoon Webers® Boston Bay Seasoning
2 cups cold water
Ice bath (ice cubes & cold water)
½ cup shredded lettuce (for plating)
Lemon wedges for garnish, if desired

Ice Bath for Shrimp

Ice Bath For Shrimp

Cocktail Sauce:

½ cup ketchup
¼ cup horseradish
Juice of ½ a lemon
2-3 dashes of tobasco sauce
1 teaspoon Webers ® Boston Bay Seasoning

Place the water and Boston Bay Seasoning in a medium sized sauce pan over high heat.  Bring to a boil.  Immediately add the shrimp.  Cover and cook for 2-3 minutes.  Drain shrimp and place into the ice bath (this prevents further cooking).  Drain the shrimp when cooled (about 30-60 seconds).  Place in the refrigerator until ready to use.

In a small mixing bowl add all the cocktail sauce ingredients, mix until well blended.  Refrigerate until ready to serve.

To serve:  Place shredded lettuce in cocktail glass, top with shrimp, and drizzle with cocktail sauce.  This recipe serves 4.

The

What You Will Need

Years ago I started working as a cooking instructor at The Viking Cooking School in Memphis, TN.  I learned so many great things about cooking, styles, techniques, short cuts, knife skills, etc.  But one of my favorite things that I learned was how to cook the best steak at home.  We always use to go out for steak, Ruth’s Chris was our favorite steakhouse.  I can proudly say that we haven’t been back there in many years.  Once again, you too can make the best steak ever at home.  You only need a few ingredients for the steak, but I like to add a wine reduction sauce with mushrooms as well.

There are several key techniques for making the best steak at home:

  • Start with “USDA Prime Beef” Filet (yes, it’s worth the $$$)
  • Take steaks out of the refrigerator at least an hour before cooking
  • Wrap steak(s) with butchers twine (sold in every grocery store)
  • Season steaks 30 minutes before cooking
  • Generously rub steaks with extra virgin olive oil
  • Use good quality sea salt (I like grey and pink)
  • Freshly ground peppercorns are a must!
  • Prepare grill 30 minutes in advance
  • Bring grill up to the hottest temperature possible before cooking steaks
    Hottest Temperature

    Hottest Temperature

    Grilling Steaks

    Grilling Steaks

  • Use a meat thermometer!  (Unless you’ve been cooking steaks for a while and can tell their doneness using the “touch” technique.
  • Let the cooked steaks rest!  Cover with aluminum foil for 3-5 minutes, this prevents juices from escaping and keeps the meat moist and flavorful.

    Let Steaks Rest

    Let Steaks Rest

Portobello Mushroom Sauce:Deglaze Pan with Brandy

You'll never go back to your favorite steakhouse again!

You’ll never go back to your favorite steakhouse again!

Buon Appetito!

Buon Appetito!

Succulent Shrimp Cocktail and the “Perfect” Filet Mignon” – July & August Calendar Photos

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Mazola® Kick’n Chicken with Mango Salsa,

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A few months ago I had the wonderful opportunity of doing a commercial spot for Mazola, here it is….not sure what is going to become of it, but making the video was a GREAT experience!  Thank you ACH!

Mazola® Kick’N Chicken with Mango Salsa

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Grill Time: 12 to 16 minutes

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (one pound total)
2 tablespoons Weber® Kick’N Chicken Seasoning
1/4 cup Mazola® Corn Oil
3 tablespoons fresh lemon OR lime juice
As needed Weber® Grill’N Spray

Mango Salsa:

2 cups diced fresh mango, 1/4-inch dice
1 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4-inch dice
3 tablespoons minced red onion
1 tablespoon minced jalapeno pepper
1 tablespoon fresh lemon OR lime juice
2 tablespoons minced, fresh cilantro
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Preheat grill to medium heat, or between 400º to 450°F.

Trim excess fat from chicken, rinse and pat dry using paper towels. If necessary, pound chicken to an even 1/2-inch thickness using a mallet, rolling pin or cast iron skillet (this will ensure the chicken cooks evenly).  Place chicken into a 1-gallon size resealable plastic bag. Add seasoning, oil and lemon juice to the bag.   Seal bag and turn to thoroughly coat chicken.

Coat grill surface with grill spray to prevent sticking.

Grill chicken over direct high heat for 4 to 6 minutes, rotate 90 degrees and continue cooking an additional 4 minutes (this process will give you beautiful grill marks on the chicken).  Turn chicken and repeat as above until cooked through (internal temperature should be 160°).  Transfer cooked chicken to a serving plate.

Combine salsa ingredients in a bowl; stir and season to taste with salt and pepper. (Can be made up to 8 hours ahead and refrigerated until ready to serve.)

Top grilled chicken with mango salsa and serve immediately.
Recipe Tip: Try slicing the chicken onto warm, low-fat tortillas, top with mango salsa and crumbled queso fresco cheese for delicious spicy chicken wraps.

Kickin' Chicken with Mango Salsa

Kickin’ Chicken with Mango Salsa

Buon Appetito!

 

Grilled Shrimp in Galena’s Tomato Vodka Sauce

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Grilled Shrimp

Grilled Shrimp

Love this warmer spring weather we are having here in Memphis.  Last night was a perfect night to do a little outdoor grilling.  However I was really in the mood for some Italian food.  What goes great with any pasta dish????  SHRIMP

How to Grill Shrimp

1 pound large shrimp
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
salt & pepper, to taste
30 6-inch skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes prior to use)*

Peel and devein the shrimp.  In a medium sized mixing bowl, combine shrimp, oil, salt and pepper.  Insert skewer through entire body of shrimp (this prevents  shrimp from curling up when cooked – see picture above).  Preheat grill to high heat, spray grill with cooking spray.  Place prepared shrimp on grill and cook 2 minutes on each side, or until shrimp is pink and opaque.  Remove from grill, when cooled, remove skewer from shrimp.  Place in bowl until needed.

Prepare Tomato Vodka Sauce according to directions.  Add shrimp to sauce with the heavy cream.  Toss with your favorite cooked pasta.  

Grilled Shrimp in Tomato Vodka Sauce

Grilled Shrimp in Tomato Vodka Sauce

*Soak package of skewers in a large bowl of water with a small plate on top to hold down the skewers.  Remove skewers and place in a zip lock bag in the freezer.  Your skewers will be ready for use whenever you need them.

Boun Appetito!