Monday, June 23, 2014

Shrimp & Brussel Sprouts Over Lemon Orzo

This is a perfect summer pasta! Lots of fresh ingredients and great color!

You will need:

• 1 package of Brussel sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 1 lb of jumbo shrimp, deveined and tails removed
• 1 1/2 cups of orzo
• 4 cloves of garlic
• 2 tablespoons of capers
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• juice of 4 lemons
• salt and pepper
• olive oil
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 3 shallots thinly sliced

Boil water for the orzo in a large pot. 

In a large sauté pan, heat a few tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sprouts flat side down. Season with salt and pepper. After about 4-5 minutes, add the tomatoes and give a quick stir. 


Keep on very low heat. Now start the sauce in a separate pan. 

Heat a few more tablespoons of olive oil, and butter on low heat. Once the butter starts to bubble, add the shallots, garlic and stir. Once garlic starts to become fragrant, add the wine, lemon juice, salt, pepper and capers. 

 



Cook on low-medium heat for 10-12 minutes stirring frequently. 

Next, add the shrimp to the pan with the Brussel sprouts and tomatoes. Increase flame, stir and cook until shrimp are just pink. 



Drain the orzo, add to the pan and stir the sauce in. 



Add salt, pepper or more lemon juice to taste. 


Enjoy!!!

Spinach & Parmesan Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes

A quick and easy side dish packed with flavor! 



Serves 4

You will need:

• 2 large sweet potatoes 
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 bag of fresh baby spinach 
• 3-4 cloves of minced garlic
• 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese 
• salt and pepper


Preheat oven to 375 and place the potatoes on a sheet of foil. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour until the sweet potatoes are soft. Cut in half and spoon out potato from skin. Mash with 1 tablespoon of butter and set aside. 

Meanwhile in a sauté pan, heat a few tablespoons of olive oil on medium flame. Add the spinach and toss until just wilted. 


Add the garlic


Stir for approximately 30 seconds and add to bowl of sweet potato mash. 


Add the Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper to taste. 


Stuff the potato skins and return to oven (still at 375) and bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through.