fish

Sausage & Shrimp Pasta with Spinach Pesto

| Heidi

We had to redo our pool last year (I recommend salt water, I love it), and put in new retaining walls around the grounds. I had the brilliant idea of surrounding and mounting all sizes of ceramic pots everywhere. Now it is my duty to fill them with flowering plants. All 32 of them! Although this year I am more cognizant of what I’m planting, it is still a lot of work. All that aside, I wanted to order out tonight, but instead… I opened my refrigerator and freezer to take an account of what I could create that was simple and delicious. So here is what was created. My husband thought it was delicious and way better than takeout. I’m beginning to think I spoil him. I hope I am!   Continue reading →

Classic Shrimp Scampi made with Shrimp Stock

| Heidi

Shrimp Scampi 1

For those of you who love to eat shrimp scampi, but can never seem to replicate that perfect restaurant taste, this is the recipe for you. Years ago when I was making this with a chef friend of mine, I had forgotten an important ingredient… the clam juice from his ‘restaurant’ ingredients list. I didn’t know what to do, but not to worry, as we cleaned the shrimp shells off the shrimp, a light bulb went on and we quickly replicated what I had missed. To both our surprise, a star was born! The shrimp shells became the perfect substitute and the perfect broth… and what a difference it’s made to my Scampi. Some of the best dishes are born out of the excellent mistakes we make…What a flavor punch! It added depth and lightness to the dish at the same time!    Continue reading →

Sauteed Scallops in Herb Butter with WonTon Ravioli

| Heidi

wrapped wonton

Sea Scallops have to be in my top five for ‘favorite’ ocean fare. I love how sweet and tender they are, but most of all I love how easy and quick they are to prepare. It seems no matter what you pair them with they are elegant and sophisticated. So tonight I paired them with my won ton ravioli. Making my homemade ravioli on occasion is great, (and I will share them with you soon), but tonight I took my favorite shortcut. Continue reading →

Rosemary Shrimp on Rosemary Skewers

| Heidi

Shrimp on Rosemary skewer

I love herbs from the garden and that is why I have two herb gardens. Sadly, I have yet to break ground this year. When I am in swing, the garden produces late spring, all summer and early fall, I have a plethora of herbs to cook with and I make sure to use them in everything. However this time of year I have to buy my herbs in the grocery store. The only problem with that is, you have to buy the amount they give you and the rest either goes bad in the refrigerator or you have to use them all… asap! I have a few tips on what and how to use your abundance of store bought herbs. Continue reading →