Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad

I made this Zesty Shrimp Salad over the weekend and it was so good, I made it again this evening.  The link points to the recipe but it is simple and once you make it, you'll be able to just throw the ingredients together.  Marinate some chopped red onion in juice from a couple limes and a little olive oil.  The recipe says to let that sit a bit to take some of the bite out of the onion.  Add chopped shrimp, tomatoes and avocado.  Some chopped jalapeno and cilantro and salt and pepper to taste.  The second time around, I didn't measure anything.  Just tossed in items until I thought it looked right and seasoned to my taste.  I also substituted little grape tomatoes for regular tomatoes because I like the sweetness. The last time I made this salad, there was enough for two days, so this time I left the avocado out and till add it when I serve it.  I don't like how the avocado gets mushy overnight.  This will definitely be on my menu often!  

Monday, February 6, 2012

Superbowl Hummus


I don't think this picture fully conveys how delicious this hummus was.  Just believe me when I say I loved it so much I made it twice.  The first time, I used the original recipe for Baked Asiago and Caramelized Onion Hummus Dip  (found on Pinterest) and it was delicious.  I would make one change; I like a little more tang in my hummus and decided that next time I'd use some Tahini instead of the sesame oil for that reason.

When I made the hummus the second time, I picked up some Jalapeno hummus from Trader Joe's instead of making my own.  This was also delicious.  The real secret is the caramelized onion.  Just chop up an onion and saute in 1T of butter and 1/2 teaspoon of sugar until the bits are nice and brown. The sweetness is what makes the hummus so delicious.  That and the asiago cheese added first to the hummus and then sprinkled on top before browning.

I served my hummus with homemade flatbread.  I got the recipe from one of my favorite restaurants.  I had a basket of bread with my meal and the bartender let me know that how it was made.  Use flour tortillas and brush both sides with olive oil and any herbs that appeals to you.  I used some basil/balsamic dipping oil I purchased at Tastefully Simple.  Then I sprinkled Parmesan cheese on the tortillas before baking them until crisp - about 8 minutes at 400 degrees.

 Both the hummus and the flatbread will be regulars at my house.  Enjoy!