Gift Wrapped Shrimp Bites – Your New Favorite Easy Appetizer

December 5, 2011 in Appetizers

The Perfect Festive Holiday Appetizers - Gift Wrapped Shrimp Bites

So, let’s say you’re invited to a holiday get together at the very last minute, and your hostess, who is one of those really maddeningly Martha-Stewart kind of people, says – casual as can be – “Oh, just bring some finger foods.”

So, you need some appetizers that are not just delicious but pretty on a platter, and you need them STAT.

Never fear, foodie fans.

This idea was inspired by Martha herself in her latest issue of Martha Stewart Living. She made Shrimp Mango Bites by wrapping a thin piece of mango around a grilled shrimp and tied it up with a softened green onion. Really,   green onions are just perfect for bow-making, aren’t they? And, since I love making green and red food this time of year, I switched up the mango and used  roasted red bell strips with the green onion bow.

You could make these even easier by just making the spicy shrimp and then tying it with a softened green onion (skipping the bell pepper strip).

These are seriously the cutest little holiday bites I have seen -  they just scream out “Happy Holidays!” They look adorable on a party platter, and the flavors are perfect together – spicy shrimp, sweet bell pepper and the green onion tang.

A perfect holiday bite!

Holiday Shrimp Bites Appetizers

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Carribean Vacation in a Bowl: Coconut Curried Shrimp and Mango Stew

February 9, 2011 in Entrees, Gluten Free

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These days I constantly feel like I am in a scene from Doctor Zhivago in the Siberian wasteland – trudging the frozen trek from my house to my car. From my car to my office. From the grocery store to my house. Wind howling around me. Snow drifts shifting. Polar bears stalking me.

Ok, I exaggerate.

But truly, I am sick of winter!!! Aren’t you? I am daydreaming back to a family after-Christmas trip we took where the Carribean waters were warm, the sun was shining and all was well in the world. Now THAT is how winter should be.

So, to cheer myself up, I decided I could at least have the Carribean in a bowl.

I used curry powder in the broth, but added just a touch of allspice for that Carribean flavor. Delicious. The aroma that fills your house while you’re simmering this stew made me want to put a fruit hat on my head and dance the conga. I swear I heard marimba music in the background!

Shrimp and mango go well together in a salad – so why not a stew? And, yes, I know mangoes are not at their most frugal this time of year, but we only used one here. And they are one ingredient that just screams “Par-tay” to me, so they are a sure bet for beating winter-itis. Hey! They’re uber-healthy too!

Make this and I promise it will banish the winter blues. At least for one meal.

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