Shrimp Creole Red Valentines Day Dinner

I wanted to make my Honey a Red Dinner and Thank goodness Giant had (Clean, Deviened, shelled Shrimp) on sale. I remembered a creole shrimp recipe and decided to take it out of moth balls and give it a go. When I added a 1/2 of a stick of Real Butter to the warm pot, I decided to go for it. The trinity was next( chopped onion, green pepper, and celery). As they became translucent, I added a pinch of salt and cracked black pepper. Crushed tomtoes and a can of tomatoe sauce added to the pot simmered away. I could smell memories. Now as I stand in front of the spice cabinet as people stand in front of the fridge at 11pm I had decisions to make. Basil was easy as was the cracked black pepper. But I was brave and added cayenne Small pinch to start. (you can always add more) By now veggies are tender and I started the rice pot. (2 cups of rice to 4 cups of hot water to boil is the standard) Boil, cover,and drop heat to off- it will cook it self.  Shrimp Time, add about 20 or so on low heat and cover. Now is the time to taste the red sauce. I needed to add more salt ( Ina would be proud) and more cayenne. Heat, bite and burn baby!!  Turned off heat to let it soak up the flavors. Set the table, made small garden salad, and drinks. Served family style. OMG, It was great. Mikies comment was can we make lunches for tomorrow out of leftovers and you can make it again---HIGH Praise!!!!!
Happy Valentines Day!!!!

super bowl food!!

Ok today is a day of football and food. Last day of the season and people go all out for the munchies. I have seen posts of people staying home and having just a good time as if they were at a huge party.  I have just worked on a great sausage and cheese dip-i guess some people would call queso. I cooked sausage till brown, added chopped sweet onion, and green pepper. I used a velveta type product(you know what I mean) cut up into cubes, and melted over the sausage. Just to mix it up I added a handful of shredded cheddar cheese. I found if you add a big spoonful of sour cream and store bought salsa it comes to the right thickness. I have made this on top of the stove top but today I melted the cheese in the microwave. This stuff reheats beautifully. It is great to make ahead and take to that great super bowl party. Serve with tostitos ( I like the lime ones) and you are good to go!!!
So those of you slaving over a stove for a great party treat- bon appetite!!!