Fish and Seafood

Spicy Grilled Shrimp and Scallop Kebabs

This is perfect for summer, but if you want to try and kid yourself into thinking you’re on vacation in the middle of January, fire up the grill and let ‘em sizzle!

Marinade:
Whisk together the following:
1/2 cup of canola or sunflower oil
1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
1/8 cup soy sauce
3 Tablespoons orange juice
3 Tablespoons Mirin
1 Tablespoon toasted sesame oil
1/8 cup red chili paste
1 Tablespoon each of chopped fresh mint and chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 teaspoon of your favorite Habenero Hot Sauce
Salt and pepper to taste

Add 1 pound of large shrimp and one pound of sea scallops to the marinade and toss gently. Let sit 15 minutes, and then stick on wooden skewers that have been soaking in water for a half hour (so skewers don’t burn). Cook on grill for approximately 2 minutes per side, or until desired doneness. I like to serve this with, Roasted Sweet and Red Potatoes, Tangy Grilled Vegetables, and for the meat lovers, my version of Grilled Teriyaki London Broil.

Pasta

Mary La Moda’s Pasta Puttanesca

Back in my early 20′s I used to work for this wonderfully kind and generous woman, we fondly referred to as Mary La Moda. She realized my cooking skills at that time weren’t exactly sustainable, or conducive to entertaining (which I so liked to do), so she told me of this extremely easy but exceptionally delicious spaghetti sauce, which has been a staple in my house now for over 20 years. Thanks Mary, I miss you!

In a medium sauce pan, pour in enough Extra Virgin Olive oil to coat the pan 1/8 of an inch.

Add to the pot and saute until soft:
1 small chopped onion
3 cloves chopped garlic
Then add:
(1) 28 ounce can of Progesso or Hunts Whole Tomatoes, squished into shreds
(1) 14 ounce can of Progresso or Hunt Tomato Sauce
6 large green olives, sliced (Sometimes I used stuffed olives w/garlic cloves)
1 teaspoon capers
1/4 to 1/2 cup of white wine (I usually just add a splash w/out measuring)
1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 can flat anchovies, drained and chopped

Simmer until flavors meld together nicely, at least 15 minutes. (This is a very fast sauce.) Cook up some spaghetti, and you have dinner!