Low country Shrimp and Rice

Hey y'all!

This recipe is one I created one day when I was craving some fresh shrimp. It's so great living here on the coast, where I am blessed to be able to get really fresh, locally caught, seafood. But, you can also substitute shrimp from your local supermarket as well if you need to. I buy them deheaded, with the shells still on. (more about that later) It is fairly easy, and it is so delicious. Give it a try, I'm sure you will enjoy it!

Lulabelle


1 1/2 lbs fresh shrimp; (25-30 count per lb.) deheaded, shells still on
5 cups water
2 cups regular, long grain white rice
1 tsp Old Bay Seasoning
1 tsp. Lemon pepper
1 Tbs. vegetable oil
1/2 tsp salt

3 Tbs. olive oil
1 small vidaila onion, chopped
1 medium Green bell pepper, chopped
1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
2 tsp. Lemon pepper
1 1/2 tsp, Garlic powder
1 tsp. Old Bay Seasoning
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 (11- 14 oz pkg.) Smoked Sausage, sliced into 1 " pieces
1 (14 1/2 oz can, Rotel, diced tomatoes

1. Rinse shrimp in cold water, place shrimp in a bowl, reserving shells.

1. Place shells in large saucepan with the five cups water. Bring water to a boil; reduce heat, & simmer for five minutes.
2. Remove shells from water, throw shells away, but reserve the water. Measure 4 cups of water that shrimp shells were cooked in. If needed, add a little more water to bring it to 4 cups. Place water back in saucepan, add the 1 tsp. Old Bay Seasoning, 1 tsp. Lemon Pepper, 1 Tbs. vegetable oil, and 1/2 tsp. salt. Bring water with seasonings, to a boil. Add rice, cover and cook for twenty minutes. Remove lid, fluff rice with fork, recover rice and set aside.
3. Meanwhile, while rice is cooking, in a large skillet, over medium heat, saute onion, & green and red peppers. Add smoked sausage,  shrimp, and remaining seasonings. Cook about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, till shrimp is no longer transparent.  Add Rotel tomatoes. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
4. Serve over rice in large bowl or platter.
5. Yields 4-6 servings

Weeeee....... Veggie Wheels!

Hey Y'all!
First of all I want to share some amazing news about myself. Since August 30th of last year, I have lost over 33 lbs! Whoo Hoo! Since I am an avid cook, and lover of food, this is a big achievement for me. So I may from time to time, share more healthier recipes for those of you who are trying to lose weight, and making better health choices.
This recipe is easy, and is from the book, "Hungry Girl Recipes and Survival Strategies for Guilt Free Eating in the Real World." The best thing is that is that it is only 143 calories per serving, which is six pieces! This makes only one serving, however, just multiply the ingredients to make more servings. I hope you enjoy it, and here's to a healthier 2013!!

Lulabelle

Weeeee.....Veggie Wheels

 

 

Ingredients:

 

1 medium low-fat flour tortilla (about 110 calories  & with at least 6g fiber)

 

1/4 cup chopped red bell peppers

 

1/2 cup fresh spinach ( stems removed )

 

1 tablespoon chopped tomatoes

 

1 tablespoon chopped scallions

 

1 tablespoon fat free cream cheese (softened)

 

1/4 tsp. ranch dressing mix, dry

 

 

                                               Directions:

 

1. In a small bowl, combine cream cheese, & ranch dressing mix; stir until smooth and mixed thofoughly
2. Microwave tortilla ( about 3-5 seconds) until slightly warm. Lay the tortilla on a clean flat surface and evenly spread cream cheese mixture on top of it.
3. Place spinach, red peppers, scallions and tomatoes evenly over cheese layer.
4. Very carefully, roll the tortilla up from one end to the other, creating a pinwheel of layers, as opposed to a burrito.
5. Wrap the tortilla securely in plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for at least one hour to chill.
6. When you are ready to eat, remove the plastic wrap and cut off both ends of the wrap where the tortilla does not fully wrap around.
7. Slice the rest of the wrap into six equal slices.

Makes 1 serving ( 6 pieces)

 

Per serving: 143 calories, 2.5 g fat, 506mg sodium, 27g carbs,

10g fiber, 3 g sugars, 10g protein

 

 



Party Shrimp Shooters

Hey Y'all!
It's tailgating season right now, so here is an awesome recipe that you can use at a tailgating event or just for entertaining at home. If you make it at home, I like to use clear shot glasses for the "wow factor", however, if you are transporting it to a tailgate party, store the shrimp in a zip loc bag, and the salsa in separate bag (keep cold on ice in a cooler) and assemble them on site. For practical purposes, you can purchase some 2 oz. plastic containers from a local restaurant (the kind they use for dips, dressings and salsas) or you can also just use 3 oz. Solo plastic cups. Bring along some tortilla chips, because you won't want to waste a drop of this delicious salsa; believe me, it is THAT good! Enjoy the up coming fall season and this easy recipe!

 

 

Lulabelle

 

 

 

 

Party Shrimp Shooters

 

 

1 -1 pound bag, fully cooked frozen shrimp, (large size, with tails on), thawed

     40 -50 ct. per bag

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp lemon pepper

1 Tbl Parsley flakes

1 tsp.fresh lime juice

1. In medium bowl, combine all ingredients. Gently stir with a spoon to coat shrimp with spices. Cover and refrigerate.

 

 

Pineapple & Mango Salsa

 

 

4 green onions, chopped fine





2 cups store bought Mango, Red Pepper Salsa  (I found this at Sam's)

1 cup crushed pineapple, drained

1 cup finely chopped green bell pepper, (about 1 medium)

Juice of one lime * (I squeeze out one tsp first to use on shrimp, then use the remaining juice for salsa)

1 1/2 tsp lemon pepper

1/8 tsp garlic powder

1/8 tsp salt

1 Tbl granulated sugar

4 drops bottled hot sauce * optional

1/4 cup finely minced fresh cilantro

Tortilla chips

 

1. In large bowl, combine all ingredients. Stir with a spoon to blend well.
2. Divide evenly into 20 shot glasses or individual 2-3oz plastic cups
3. Top each cup with two chilled shrimp, tails hanging over edge of cup or glass.
4. Serve immediately, or refrigerate, well covered until serving
5. Yields: 20 shrimp shooters 

 

Serve with tortilla chips on the side

 

* Tip: For ease in chopping fresh cilantro, I like to cut off just the leafy parts and place in a large measuring cup. Using kitchen shears, I simply cut the cilantro into tiny pieces.

Tutti Fruity Veggie Pops

Hey Y'All,
Here in the Low Country, our summers are hot & humid. For a delicious, refreshing cool treat, these pops are the perfect answer, on a hot summer day. By combining fresh carrots, fresh peaches, honey, frozen orange juice concentrate, and non fat, Greek yogurt; this becomes a very healthy and nutritious treat. The pretty peach color is reminiscent of my childhood push pops, with a new flavor twist combination. Hope you enjoy this cool, healthy treat!

Lulabelle

1 1/2 cups, fresh carrots, (peeled, & ends cut off), and sliced into 1/4 " coins    (approximately 2 very large, or 4 medium)

 3 fresh peaches; (medium size) peeled, pitted, and sliced

 1 1/2 cups water

 1/4 cup frozen orange juice concentrate

 1 (5 oz carton), Dannon, Non Fat, Oikios, Honey Flavored, Greek Yogurt

 2 teaspoons honey

1. In medium saucepan, combine carrots and water. Cook over high heat, bringing water to a boil; reduce heat to medium, cover and cook for 18 minutes.

2. Add peaches to pan, bring water back to a boil, cover and continue cooking over medium heat for 14 -15 more minutes, checking & stirring occasionally to make sure there is still a little water in pan. If needed add 1/4 cup more hot water, to keep mixture from sticking. After second cooking, remove pan from heat, and allow mixture to cool, while keeping pan covered.

3. After mixture cools a minimum of 45 minutes, remove lid, and thoroughly mash mixture with a potato masher; (do not drain any remaining liquid). Place mixture in a blender, along with honey, and frozen orange juice concentrate. Pulse on liquefy setting, for about 10 -15 seconds. Stir mixture, and scrape sides of blender to make sure all of mixture gets well blended. Repeating scraping & pulsing if necessary, until mixture is smooth and creamy.

4. Add yogurt to mixture in blender; pulse again at liquefy setting, for 10 -15 second intervals, until mixture is well blended, and creamy. Repeat stirring, scraping and pulsing of needed.

5. Pour mixture into an 8 portion, silicone brownie pop mold, or into 6 ( 3oz) Dixie or Solo cups. Place in freezer, and freeze for 30 -45 minutes. Using lollipop sticks for brownie pop size, (or wooden sticks for Dixie cups size)insert sticks into center of each pop. Freeze for several more hours, or overnight until mixture is frozen firm** Tip: If using Dixie Cups or Solo cups as molds, place cups in the individual sections of a mini muffin pan, so they won't tip over while freezing.

6. To release pops from silicone mold, or Dixie Cups, run quickly under warm water.

Yield: 6-8 pops



Easy Summer Salsa

Hey Y'all,
I developed this recipe because my daughter was tired of the processed salsa at the store and I was looking for something fresh that utilized the summer vegetables. It is especially good with whole grain tortilla chips for a healthier alternative. It will keep for at least a week in the refrigerator, but ours don't last that long because we usually eat it up so fast! It is so delicious,  I hope you enjoy it!  Note; make sure all vegetables are washed thoroughly, before using.     

Lulabelle

3 Large Fresh Tomatoes; (preferably from the garden or farmer's market) stem removed, chopped fine. (leave peel on tomatoes)

1 Large Green Bell Pepper; remove seeds & stem and chopped fine

1 Medium Vidalia (or sweet) Onion, peeled, and chopped fine

1/2  Bunch Fresh Cilantro; remove stems, use leaves only

2 teaspoons, Lemon Pepper

1 teaspoon salt; preferably Kosher or Sea Salt

1 teaspoon Garlic Powder

Juice of one Lime

1 -2 drops hot sauce, or pepper sauce  *optional

1. Place tomatoes, green pepper and onion in a large bowl. Sprinkle with spices, add hot sauce, drizzle lime juice evenly over vegetables, stir to mix well.

2. Place cilantro leaves in a large measuring cup. Using kitchen shears, chop cilantro, using quick cutting motions, inside the cup. You can also chop the cilantro very fine, or use a food chopper, but to me this is the easiest way. After chopping, the amount will be reduced to about 1/2 cup minced cilantro. (if you do not like that much cilantro, you can reduce the amount by half, but my family loves it!)

3. Stir well, to blend all ingredients; cover and refrigerate a few hours or overnight for flavors to meld. Serve with tortilla chips.

Yield: Makes about 4 1/2 to 5 cups Salsa



Low Country Shrimp and Rice

Hey y'all!

This recipe is one I created one day when I was craving some fresh shrimp. It's so great living here on the coast, where I am blessed to be able to get really fresh, locally caught, seafood. But, you can also substitute shrimp from your local supermarket as well if you need to. I buy them deheaded, with the shells still on. (more about that later) It is fairly easy, and it is so delicious. Give it a try, I'm sure you will enjoy it!

Lulabelle


1 1/2 lbs fresh shrimp; (25-30 count per lb.) deheaded, shells still on
5 cups water
2 cups regular, long grain white rice
1 tsp Old Bay Seasoning
1 tsp. Lemon pepper
1 Tbs. vegetable oil
1/2 tsp salt

3 Tbs. olive oil
1 small vidaila onion, chopped
1 medium Green bell pepper, chopped
1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
2 tsp. Lemon pepper
1 1/2 tsp, Garlic powder
1 tsp. Old Bay Seasoning
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 (13 1/2 oz pkg.) Smoked Sausage, sliced into 1 " pieces
1 (14 1/2 oz can, Rotel, diced tomatoes

1. Rinse shrimp in cold water, place shrimp in a bowl, reserving shells.

1. Place shells in large saucepan with the five cups water. Bring water to a boil; reduce heat, & simmer for five minutes.
2. Remove shells from water, throw shells away, but reserve the water. Measure 4 cups of water that shrimp shells were cooked in. If needed, add a little more water to bring it to 4 cups. Place water back in saucepan, add the 1 tsp. Old Bay Seasoning, 1 tsp. Lemon Pepper, 1 Tbs. vegetable oil, and 1/2 tsp. salt. Bring water with seasonings, to a boil. Add rice, cover and cook for twenty minutes. Remove lid, fluff rice with fork, recover rice and set aside.
3. Meanwhile, while rice is cooking, in a large skillet, over medium heat, saute onion, & green and red peppers. Add smoked sausage,  shrimp, and remaining seasonings. Cook about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, till shrimp is no longer transparent.  Add Rotel tomatoes. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
4. Serve over rice in large bowl or platter.
5. Yields 4-6 servings

1

Black Bean and Corn Salad

Hey y'all!

This recipe was inspired by a salad I once enjoyed at a Ladies Luncheon at our church. They served it with tortilla chips, and I enjoyed it so much that I came home and recreated it myself.

Not only is the recipe quick, easy, delicious, and very versatile. Of course you can simply serve it with tortilla chips, but you can also serve it as a party appetizer by scooping some into a clear shot glass and garnishing it with a grilled or boiled shrimp. You can also turn it into an entree by placing it on top of a plate of shredded lettuce and then placing pieces of grilled chicken breast atop that. it's pretty to also garnish it with a wedge of fresh lime. Fiesta time!

I hope you enjoy it as much as my family and friends do.........   Lulabellle

Black Bean and Corn Salad



1 1lb. bag, frozen whole kernel corn, thawed

1 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed

1/2 green bell pepper, chopped fine

1/2 red bell pepper, chopped fine

1/2 medium sweet vidalia or red onion, chopped fine

4 tbls. olive oil

Juice of one lime, (plus an additional lime for garnish * optional )

1/2 tsp. salt

1 1/2 tsp. lemon pepper

2 tbls. fresh cilantro, chopped very fine

2 tbls. fresh parsley, chopped very fine

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Stir well to mix. Cover and refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to blend.

yields about 12 -18 appetizer servings or 6 entree/ salad servings