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

Enchilada Meat Loaf

Hey Y'all

For those of you who regularly follow me, I am always on the lookout for recipes that are quick and easy. As much as I love to cook, there are days when I am lured out of the kitchen to pursue other interests. So for all my readers who like me, want to take a break from spending hours preparing a good meal... this recipe's for you! Also it's perfect for all you hard working moms and dads, who are looking for something a little different. It's a twist on traditional meat loaf with a southwestern flair. Serve it along side a fresh salad and some black beans and you'll have a meal that is simple and delicious! Hope you all enjoy!

Lulabelle

Enchilada Meat Loaf

1 egg, slightly beaten                                                 1/2 tsp. salt

1 medium onion, finely chopped                                 1 lb. ground beef

1/4 cup bottled salsa                                                  1 8.5-oz pkg. corn muffin mix

2 Tbsp. chili powder                                                  2 oz cheddar cheese, sliced

3 cloves garlic, minced                                               additional bottled salsa (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. In a large bowl combine eggs, onion, 1/4 cup salsa, chili powder, garlic and salt; add ground beef and mix well. Shape into a ball and place in a 9" pie plate. flatten meat mixture to a 6" circle; set aside.
3. Prepare corn muffin mix according to package directions. spread corn muffin batter over meat mixture in pie plate. Bake about 50 minutes or until an instant read thermometer inserted into the meat loaf registers 160 degrees F. Remove from oven. Halve cheese slices and arrange on top of corn muffin mixture. Cover loosely and let stand 10 minutes before serving. If desired, serve with additional salsa.

Yield: 6 servings