Baked Coconut Shrimp with Spicy Asian Orange Sauce

Baked Coconut Shrimp with Spicy Orange Sauce

This is a really fast and healthy way to make coconut shrimp. Baking the shrimp instead of frying saves loads of calories without sacrificing taste or that little crunchy bite we all love about coconut shrimp. Using cornstarch helps the coating to adhere much better to the shrimp rather than using flour. Best of all, they can be made ahead of time and than popped into the oven when you are ready to bake. This recipe works best with extra-large shrimp, 15-20 to the pound, because you want to give the shrimp enough time to brown in the oven without over cooking. The spicy Asian orange sauce has just enough heat to make the perfect dipping sauce for these scrumptious little guiltless shrimps. 

Appetizer of Baked Coconut Shrimp with a Spicy Orange Sauce

Baked Coconut Shrimp ready for the oven. 

Spicy orange sauce reduces down before pureed in the blender. 

Ingredients

• 1 lb extra large shrimp, peeled and deveined (Tails on or off)
• 1 cup sweetened coconut, flaked
• 1 cup panko
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 3 egg whites, slightly beaten

Spicy Mango Sauce

• 1 teaspoon canola oil
• 2/3 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 cup Asian duck sauce
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1 Tbsp (or more!) Franks hot sauce or Spicy Chili Sauce
• 4 teaspoons lime juice
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

Directions for the shrimp

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

1. Place coconut and Panko crumbs in a food processor and pulse a few times to blend. Don't over process, you don't want to break up the Panko too much. Place crumb mixture into a shallow dish or bowl.
2. In a 2nd bowl beat egg whites lightly.
3. In a 3rd bowl, add cornstarch.
4. One at a time, dredge shrimp in corn starch, shaking off excess, then in egg whites, then dredge in crumb mixture, pressing to adhere to shrimp. 
5. Place shrimp on a lightly greased baking sheet and pour any leftover egg white evenly over each shrimp.
6. Spray each shrimp lightly with canola oil and bake for 18-20 minutes. Don't over cook the shrimp or they will be tough. 

To Prepare Spicy Sauce

1. In a small sauce pan, heat 1 tablespoons oil, add onion, ginger and garlic and saute 4 minutes until tender. Add the remaining ingredients and reduce to 3/4 cup. 
2. Remove from heat and let stand 10 minutes.
3. Place mixture into a blender and process till smooth.
4. Let cool and serve with shrimp!

Delicious Baked Coconut Shrimp!

Light and Airy Ramen Noodles

Ramen Noodles

This is almost too simple that I am a little embarrassed to even post this, but I had to share this simply yummy secret with you. I was recently having dinner at a new sushi bar and we decided to bring home an order of the house lo mein for our son. Lo mein is one of our favorite dishes but this one was a little different. I realized it was made with raman noodles resulting in a very light and delicious noodle dish.

Crispy Chicken a l'Orange and Brown Rice

Crispy Chicken a l'Orange Baked Over Brown Rice.

I can't decide if my favorite part of this dish is the sweet taste of the orange marmalade mixed with the asian flavors of the soy and honey with a bite of juicy chicken or if it's a spoonful of rice that cooks so nicely under the chicken, capturing the savory juices, and crispy pieces along the sides of the pan. Which ever part you like best, this is a winner all around. It's just as good reheated too!

Baked Spinach Manicotti

Baked Spinach Manicotti

Why haven't I made this for so long. It does take a little bit of time to fill all the shells but everyone loves this baked dish so much it's well worth the effort. The best part is, make a whole batch and freeze the rest so that you can take them out for an easy to prepare dinner. I use the inside packaging from the box the shells come in for an easy way to freeze the prepared shells and prevent them from sticking. Served with just a simple tossed salad, this baked creamy classic is a delicious and light comfort dish that everyone will love.

Chicken Fricassee

Happy New Year Everyone!

I was recently invited to a friends for dinner who just so happens to be a French Trained Chef. I was so excited because I knew the dinner was going to be fabulous and I couldn't wait to find out what we were having. To my surprise, he serviced us chicken. Nothing I would think of serving company unless I was having a barbecue. Well, this chicken was so delicious, juicy, tender, and flavorful. I told him that I would have chicken every night if it came out like this. 

Easy Crock Pot Lasagna

Crock Pot Lasagna

The Best Lasagna!

I was so intrigued when I first read about the idea of making a lasagna in a slow cooker. I have been wanting  to try this for a while and finally the perfect cold winter day came along. Actually, if you want lasagna on a hot day, this is really the way to do it since using a crock pot doesn't heat up the kitchen. When you live in New England, there is just something so comforting knowing that a delicious meal is cooking in the kitchen all day long on a cold day and the best part is, you don't even need to be home! The bottom line, this turned out to be the very tastiest lasagna I have ever made.

Mom's Traditional Apple Pie

Traditional Apple Pie

Simply delicious traditional apple pie. I will never win a beautiful pie contest but I'll go up against any pie for flavor, texture and consistency. I like to think of my design as rustic! Over the years I have tried different recipes with varying ingredients or changing up the method and I have had a lot of good pies in my time, but I always come back to the old stand bye childhood favorite recipe that my Mom always made. The ingredients are simple and the list is short and you can't beat it. I always brush the top crust with egg whites and sprinkle sugar all over the crust to make it pretty just like my Mom always did.   

Mix all the apples together with ingredients and pour into the bottom crust.

Brush with egg white and sprinkle with sugar all over the top.

Traditional Apple Pie

Ingredients

• 3-4 pounds of apples (Baldwin & Macintosh)
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1 egg white
• sugar for top of crust

Preheat the oven to 500 degrees.

1. Line a 9" or 10" pie plate with favorite pie dough
2. Peel and slice the apples and mix together with sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. 
3. Put on top layer of pie dough. Crimp the sides together and cut 3-4 slits near the center to allow the steam to escape.
4. For a pretty glaze, brush top with egg white and sprinkle of sugar.
5. Bake 15 minutes at 500 degrees until brown. Turn oven down to 350 degrees for another 40 minutes. 

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream!

Lentil Sausage Soup

Lentil Sausage Soup

There is just something about a big pot of soup simmering away on the stove on a cold fall or winter night. This soup is so rich in flavor, despite it's simple ingredients. I usually have everything on hand and tend to always have a package of sausage in the freezer because it's so versatile. I haven't met a sole that doesn't like the smokey flavor of sausage. The best part is, it's a one pot wonder. This soup is so good, it's the kind that keeps you coming back for more!  

Italian Wedding Soup

Italian Wedding Soup

Why have I waited so long to make this? It's absolutely delicious! Is this a soup or is this a stew? Rachel Ray calls it a Stoup! Another great recommendation from my friend Maria. She insist that I stick to using the ground chicken and gnocchi. The mini meatballs are like little chicken dumplings and cook right in the soup. Yes, you can use another type of pasta but it won't have the same special creaminess that you get with the gnocchi. Forget the chili, I'm making this at the next football party. This is a hearty, fresh and delicious Stoup!

Hearty Lentil Soup

Lentil Soup

Satisfying, delicious, easy and cheap! Lentil soup is the perfect fall soup...or is it a stew. I hope you trust me on this one, the picture doesn't do this soup justice. It's not the prettiest but believe me, this flavorful hearty soup makes up for it. I made this for the first time and my husband just loved it. I'm on my 3rd batch now and it's great because it last all week. It's a great starter or as a whole meal serve with crusty bread. A delicious, fast and homey soup! 

Spinach and Mushroom Crustless Quiche

Spinach and Mushroom Quiche...Crust-less!

I think quiche is a forgotten pastime. That's unfortunate because it's really an easy dish to hold any kind of vegetable. It's a perfect light lunch or dinner with a salad. I removed the crust to make it lighter and take away the guilt. So, is it breakfast or a dinner.....either way, it reheats nicely. Get creative and add sliced tomatoes or serve with a little tomato sauce drizzled over.   

Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing with a Farmers Market Salad

Easy Lemon Vinaigrette Salad Dressing.

I can't help but get inspired when I go to the Farmer's Market. How can you resist all the fresh locally grown vegetables. The colorful variety of tomatoes caught my eye on this day and I started to think about a light lemon vinaigrette to compliment the fresh baby lettuces, prime ripe tomatoes, crispy radishes and fresh crunchy cucumbers. 

Linguini with Clam Sauce

Linguini with Clam Sauce

It was one of those nights, what am I going to make for dinner? There has been a can of whole baby clams steering at me for a while now and there you have it, Linquini with Clam Sauce. This recipe is easy, fast and very delicious and gives an extra boost of flavor from the red pepper flakes and squeeze of lemon. If you are looking for a really wet sauce to dunk your bread, just double the olive oil and clam broth.  

Party Red Sangria

Easy Party Red Sangria

Party Sangria is easy to make, easy to drink and even those that don't drink wine will drink the Sangria. It's the perfect party summer drink to make for a crowd. Use any red wine, mix bottles or use what you have left over from the night before. Don't go crazy to find the perfect wine, inexpensive is best for Sangria so this is the time to have fun and pick from The Bin!

Vietnamese Lime Chicken Wings ........on the Grill

Vietnamese Lime chicken Wings

These are finger-licking good! This is a great recipe to have for a holiday weekend or a gathering, big or small. Marinate the wings in a sealed container and you are ready to get grilling at anytime. Great for those pop in guests. Everyone loves chicken wings, you can't go wrong. The flavor of these wings are sweet and spicy but not too spicy. Wings on the grill are the perfect party food!

Fresh Strawberry Sauce





Fresh Strawberry Sauce ready for strawberry shortcakes!

I can't resist all the fresh strawberries, although this recipe works great with blueberries too. It's real simple, just a few ingredients and you have fresh strawberry sauce. A simple sauce to drizzle over about a million things. One of my favorite things to do is to whip something up out of nothing.

Grilled Eggplant Stacks with Goat Cheese, Tomato and Basil Sauce



Grilled Eggplant Stacks with Goat Cheese, Tomato and Basil Oil. 



A great summertime dish, this is an incredibly delicious recipe. I like to serve these eggplant stacks with grilled steak or chicken but these tasty stacks are good enough all on their own.

Summer Solstice Black Bean Salsa

Black Bean Salsa!

This recipe is easy, delicious and the perfect party dish to serve as a dip with chips or as a side dish with burgers, fish, chicken or any grilled food. Made with all fresh ingredients, all the flavors blend together and the hint of lime and cilantro make this dip taste special. The best part is, it lasts for days in the fridge. I think this Black Bean Salsa is the perfect party dish to bring to your next barbecue or summer solstice party!

 Ingredients

• 2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (17-ounce) package frozen whole kernel corn, thawed
• 2 large tomatoes, seeded and diced
• 1 large avocado, peeled and diced
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
• Juice of one fresh lime
• 2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
• Course salt and fresh ground pepper 

Directions

Mix all ingredients thoroughly in a large bowl. Cover and chill for several hours or over night. Season again with salt, pepper and add more lime juice as necessary. 

Serve with tortilla chips as an appetizer, or this is great as a side dish with grilled foods.

Use a big bowl to mix everything really well.

Black Bean Salsa!

Quinoa and Shrimp with Fresh Corn and Cherry Tomatoes

Quinoa and Shrimp with Fresh Corn and Cherry Tomatoes

I did it ....I jumped on the quinoa bandwagon!! I was so inspired by a recipe I had seen on Food Blogga  and I used this recipe as a way to introduce myself to the quinoa (KEEN-wa).  Quinoa has a nutty flavor and is a really nice light and fluffy alternative to long grain rice. It's considered a "superfood", high in protein, gluten free, and it cooks rather quickly. I'm sure it has many other superpowers but what really matters is that this simple recipe is super delicious!!!  

Margherita Cauliflower Crust Pizza

Margherita Cauliflower Crust Pizza

Margherita Cauliflower Crust Pizza Slices!

This cauliflower pizza crust has been one of my most popular posts. I have made this recipe many times now and have a few tips to help you make the best low carb delicious pizza that you'll ever have. Follow my recipe for Cauliflower Crust Pizza and the tips below and you will have a fabulous tasty pizza everytime. 

Caramelized French Onion Tart

Caramelized French Onion Tart

French Onion Tart
A pizza cutter cuts perfect pieces.  

I love onions! I like them roasted, grilled, breaded, battered, fried, raw, but there is something extra special about caramelized onions. Good enough to eat alone. When onions are slowly cooked, the natural sugars begin to caramelize and bring out a delicious richness that is so savory. Add in a little pastry and creamy base and voila, we have a french onion tart. Serve as an appetizer or perfect for lunch with a simple salad. The perfect new addition to my Easter table. Elegant yet so simple!

Cauliflower Crust Pizza.....you won't believe it!

Cauliflower Crust Pizza with onions and cheese.

Yes, really.......this pizza was made with a cauliflower crust! I can't tell you how excited I am about this recipe. When I first saw this posted I thought the pizza looked so appetizing that I knew I had to give this a try.

Not Your Mama's Meatloaf

Not Your Mama's Meatloaf with red pepper and red wine.  

I know what you're thinking, "ugh! meatloaf?" To that I say, "Yes Meatloaf!!" This was the meatloaf that changed my mind.

Maple Syrup Salmon, it's a keeper!

A delicious, simple and quick recipe submitted for Julie's "I Do" Cook Book. A perfect recipe for a newbie bride just starting to explore in the kitchen. My very favorite cousin, who let's just say isn't fond of spending too much time in the kitchen, and happens to be celebrating a birthday today, pulled this little gem out of her hat! Who knew?!?! This salmon recipe is absolutely delicious and it's as easy as it gets. The sweetness from the maple syrup combined with the slightly salty soy is a perfect combination. It reminds me of teriyaki salmon but with a delicious maple flavor. The fish is moist and melts in your mouth like butter. This one is a keeper!

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 Tbsp soy sauce (I use reduced sodium Tamari)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 tsp garlic salt
• 1/8 tsp black pepper
• 1 pound salmon 

Serves 2-4

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

1. In a small bowl, mix all ingredients accept for salmon.
2. Place salmon in a shallow glass baking dish and coat with the maple syrup mixture. Cover and marinate for 20-30 minutes.
3. Bake salmon uncovered for 15 minutes and broil for an additional 2-3 minutes to crisp the top. 

Happy Birthday Cuz!

Easy Valentine's Day Treats!

Put a big smile on your Valentine with one of these easy to make treats!

Palmiers for Valentine's Day!
Check out the recipe  Valentine's Day Palmiers.

Pretzel Hugs for Valentine's Day!
Check out the recipe Valentine's Day Pretzel Hugs.

Silver Palate Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Silver Palate Oatmeal Cookies  

I've been in a cookie making mood lately and on the hunt for a really good oatmeal raisin recipe. There was only one place for me to go, The Silver Palate Thick & Rough Oatmeal box. It's actually the only oatmeal that I enjoy because the oats stay firm and hold their texture when cooked.

Sweet n' Spicy Bacon Chicken Bites

Sweet and Spicy Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

All but 4 ingredients is all you need for this appetizer. Everyone loves these and they are so quick and easy to put together. If you need a quick appetizer for your super bowl party, here it is. You get a sweet and spicy surprise when you pop one of these, and who doesn't love bacon. I guarantee these will disappear fast!

Party Hot Ryes

Party Hot Ryes

The first time I tasted these delicious appetizers was from a recipe I found in a Neiman Marcus cookbook that was given to me as a gift from my sister many years ago. This cookbook is made up of a collection of recipes from everyday home cooks. It's not fancy, no pics either, but has been one of my all time favorites to get inspired from over the years.

Heath Bar Cookies

Heath Bar Cookies

One word to describe these, delicious! A wonderful crisp texture on the outside and chewy on the inside. The flavor of the toffee bits covered with chocolate is scrumptious. Let's face it, how many chocolate chip cookies can you eat?

Buffalo Chicken Rolls

Buffalo Chicken Rolls baked to perfection!

Game day is approaching and I'm craving buffalo chicken! The challenge: make an appetizer with great flavor, that's easy to eat and not real messy for everyone.

Game Day Spicy Jalapeño Sliders

Game Day Spicy Jalapeno Sliders

Are you ready for some football!! It's game day and I have the perfect menu to please my hungry friends. I start off with my tasty Party Hot Ryes and winning 7-Layer Fiesta Party Dip. This is all followed by the main attraction, a large tray of my Spicy Jalapeno Sliders.

Pan-Fried Onion Dip Recipe

Pan Fried Onion Dip Recipe 

This dip is spectacular and is now part of my regular rotation. Adapted from The Barefoot Contessa, this is the real deal! It's simple, flavorful and a crowd-pleaser every time. Perfect with kettle chips, pita chips or crostini. Forget the packet, pull out the frying pan and give this one a try!

Roasted Red Pepper Dip with Goat Cheese

Roasted Red Pepper Dip with Goat Cheese

This roasted red pepper dip is absolutely delicious. The recipe is from my friend Millie who is a fabulous cook. She got this recipe from her friend who is a caterer and says it's a big hit at every party.

Mini Apple Crisps

Mini Apple Pies

I just love these, they are so cute. Don't you sometimes just want a little bite instead of a slice? This is the answer. Easy and fun to make. Bring these to your next party and I guarantee they will disappear.

Oven Roasted Cauliflower

Oven Roasted Cauliflower 

Who knew cauliflower could taste so good! Some of the best side dishes are the most simple. Even if you don't think you like cauliflower, this recipe with change your mind.

Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms with Gorgonzola

Gorgonzola stuffed portobella's with coffee crusted hanger steak.  

Pair these savory gorgonzola stuffed portobella mushrooms with my Kona Crusted hanger steak for great dinner. I love the earthy flavor from the portobella together with the gorgonzola.