Simple & Sexy Summer Shrimp Recipes

Father’s Day is rapidly approaching, and if you’re like me, you have absolutely no idea what to get for Dad. I mean, realistically, how excited can a man get about a tie? I know that while I occasionally get pleasure out of replacing some of my business suits or shirts, those items aren’t high on my wishlists for birthdays or Christmas.

This year, you can surprise Dad with something nifty that he’ll probably actually use – Morton’s Steak Bible (see picture), put out by Morton’s Steakhouse. This new book contains step by step recipes for appetizers, desserts and, naturally, the main course - selecting and cooking the perfect steak. It’s also full of commemorative stories about celebrity guests at Morton’s, from movie stars to Presidents. If your Dad is a grilling fiend or a steak aficionado, this is the perfect gift for him (or for yourself if you want to learn about beef). Although you can buy it at Morton’s own website for $30.00, you’re better off buying it at Amazon for $18.90 – a savings of over 30%. Here's the link to this book at Amazon.

Ah, Summertime.

For those of us who live in the desert southwest, the idea of summertime is not cheery. In fact, summer here has major suckage. Trying to contemplate any type of cooking is more than I can face, as running the stove or oven when it’s 112º-F outside is just too much to take. It’s a little easier if you can shortcut some steps, though…so here are a few quick recipes using prepared meals or foods. Both of these dishes can be prepared in under 10 minutes and take about 15 minutes in the oven, so...enjoy!

Chicken and Shrimp Italiano Casserole

• 1 package Contessa Chicken Italiano Meal-in-a-bag
• 12 ounces medium, uncooked tail-off shrimp (Contessa 51/60 count shrimp)
• 1/2 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1/2 tablespoon dried basil
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup sun dried tomatoes, oil-packed
• 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated.

Thaw the 12-ounces of uncooked shrimp. Prepared the Contessa Chicken Italiano per the package instructions, set aside. In a large bowl, combine the uncooked shrimp and the prepared Chicken Italiano. Add the sun dried tomatoes, heavy cream and herbs to the mixture, mix well. Pour into a baking dish; sprinkle mixture with the grated parmesan, bake at 350º for 15 minutes or until golden brown, serve with crusty italian bread. Serves 4.

Lemon Butter Shrimp with Macadamia Nut Crust

• 24 ounces large Contessa uncooked (tail-off) shrimp
• 1-1/4 cups breadcrumbs
• 3/4 cup macadamia nuts, chopped finely
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1-1/2 tablespoons Lemon Zest
• 1 cup (fresh) parsley, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• Salt and Pepper to taste

In a small mixing bowl, combine melted butter, lemon zest, parsley, garlic and salt and pepper to taste; mix well and set aside. In a small skillet, toast (brown) breadcrumbs and macadamia nuts over medium heat and set aside. Butterfly the shrimp and sprinkle with the melted butter mixture. Top with toasted breadcrumb mixture and bake at 375º for 15-20 minutes, or until shrimp is cooked (orange outside, opaque white inside) and mixture is bubbly. Serve with a side of rice. Serves 4-6.

So, gang...have a great Father's Day, enjoy your steaks or shrimp, and don't forget your sunblock.

Find other great frozen food meals, recipes, TV Dinner Reviews, etc., at the Icebox Diner. Drop in, grab a stool and visit with us for a while.

n.b. - edited to correct typo in Macadamia Nut recipe...sorry, folks!!