Firecracker Shrimp

Firecracker Shrimp
(adapted from The Pioneer Woman's recipe)

2 tablespoons hot chili sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 minced garlic cloves
pinch of salt
fresh ground pepper
2 teaspoons sugar (optional)

Mix marinade and pour over shrimp in a ziplock bag and place in the fridge at least 30 minutes.

Place shrimp on skewers and grill on bbq or any hot surface about 2 1/2 minutes on each side. Make sure to turn your overhead fan on ~ this is a very hot, spicy aroma! It'll set off your firm alarm.  Serve with rice and fresh grilled veggies.

I am including the link to The Pioneer Woman's recipe here:  http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/07/firecracker-shrimp-part-1/


NOTES:  I liked this so much I tried it with the chicken the next night. Yummy!!!  I will definitely be making this again in 2012.

Home-Made Croutons

Homemade Croutons

You take stale bread and the heels and cut them up into cube size pieces. I like mine a little larger but cut them however you like. Place cubes in a big bowl.

Melt 1/4 cup of butter in the microwave and drizzle over the bread cubes.  Toss to distribute butter.

Sprinkle 1 teaspoon dry Italian Seasoning Salad dressing over bread cubes and toss.

Spread bread cubes on a cookie sheet and bake in pre-heated 350 oven for 15 to 18 minutes.  Let cool and store in container.

YOU'RE GONNA LOVE THESE!  A great use for old bread and heels. With the cost of bread rising, I can't stand to throw it out. Plus, you get to control the amount of butter & salt on your croutons.  Enjoy!

If you have something you add to yours, please leave a comment. I'm up for new ideas!