Sunday, March 28, 2010

Semi-homemade Fried Calamari Po' boy

Some of the best meals are created simply from converting left-overs into something new.

Transforming last night's dinner into today's lunch can be the quickest way to put lunch on the table while at the same time flexing your creativity muscle in the kitchen.

This is indeed, how I came up with today's lunch, which was a delicious Fried Calamari Po'boy.

Po'boy's are traditional sandwiches from Louisiana, which consist of meat, usually fried seafood (shrimp, crab, oysters, etc) stuffed in french bread (baguette).

Equipped with left-over fried calamari from last night, 1/3 of a loaf of french bread, and some homemade coleslaw (coleslaw mix or finely chopped green salad mix, fat-free mayo, white vinegar, salt and black pepper); I was ready to go on culinary vacation in my mind.

All you have to do is;

Heat the french bread and calamari in the microwave for about 1 minute
Cut open the french bread
Pile on the fried calamari
Top with the homemade coleslaw

Then, sit back, imagine yourself in the French Quarter of New Orleans and bite into this yummy sandwich.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Spicy Shrimp and Corn on the cob

Ever had a sudden craving for some plump and juicy shrimp? I know I have!

In an effort to satisfy it, you start to think of how long it'll take you to get to your favorite seafood joint, or where the closest substitute might be.

No need to fret folks! In less time than it'll take you to drive there, or place the order and have it delivered, you could whip up a satisfying and nutritious option from your own kitchen.

Inspired by a television commercial where this lady opens up a dish filled with gorgeous looking shrimp and corn (sorry, don't remember which restaurant was being advertised), and an Aussie fave - 'shrimp on the barbie', I came up with this simple 'Spicy Shrimp' recipe.

Ingredients
Raw shrimp (shelled but tail-on)
Seasoned salt
Cayenne pepper (optional)
Olive oil

Preparation
Mix shrimp with seasoned salt and cayenne pepper (to taste)
Let stand for about 10 minutes
Heat up a pan/skillet on medium
Drizzle with olive oil
Add shrimp
Cook on each side for about 3 minutes (until turns completely pink)

Serve along side corn on the cob cooked your favorite way (green giant has pretty decent frozen ones which you can prepare in about 10 minutes in the microwave).

Forget about eating utensils 'just this once' and get your fingers and hands all up in it... Enjoy(I know I did)!

WW friends - 1 cup (or 4 oz) of this spicy shrimp recipe = 2 points