I'm kind of a foodie. A lot of times I watch The Food Network strictly for comfort, though there are many occasions when a recipe will rally me to get off my arse and give it a whirl.
On Saturday, Giada De Laurentiis was the inspiration for the dish you see to your left: a shrimpy, lemony, garlicky, shalloty, arugula filled delight, and very easy to create. Although I have to warn you next time I might add less than the recommended 1/2 cup of olive oil, since I've sometimes found Giada's measurements can be a teensy bit off. (Hence her penne ala vodka that actually tasted like vodka. I was nervous to bring the leftovers to work for fear of smelling like a wino. Not that there's anything wrong with winos...) Other than that, I find Giada simply glorious. Except, does anyone else find her vast cleavage distracting? Sometimes my eyes just don't know where to focus: on the pancetta or on her herculean decolletage.
This was a scrumptious linguine dish, though.
PS: Surprisingly, frozen shrimp are quite nice, especially given the fact that in the past I've ruined many a raw shrimp by overcooking it. I've discovered even my dreadful (drug dealin' at the deli counter) local supermarket carries pre-cleaned peeled frozen shrimp, and I think now that I've purchased them I'll be far less squeamish in the future.
PPS: I really have a soft spot for arugula. After last year's spinach scare I found myself turning to arugula for solace, and this nutty leafy green delivered, it really delivered. It's tasty on a sandwich, too, or wilted in Pasta Puttanesca.
PPPS: This particular shrimp dish pairs well with a glass (or three) of Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling. (Who am I kidding, a peanut butter sandwich with crushed Lays chips goes well with this heavenly wine.)
PPPPS: Why is it more fun to say "Shrimps" than "Shrimp?" It reminds me of my sinister childhood neighbor J.P. and the excuses he'd make up not to play with me: "Na, I can't, my Ma's taking me ta K-Marts ta buy a toy." (And remember I'm from Massachusetts, so we actually pronounce it K-Maahts.) Call me wacky, but I find inappropriate pluralization to be one of life's simplest and best joys.
If you're a shrimp(s) fan, click here to try this dish. It was refreshing and light. Hubbers agreed.
xoxo ~The O. B.
Comments