Spicy Chipotle Shrimp with Creamy Avocado Crema

 

 Light, flavorful, and easy to prepare, these spicy chipotle shrimp with creamy avocado crema are the perfect finger food for any occasion.  They're ideal for a summer barbecue, a casual get-together, or even a fancy appetizer spread.

 

The chipotle peppers in the marinade add a smoky heat that is balanced beautifully by the cool and creamy avocado crema.  The large shrimp cook quickly and are guaranteed to disappear fast!

 

Ingredients:

 

For the chipotle shrimp:

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

2 teaspoons minced chipotle chili in adobo sauce (adjust to your spice preference)

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the creamy avocado crema:

1 ripe avocado, pitted and diced

1/4 cup sour cream

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

 

Marinate the shrimp: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, chipotle chili, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the shrimp and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.

 

Prepare the avocado crema:  In a blender or food processor, combine diced avocado, sour cream, cilantro, lime juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

 

Cook the shrimp: Heat a grill pan or grill over medium-high heat. Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers (if using) or arrange them in a single layer on the grill pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.

 

Serve:  Transfer the cooked shrimp to a platter and spoon the avocado crema over them. Garnish with additional chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice, if desired.

 

Tips:

 

For a richer flavor, use marinated artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers as part of the shrimp skewers.

If you don't have a grill pan, you can cook the shrimp in a large skillet over medium heat.

Serve the shrimp with toothpicks for easy dipping.

The avocado crema can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

These delicious spicy chipotle shrimp with creamy avocado crema are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!  With their vibrant flavors and easy preparation, they're the perfect addition to your next gathering.

Grilled Summer Fruit Skewers with Honey-Lime Glaze

 

 Summer is synonymous with fresh, delicious fruits, and what better way to celebrate the season than with a simple yet stunning recipe? Grilled fruit skewers with a honey-lime glaze are the perfect solution for a light and refreshing dessert, a healthy side dish, or even a fun party appetizer.

 

This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to your favorite fruits and flavor profiles. It's also a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen, allowing them to help assemble the skewers and choose their favorite dipping sauce.

 

Ingredients:

 

For the fruit skewers:

2 cups assorted seasonal fruits (such as strawberries, blueberries, peaches, pineapple chunks, watermelon)

1 cup wooden skewers (soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning)

For the honey-lime glaze:

1/4 cup honey

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

1 tablespoon melted butter

Pinch of ground cinnamon (optional)

Instructions:

 

Prepare the fruit: Wash and dry all fruits. Cut them into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are similar in size for even cooking.

 

Assemble the skewers: Thread the fruit pieces onto the soaked wooden skewers, alternating colors and textures for visual appeal.

 

Make the honey-lime glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, lime juice, and melted butter. Whisk constantly until the glaze simmers and thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cinnamon, if using.

 

Grill the skewers: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until grill marks appear and the fruit is slightly softened.

 

Glaze and serve: Brush the hot fruit skewers generously with the honey-lime glaze. You can also serve the glaze on the side for dipping. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

 

Tips:

 

For a smoky flavor, add a few wood chips to your grill while preheating.

If you don't have a grill, you can broil the skewers in your oven for a few minutes until slightly charred.

Get creative with your fruit combinations! Try using stone fruits like plums or nectarines, or tropical fruits like mango or papaya.

For a richer glaze, substitute brown sugar for the honey.

Serve the skewers with a dollop of whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for an extra decadent treat.

This easy and flavorful recipe is a delightful way to enjoy the bounty of summer fruits. So fire up your grill, grab your favorite fruits, and get ready to create a delicious and healthy treat!

Easy and Elegant Russian Tea Cakes

  

Russian Tea Cakes, also known as Snowball Cookies or Wedding Cookies, are a delightful and simple cookie recipe that is perfect for tea parties, holiday gatherings, or anytime you need a sweet treat.  These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are made with basic pantry staples and come together in no time.

 

Ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

½ cup powdered sugar

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

 

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the vanilla extract and almond extract, if using.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the chopped nuts.

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The cookies will still be soft in the center.

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Once the cookies are cool, roll them generously in powdered sugar. You can repeat this step once the cookies have cooled completely for an extra sugary coating.

Tips:

 

For a richer flavor, use brown butter instead of regular butter. To brown butter, simply melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, swirling it constantly, until it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma. Let it cool slightly before using.

If the dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it becomes manageable.

Don't overbake the cookies! They should be slightly golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center.

You can substitute chopped almonds, hazelnuts, or a mixture of nuts for the pecans or walnuts.

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Enjoy these delicious and easy Russian Tea Cakes! They are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Sweet and Simple Summer Berry Smoothie

 

As the summer sun peaks through our windows, it's natural to crave lighter, fresher breakfasts.  Who wants to stand over a hot stove when you can whip up a delicious and nutritious meal in minutes?

 

This sweet and simple summer berry smoothie is the perfect answer to your summertime breakfast woes. Packed with fresh berries, yogurt, and honey, it's a delightful way to greet the day.

 

Ingredients:

1 cup frozen mixed berries

1/2 cup plain yogurt (Greek yogurt or regular yogurt will both work)

1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy milk will work)

1 tablespoon honey

Handful of baby spinach (optional)

1/4 cup granola (optional, for topping)

Instructions:

 

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth and creamy.

Taste and adjust sweetness with additional honey, if desired.

Pour into a glass and top with granola and additional fresh berries, if desired.

Tips:

 

For a thicker smoothie, use less milk or add a frozen banana.

Don't have frozen berries? Fresh berries will work just fine. You should add a few ice cubes to achieve a chilled consistency.

Want to make it extra protein-packed? Add a scoop of protein powder to the blender.

This smoothie is a great base for customization! Add in a squeeze of lemon or orange juice, a dollop of nut butter, or a pinch of cinnamon for a flavor twist.

Enjoy!

 

This smoothie is a great way to get your day started on the right foot. It's nutritious, delicious, and easy to make.  So next time you're looking for a quick and refreshing breakfast, give this recipe a try!