Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Polenta

I was browsing through foodnetwork.com as I often do, and came across a recipe for "shrimp & grits". I was instantly won over by the picture, it just looked so delicious and fresh, especially with the little flecks of flat leaf parsley scattered all over the top.

I've never had grits and certainly there is not a box in my pantry, but I know its similar to polenta [ which I love] so I decided to swap the two and make this meal. This was such a quick, easy and comforting dinner. It only took about 20 minutes tops, and only that long because I had to wait for polenta water to boil. While I was waiting, the chef-to-be in me decided to make a shrimp stock with the shells. It is now in the freezer, ready for any soup I feel like creating.

I imagine you can add any flavor combination you'd like to these shrimp and the sauce. I added a splash of white wine to mine instead of the water that is called for. The Jewish girl in me did slightly feel guilty, but shellfish is too good to pass up.

Delish!

40 Clove Garlic Chicken with Pommes Puree

I first heard about this dish at the Stinking Rose restaurant in LA. I didn't order it there, but I saw it on the menu and I remember thinking "wow, thats a lot of garlic". Then again, they do also serve garlic ice cream.

I found some version of the recipe a few years ago actually and attempted to make it. This was before I completely knew what I was doing. During attempt #1,  I understood the concept of braising but didn't brown the meat enough and I wasn't sure what to do with this whole pot of cooking liquid after I removed the chicken. But now, it became a beautiful reduction sauce with lots of fragrant garlic.

40 cloves!

The elements in this dish happen to be some of my favorite ingredients. They are like the holy trinity of deliciousness: garlic, rosemary, and chicken (& a splash of white wine). All pureed together after reduced enough, makes a velvety smooth and rich sauce.  I made pommes puree [mashed potatoes] as a side dish because chicken + potatoes are one of the best combinations.

I also attempted to practice my plating skills with this one, which I normally don't do. Plating never seemed so important to me until I took my last culinary class & there are just so many creative ways to make food look even better.

Garlic-Herb Breadsticks

I was browsing around on the Food Network's website and I came across a bunch of "almost famous" recipes; their versions of popular restaurant dishes. I spotted one for Olive Garden's breadsticks, and just had to make it! The only good thing about the Olive Garden is the breadsticks, so it was a must to bake them.

The recipe is pretty simple, only a few ingredients, and the wait time for rising is only 45 minutes. These are definitely doable in a short period of time. They are just oh-so good when you brush a freshly baked breadstick with butter and sprinkle on a little salt, garlic powder, and oregano. Yum!

Paired with some pasta, you have a nice meal! I used this recipe here and added in some shredded roasted chicken breasts.