Linguine with Shrimp Scampi

Another true and tested recipe that has become a family favorite - shrimp scampi with linguine.  And don't worry, I will eventually post recipes not linked to the Food Network :)  I like this recipe for its simplicity in preparation and amount of ingredients.  Yet, it's full of flavor, very rich, and kinda fancy if you plate it well.  What my husband enjoys most about it is that a little goes a long way.  It's great for company even when you're on a shoe-string budget like us!  A couple of boxes of linguine and a couple of pounds of shrimp and you're done.  I usually serve this with crisp, green broccoli that has been quickly blanched and flavored with garlic infused olive oil.  And, of course, you need some crusty, buttery french bread as well. My only warning is to cook the shrimp for a short amount of time, just a couple of minutes on each side, really.  Enjoy!

Easy & Affordable Dinner: Linguine with Shrimp Scampi

Sunday Dinner

Cooking Sunday dinner for my mother is of detrimental importance to yours truly.   Perhaps it's my Latino culture that dictates this 'need' to keep my family close and happy.  I'm fortunate that my mom lives 30 minutes down the road, but you know that real life makes that short distance seem like 300 miles most days of the week.  Even though my mom has been a U.S. citizen for over 40 years, her palette is very much limited to Tex-Mex dishes and food.  Needless to say, I like to expand her horizons.  I've been enjoying the Cooking Channel's 'Extra Virgin' with Debi Mazaar and her husband Gabriele.  This is his recipe for Tuscan beef with polenta and a side of green beans with cherry tomatoes.  Truly, this was an easy meal to make, and not very expensive.  Follow the links to the recipe for the beef and the green beans.  For the polenta I simply purchased an already cooked roll, sliced it into medallions, and gently fried it over a bit of olive oil.  Enjoy!   

Green Beans with Cherry Tomatoes
 Tuscan Beef Stew with Polenta