Herbed Grilled Shrimp

Based on pesto, this is a simple herb spread that goes great on shrimp or any other grilled fish. It can be made ahead and added to the shrimp closer to cooking or you can marinate the shrimp for longer for a richer flavor.

Herbed Grilled Shrimp

1 cup fresh basil

1 cup arugula

1/4 cup fresh oregano

2 - 4 cloves garlic

salt and pepper

EVOO

3 lbs shrimp

Place all the ingredients in the blender.

Mix until smooth.

Coat the shrimp and let marinate at least 20 minutes while the grill warms up.

Grill on a hot BBQ for about 3 - 4 minutes a side until cooked through.

Serve hot or at room temperature.

Lessons in Pizza making

A part of the "deal" with getting the pizza oven, was that my step-father-in-law insisted that I teach him to make pizza. Last night was our first try and he did a great job.

Here he is stretching out the dough.

Adding sauce.

And here is the first pizza...and tasty too.

Lunch for 12

The other day we had a large group over to my in-laws for lunch. Along with some pizzas (see previous post) I made a bunch of quick salads to serve beforehand. Most of these can be made ahead, and do better with a little time to let the flavors meld.

Grilled Mushrooms

Tuna with dressing and micro greens

White beans

Burratta with grilled pepper and oven roasted tomatoes

Caprese

Taking the show on the road...

We are spending some time in Tucson over the holiday, and what a surprise when I got here. My step-father-law got a pizza oven... let me repeat... A PIZZA OVEN!!! Let's just say that over the next several weeks there will be a LOT of pizza made.

I made the no-knead dough right away and made my first pizza's in the oven last night... they were good.

Nothing like working outside...gives you extra room to toss the dough.

There goes the maiden pizza...

There is number 2.

Cooking away...

And the first one out...

And the ultimate judge...gave it two thumbs up.