Busy Diva's Dinner Menu: 12/01/2015

Diva Cooking 101

Divas cook gorgeous things that are fabulous enough to share with friends and family. They just don't cook much. Every diva needs a few, easy signature dishes to get by. Are you a diva cook?

Divas cook while listening to Billie Holiday, Muddy Waters, or the Rolling Stones.

Divas cook while sipping Champagne, Chardonnay, or a martini.

Divas cook with a feather boa draped around their shoulders.

While cooking, divas nibble gin-soaked olives or Champagne-saturated strawberries.

Divas cook while wearing an apron that says, "Tomorrow is another Chardonnay."

A diva's favorite breakfast is last night's appetizers.

Divas don't stress over particular amounts in any recipe. Glugs, plops, and handfuls are accurate enough.

Divas can cook with boas because diva recipes do not require many steps. Still, the food is fabulous.

Saturday, December 19, 2015

Spicy Shrimp Appetizer

This recipe comes from an unlikely source, my friend Lord Byron. He can grill, but doesn't. He knows how to make a salad, but doesn't. I'm not really sure what he eats day-to-day, but he sure can make a fantastic shrimp appetizer. I've made a few creative changes. I omit his call for bacon and use real butter instead of margarine. He leaves the entire shells on--and eats the shells! This diva doesn't do that. I also put his precise measurements for spices here, but divas don't pay much attention to those either. Just shake and stir, baby!

Spicy Shrimp Appetizer

1 ½ lbs. raw shrimp, shelled

½ lb. butter

2 Tbs. Dijon mustard

1 ½ tsp. chili powder

¼ tsp. basil

¼ tsp. thyme

1 tsp. pepper

½ tsp. oregano

2 cloves garlic, crushed

2 Tbs. Old Bay Seasoning

½ tsp. hot sauce

Place the shrimp in the bottom of a pretty baking dish.

Simmer all the rest of the ingredients for a bit.

Pour butter mixture over shrimp.

Bake in the oven for 7 minutes or so until shrimp is pink.

Make it a meal: Serve ahead of any BBQ items.

Wine: Chardonnay