JALAPENO POPPERS

Alright, another unhealthy appetizer, but what can I say, they're quick, fun,and great to serve to your guests!

WHAT YOU NEED ( for a party of 6-8)

8 jalapeno peppers (I would say 1 per serving)
4 OZ of onions/chives or vegetable cream cheese (if you only have regular, then just add some garlic and onion powder)
Cheddar Cheese (optional)
WET MIXTURE: 1 Cup Milk mixed with 1 egg
2 Cups of Flour
1 cup of panko breadcrumbs
1 tbsp of onion powder
1 tbsp of garlic powder
1 tbsp of oregano (or any herb)
1/2 tbsp salt

LET'S GET STARTED

1) Cut an opening down each jalapeno, and empty the seeds. I suggest you use gloves for this procedure!
2) Add some of the seeds to the cream cheese if you want it to be spicy, and some cheddar cheese.
3) Stuff each jalapeno with the cream cheese, then cut them in half.
4) dip each piece in wet mixture, then flour. Place in the fridge until ready to fry.
5) Add the breadcrumbs and the rest of the ingredients to the remaining flour.
6) Dip the jalapeno in wet mixture, then dry mixture. repeat steps as often as you'd like (I did it twice)

Serve with ketchup or any sauce you'd like!

Enjoy!

Bang Bang Shrimp

This is basically why we go to Bonefish Grill. My husband and I love this dish, and it's great for anyone that wants that extra kick in their seafood.

WHAT YOU NEED

20-25 pieces peeled shrimp (Serves 4 as appetizer, add more if serving as a side dish)
Vegetable Oil for frying
Breading
1 egg and cup of milk whisked together
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (You can use normal breadcrumbs but it wont be as crunchy)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon rubbed (ground) sage
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
Sauce
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup of chili garlic sauce (I use the Vietnamese sauce found in international section of grocery store)
1 tspn of hot sauce (if you want it spicier)
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon rice or white vinegar

LET'S GET STARTED

1) Combine flour, panko, salt, black pepper, sage, onion powder, garlic powder, and basil in a dish.
2) Prepare the egg and milk in another bowl.
3) Bread the shrimp by first coating each with the breading mixture., then dip into the egg and milk mixture, and then back into the breading.
4) Once you finish breading the shrimp, cool them in the fridge for about 30 minutes. You can bread them in the morning, and fry them right before your guests come!
5)Combine all ingredients for the spicy sauce in a small bowl; cover and set aside.

6) Fry 5 pieces at a time on medium heat for about 5 minutes or until golden brown, then drain on paper towel.
7) Once you finish frying, place them in the sauce and toss. Then place on a plate and garnish with green onions, or parsley.


ENJOY!

Tomato Soup

This is one of the easiest soups I've ever made. Use different variety and colors of tomatoes, and it will be a crowd pleaser!


WHAT YOU NEED

3 or 4 different kinds of tomatoes
12-15 leaves of basil
1/2 to 1 medium onion (1/2 for 4 serving, full for 6 or more)
1/3 cup of heavy cream (Optional)
Salt & Pepper
2 cloves of garlic
Olive oil

LET'S GET STARTED

1) Heat oven to 375
2) Chop up all the tomatoes and onions, and place them flat on a tray
3) Add the garlic and basil, then drizzle the olive oil on top (about 4 tablespoon)
4) Put tray in the oven until they soften (about 30 minutes)
5) Once out of the oven, put the baked mixture in a pot on the stove top. Add 1 cup of water (2 if serving 8)
6) Bring to a boil, then use the blender to turn it into a smooth consistency.
7) Add salt & pepper to taste
8) If a creamy consistency is desired, add the heavy cream.

Enjoy!

Sweet-n-Spicey Meatballs

I've made these a couple of times for my guests this month, and some requested the recipe so here we go! Now I don't have a recipe for the actual Meatballs, I basically just get lean beef, some bread crumbs, spices, and one egg.


WHAT YOU NEED

½ Cup Onions
1 Teaspoon of Crushed Red Pepper
1 Cup of Ketchup
1 Teaspoon of Vinegar (or Lemon Juice)
2 teaspoons of Brown Sugar (or Honey)
1 Tablespoon of Olive Oil
Sesame Seeds (Optional)
Lettuce (Optional for Presentation)

LET’S GET STARTED

1) Sauté onions and Olive Oil until they turn translucent.
2) Add crushed red peppers, and sauté for another minute
3) Add ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar, and whisk
4) Add meatballs and toss
5) Season with sesame seeds


Enjoy!