What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? Xia, Gan Shao which translates to Sweet and Sour Shrimp! I know I’m stretching the alphabet a bit thin with this one, but I am crazy about shrimp! I improvised a little, so I apologize in advance. Hopefully this will become one of your all time favorites.
Put shrimp in a baking dish, single layer. Mix remaining ingredients and pour over shrimp. Marinate 1 hour. Remove shrimp from marinade and place in a nonstick vegetable grilling basket. Discard marinade. Preheat outdoor grill for medium heat. Grill 2 minutes on each side, or until opaque. Do not over-cook! Serve with Asian Sesame dressing infused with Sriracha sauce.
“The turkeys wade close to catch the bees
What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? Watercress Bacon Dinner Salad! If you like salad, you will find yourself saying, “OMG, I want a second helping!” My husband and I can literally eat this dinner salad until we think we will burst! And then we’ll have one bite more! (P.S. Spring is the best time of year to pick up watercress at the Farmer’s Market.)
Hot Bacon Dressing: Add 3 tablespoons bacon grease, vinegar, honey, and Dijon to a small saucepan or skillet over medium-low heat. Whisk mixture together and heat thoroughly.
Pour hot dressing over the salad; toss to combine. Arrange eggs over the top, add croutons, sprinkle on grated Parmesan cheese, and Voilà! Dinner is served!
I am thrilled beyond words to be nominated for “The Versatile Blogger Award” by another Midwestern girl-at-heart blogger, Jessica, of semisweettooth. She manages to balance health, beauty, and food in her active blog. If you like eating whatever you want without all the guilt, you must see what she has in store!
“The Versatile Blogger Award” is for the blogs that bring special talents to Life. In choosing nominees, the quality of the writing is considered, the uniqueness of the topics presented, and the level of love displayed in the words on the virtual page. An added quality of authenticity to the photographs is evident through the field of vision.
The guidelines are as follows. Answer the questions you have been given, nominate 10 different bloggers, and feel free to revise a new set of questions for them to answer. Ready. Set. GO!
1) What is something people might be surprised to learn about you? I enjoy free-style bartending to create unique and special drinks.
2) What is a memory you have from third grade? I was terrified of my Math teacher for putting everyone on the spot with oral speed-quizzes.
3) Do you play any musical instruments, if so, what? Not really, but I can make the best sounding two-finger whistle at a baseball game!
4) Have you had your 15 minutes of fame? Yes. First-runner up in a Beauty Contest.
5) Have you ever met someone famous? Yes, if you count Jim Caviezel, Nicholas Sparks, or Chris Isaak.
6) I feel the most beautiful when I ___________. I am with my husband!
7) What’s something you hope will never come back in style? I could do without Ladies’ Shoulder Pads in everything!
8) What song reminds you of your high school years? Layla by Derek and the Dominoes (Eric Clapton).
9) Did you graduate from college, if so, what was your degree? Community College for me plus Life’s experiences.
10) If you could eat one dish for the rest of your life, what would it be? Popcorn.
Come closer and discover my Nominees:
3) HappyHETU
4) Kim L Hine
8) Mabuhay
I thought Jessica’s questions proved thought-provoking, so please answer the same questions and continue to bless others with this multi-faceted award.
Pay It Forward!
Gail of snapshotsincursive
What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? Virginia Smoked Ham Sandwich! The wonderful thing about baking a Virginia smoked ham is the assortment of menu options you glean from a three-pound ham purchase. And with picnic season upon us, this is a quick and easy meal to enjoy at the park.
Greetings, Food Lovers!
I have been nominated by Freda https://aromaticessence.wordpress.com for my third award, and it is (drum roll, please) THE LIEBSTER AWARD! I humbly acknowledge the award and am honored to list it among my accomplishments. I enjoy Freda’s blog because she has creative recipes with delicious results! Surprise yourself and become a Follower. It’s a wonderful way to connect with fellow bloggers as well.
The rules are as follows:
1.Thank and link to the nominating blog.
2.Answer their 10 questions and propose 10 new ones for your nominees.
3. Nominate a few blogs and tell them that they’ve been nominated.
4.Write a post containing the questions.
5.Include these rules in the post.
The 10 questions for me to answer include:
1. what is your favorite cuisine? French, of course.
2. Tea or coffee? I love coffee, especially a double shot of espresso over ice with a splash of cream.
3. Your best childhood memory? In a family of brothers, I was ecstatic when, at the age of 12, I got a baby sister!
4. Where would your dream vacation be? and why? One of my dream vacations came true four years ago when I travelled to the south of France in celebration of the engagement to my husband. The romance, wine, shopping, and love shared was everything dreams are made of in preparation for marital bliss.
5. What is your most and least liked spice? Call me crazy, but I really like crushed red pepper flakes. Farther down the list would be anise.
6. If you could have one super power , what would that be and why? I wish I could speak and understand fluent French.
7. What do you do to bounce back when you feel really low? I pray, delve into scripture for comfort, protection, and love. Then I count my blessings.
8. What have you benefitted from blogosphere? The freedom of creativity and expression have opened up a new world for me among fellow bloggers.
9. Your favorite online shopping site? No brainer…….Williams-Sonoma for kitchen items.
10. Do you prefer reading a book or watching a movie that has been adapted from the same book ? Reading, absolutely. I enjoy the experience of boundless imagination.
With that being said, here are my Nominees!
1. Ágika
5. From the soul to the nib of the pen
These are the 10 questions for the noble Nominees:
1. What is your favorite foreign food?
2. Would you rather eat alone at a fancy restaurant OR own an award winning restaurant?
3. Is there anything you wish would make a Fashion comeback?
4. Are you Romantic OR Realistic?
5. Name 3 people you would share a meal with if your choices were endless.
6. What is one secret about yourself that no one knows, but you wouldn’t mind revealing?
7. If you could live forever at a “Magic Age”, what would it be? And Why?
8. Would you rather be on the cover of a magazine or walk the Red Carpet?
9. Name one thing on your “Bucket List” that you have fulfilled.
10. Which do you prefer—-Dark Chocolate, White Chocolate, or Milk Chocolate?
Please accept the nomination and Pay it Forward!
Congratulations!
Gail snapshotsincursive
What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? Upside-Down Pineapple Bundt Cake! This light and easy alternative for dessert will satisfy your sweet tooth without packing on the pounds. The secret is the tropical taste of pineapple.
THE MINT JULEP
“Then comes the zenith of man’s pleasure.
Then comes the julep – the mint julep.
Who has not tasted one has lived in vain.
…Then when it is made, sip it slowly.
August suns are shining,
the breath of the south wind is upon you.
It is fragrant, cold and sweet – it is seductive.
No maiden’s kiss is tenderer or more refreshing,
no maiden’s touch could be more passionate.
Sip it and dream – you cannot dream amiss.
Sip it and dream – it is a dream itself.”
~ 19th Century American Journalist
