Spicy Prawns

Gosh - the first REAL post of the New Year!  And it's only taken me 26 days, 20 hours and some-minutes.  Whew!  I have recipes to share, I really do!  It's finding the time to share them that's hard to come by!

Winter is upon us here in our small town.  Snow is falling here and there, although not nearly as much as last year (thankfully).  And we've made it past our cold snap that always arrives in the middle of January.  Right when a toboggan party would work GREAT for Biggie Wiggie on her birthday.

And so, huddled by the fire, we're on the downhill slide into what one would call spring.  If only!!  Because once the snow starts to melt and making a left hand turn is easy (if you've ever seen the snow plowed into the middle of the road first thing in the morning you'll know what I mean) we always get one.last.dump.

Mr. Hungry and I love to share a treat when the kids go to bed.  No, not THAT kind of treat.  A snack.  One that tastes great and it easy to make while sugar plums dance in the wee one's minds.  And this time, we decided that some prawns would be good!

Bruchetta

As you may well know, I love garlic.  Garlic bread.  Garlic and pasta.  Roasted garlic and whatever you can find!  There's just something about the smell and the taste that makes my mouth water!

We're making dinner for family (another prime rib feast) and I wanted a few appetizers to tide us over while things get finished.  I'm making the Roasted Peppers and Goat Cheese  and thought that a nice, garlic bruchetta would be perfect with the baguette rounds.  And make sure everyone is eating it - then no one can complain about the smell!

That, and it's one of our favorite appetizers.  And Mr. Hungry's Mom - she loves it too!  So, I got her into the action and had her help as there was a load of tomatoes to chop.  So, chop she did.  And she had 10 fingers when it was all over - so SCORE!  Got to love when friends and family come to help! 

So, tonight we're feasting.  Family is so important to us, it's nice to have them over.  Not only do the entertain the kids - but they usually offer some pleasant conversation and a few laughs!  It's relaxing and no one has to pretend that they like each other, because as family - we LOVE each other!

 

Roasted Garlic and Peppers with Goat Cheese Baguettes

Roasted Garlic and Peppers with
Goat Cheese Baguette

Mr. Hungry and I love to eat together.  And sometimes cook together.  It's like I have my very own helper, who's not scared to roll his sleeves up and do the dirty work (which is usually running down to the freezer and washing the dishes) plus chop, mix and prepare anything I need.

We also have Date Nights.  Getting out of the house can be tricky at times, and expensive!  But why go out when we can eat in and have a pretty splendid meal for next to nothing!

So, after the kids go down for the night, we have Date Night.  It's relaxing, it's romantic - it's just the two of us! 

 Tonight is Date Night.

And I have a secret addiction.  A few really - but lately it's been goat cheese.  Soft, spreadable, delightful goat cheese.  And this appetizer is good for a crowd, low maintenance for the cook (just plop it all on the table and guests can create their own) and ever so good!