Coconut Shrimp welcomes Football Season

Isn't buying a deep fryer is like buying cigarettes? I'm not one for fried foods and it seems like a messy way to cook but I was feeling adventurous and gave this recipe a whirl. I used a large saucepan with a lid to prevent any oil splatter and it worked like a gem! These shrimp would be perfect for a party or potluck. Butterfly the shrimp to serve as a main dish for added presentation, if you care.

Coconut Shrimp


1 egg
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2/3 cup beer
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups flaked coconut
24 shrimp
3 cups oil for frying

In medium bowl, combine egg, 1/2 cup flour, beer and baking powder. Place 1/4 cup flour and coconut in two separate bowls.

Hold shrimp by tail, and dredge in flour, shaking off excess flour. Dip in egg/beer batter; allow excess to drip off. Roll shrimp in coconut, and place on a baking sheet lined with wax paper. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, heat oil to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) in a deep-fryer. (OR add an inch of Canola oil to a large sauce pan or stock pot and heat until bubbling slightly.)

Fry shrimp in batches: cook, 2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Using tongs, remove shrimp to paper towels to drain.

Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce. Try 1/4 cup orange marmalade or pineapple preserves with about 1 tsp Dijon mustard and 1/2 tsp horseradish. Add all to taste and I promise, you will never order prawns out again!

*This recipe is surprisingly simple and takes very little time but the 30 minutes in the frig is crucial if you want the batter to stay on the shrimp when frying. Use extra large shrimp and you have fewer to drudge and fry!

Creamy Cinnamon-Sugar Dip

This dip is so wonderful because kids and adults both love it! Serve with fruit for the mommies and Teddy Grahams for the kiddos and you have the perfect playgroup snack. Greek yogurt is low in sugar and high in protein, so tell your babe to eat up!!

Creamy Cinnamon-Sugar Dip



1/4 c. cream cheese
1/4 c. greek yogurt
1 TBSP brown sugar
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1 TBSP milk

Mix all 5 ingredients together in a bowl, until smooth. Viola!

Delish Side Dish 2!

I love potatoes in every form. If you do too, you MUST try this simple, flavorful, easy dish. This are Heaven wrapped in tin foil.
Pioneer Woman's Potato Bundles



4-5 Russet potatoes, cut into chunks
Yellow or white onion, cut into chunks
Butter
Heavy cream (or milk)
Kosher salt
Paprika
Freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons minced parsley

Pile potatoes and onions on a square of foil. Add 2 tablespoons butter, splash on some cream, then sprinkle (GENEROUSLY) on salt, paprika, and black pepper. Wrap bundles tightly and bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes, or until extremely tender.

Delish Side Dish 1!

Since zucchini is always on-sale during the summer, I have probably made this dish once a day for the last 2 months! I love it for lunch instead of a salad.
Japanese Zucchini



1 handful chopped white onion
1-2 medium zucchinis, cut however you like
2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 tsp toasted sesame seeds

Sautee onion in a pan with a tiny bit of oil for about 5 minutes. Stir in zucchini, teriyaki sauce, soy sauce and sesame seeds. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until tender.