Coconut Shrimp, Broccolini, and Cheese Grits

Well, nothing on this plate turned out bad, that's for sure!

Deep-fried coconut shrimp with a piña colada dipping sauce, cheesy baked grits, and sauteed broccolini.


I was going to make Oreo milkshakes for desert, but I just couldn't.

Garlicky Broccolini

Makes: 4 servings
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes
Printable Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 pounds broccolini
• 2 T extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt

1. Trim broccoloni and place into a skillet. Cover with water and bring to a boil.

2. Add salt and reduce heat to medium. Simmer 6-7 minutes until tender and bright green.

3. Drain broccolini and return skillet to stove top over medium heat.

4.Add garlic and oil. Cook 2-3 minutes. Add broccolini back to pan, coat, and serve.


Coconut Shrimp

Makes: 4-6 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes more/less depending on shrimp size

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded sweetened coconut
• 2 cups bread crumbs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs, beaten
• 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Salt
• Pepper

1. Heat oil to 350.

2. In a large bowl, combine the coconut and bread crumbs and season with salt and pepper.

3. In another bowl, place the flour.

3. In a third bowl, place the egg.

4. Dredge shrimp in flour and shake off excess.

5. Dip shrimp in egg and remove excess.

6. Coat shrimp in coconut/bread crumbs and fry in batches, 3-4 minutes. Drain. Serve with dipping sauce.


Pina Colada Dipping Sauce

Makes: 4-6 servings
Prep time: 0 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup pina colada non-alcoholic drink mix
• 1/2 cup crushed pineapple (canned)
• 4 T granulated sugar (or Splenda)

1. Mix all ingredients and chill at least 30 minutes before using.

Baked Grits

Makes: 6-8 servings
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked grits
• 2 T melted butter
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 1/2 cups evaporated milk
• 1 3/4 cups grated Cheddar
• 1/4 t paprika
• 1/4 t cayenne pepper

1. Preheat oven to 400.

2. Add melted butter, eggs and evaporated milk to grits.

3. Add 1 1/2 cups cheese (reserving 1/4 cup), paprika and cayenne. Combine thoroughly.

4. Pour mixture into a buttered casserole. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until brown. Sprinkle with more paprika and remaining cheese and turn to oven until cheese has melted.