Kendi's Kitchen: Shrimp Scampi pasta

One of the blogs I look at every day has amazing recipes on it.  I think those girls really love to cook.  I haven't had the guts to try anything until they posted a pasta with shrimp.  To be honest, cooking shrimp intimidates me.  But the ladies at A Beautiful Mess gave good instructions on how to cook the frozen stuff, so when Kevin called and asked "what do you want for dinner?", I emailed him the link.  He said he could do it so we were off and running to our first meal using shrimp.  It came out great!  Now, the possibilities are endless...

Cheers!

Shrimp Scampi Pasta via A Beautiful Mess

1/2 red bell pepper
1/4 cup chopped onion
4-5 garlic cloves, chopped
4 tablespoons butter
1/2 tablespoon EVOO
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 cup white wine
1/2 lb. cooked, frozen shrimp
salt + pepper
1/2 cup Parmesan
linguine
1/4 cup chopped parsley (fresh is best but dried works too)
1 lemon

In a large pan melt the butter and oil together. Add the onions and red pepper, cook.  Add in the garlic and let cook another minute or two. Pour in the wine and cook until reduced slightly.
Cook the pasta.  Drain and set aside.  Add the shrimp to the veggie pan (thaw it first).  Add red pepper flakes and lightly salt and pepper everything. Once everything is warmed through but there is still plenty of liquid in the pan add in the cooked pasta and Parmesan. Toss so everything gets lightly coated in the cheese.  Squeeze on some fresh lemon juice and sprinkle on the parsley.

Really good.  An easy recipe to try cooking shrimp.  If you use a whole box of pasta, you get a couple meals out of it.

Stats
Time:  30 min
Servings:  4
Leftovers:  yes
Cost:  $6

Fourth of July

Since I wasn't on call for the fourth, we decided to head up to Chattanooga, TN to visit Kevin's friend Shawn.  We had a BBQ, traded recipes and told stories.  I even tried out a new pin.  It was a great evening.  

Oh, and we made a new friend.

Cheers!

This is Chewy.  He's was such a little wiggler!

 I found "Firecracker Cookies" on Pinterest.  They seemed pretty easy so I gave them a try.  I made some sugar cookies, frosted them with white and blue frosting and sprinkled red Pop Rocks on top.  Well, didn't know that the moisture in frosting was enough to set the Pop Rocks off.  They starting popping right away.  By the time it was ready to eat them, the Pop Rocks were all melted and gross looking.  Next time, I will add the Pop Rocks right before I serve them.

70's Pop Rocks

Kendi's Kitchen: One Pot Pasta

Kevin does most of the cooking at the Kendi Haus (he is braver than me).  I've said it before and I'll say it again: I'm so lucky I married a man that can cook.

We've had this twice.  It's from Pinterest via Martha Stewart.  I was skeptical at first, but it turned out really nice.  Highly recommended for a quick dinner that will impress.

Cheers!

One Pot Pasta (link to Martha)

1 box of linguini
1 can diced tomatos
1 sliced onion
4-5 sliced garlic cloves (we always use more garlic than the recipe says)
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
some fresh basil leaves (we just grab some and go)
4 1/2 cups of chicken broth (we use the powder and and make our own)
2 tbsp EVOO
2 tsp oregano

Cut up you veggies, make the broth and get the spices.  Put everything in a big pot.  You don't have to cook the pasta first, just put everything in the pot.  Cover the pot and bring to a boil.  Reduce the heat to simmer for 10 minutes, covered.  Stir every now and then.  Cook until there's no liquid left, or just a little left.  Season with salt, pepper and Parmesan. 

You wouldn't think this would work, but the pasta cooks and it has a lot of flavor.  Makes great leftovers if you use the whole box of pasta.

Stats
Time:  20 min
Servings: 4+
Cost: $3
Leftovers:  yes

Get YDFM bread as a great side

Spring Photoshoot

I am very excited to finally be able to show these pictures!  I found out about this fabulous photographer when my friend Tanisha was planning her wedding.  She showed me her work and I fell in love with it.  I decided that if I was ever going to get some pictures taken in GA, it would be by her.  She offered a special deal last Black Friday and I snatched up one of the gift certificates.  Kevin and I took our pictures this April.  Since we never got our engagement pictures from our wedding photog (long story), it was nice to finally have something lovey-dovey to frame. 

Cheers!

All photography by Expressions by Brandy 

Beer and Flamingos

Last weekend I drove back to MI to celebrate Kiki and Jen's upcoming wedding.  It was a full day of shenanigans with a bridal shower during the day and a bar crawl at night for a bachelorette party, all in the fun city of Grand Rapids.  If you are ever in GR, I highly suggest a tapas dinner at San Chez followed by drinks at one of the many breweries.  End the night with singing and dancing at Mojos piano bar. 

Congrats Kiki and Jen!  Love you tons and can't wait til your big day in July!

Cheers!

The Brides

Lys and Lo trying something new at Grand Rapids Brewery

Glitter bombed.  This happened a lot that night.

Random:  giant wild turkeys at the apartment complex

Doody Head?

We FINALLY got a Five Below down here.  I fell in love with this store when my BFF took me to it in MI last year.  Everything in it $5 or less.  My best purchases have been $5 rain boots and dog beds and $3 Sally Hanson nail stickers, which retail in other stores for 10 bucks.  All the parents out there, they have great selection of toys.

Speaking of toys, while I was browsing the board game section, I came across this:

Yup.  That would be a game where to try to catch cloth piles of poop onto your head (it sticks to the Velcro).  I'm sure this is probably really fun at drunk college parties...

Cheers!

Happy Mother's Day!

To all the moms out there, we at the Kendi Haus hope you have a great day!  For the seasoned moms, may today bring appreciation for all the years of hard work, love and advice.  For the new moms, may you enjoy some rest and relaxation and snuggles from your minis.  :)

xoxo,
Haus of Kendi