Shrimp fried rice pineapple boats
In case you hadn’t noticed, I have this little thing for odd presentations. I like being able to eat out things that aren’t conventional dishes, too. I’m looking at you, avocados and watermelon bowls.
So obviously I want this, right? Not only does it sound delicious (hello chili mango sauce…how you doin’?), but it’s also in a fun, summery pineapple bowl. The only thing that might make it better is if it involved some awesome grill marks on the pineapple. Mmmmm.
How to host an amazing crawfish/shrimp boil party
A boil is usually done in a large pot (60 to 80 quarts) fitted with a strainer and heated by propane. However, some traditionalists see no need for a strainer and make use of a net or a wire mesh scoop. Seasonings include crab boil packets, cayenne pepper, hot sauce, salt, lemons, and bay leaf. Ears of corn, new potatoes, onions, and heads of garlic are usually included in shrimp and crawfish boils. Some people will add smoked sausage links and/or mushrooms. (….) The contents of the pot are removed, drained, and then dumped onto a newspaper covered table. (…) Bottles of hot sauce, lemons and melted butter are usually available
Seats should be aplenty, but musical chair should be encouraged. Adults and kids alike were all over the place, running about or playing games, but there was always a seat ready to be taken when feet needed a break.
Oh, and on the left, there, that’s the Boil Master. He’s in charge of manning the pot, making sure the ingredients go in at the right time, and keeping anxious fingers at bay.
Dump away!
It might look like there’s a helping hand involved there, but really, there’s just a line of people waiting to dig in and as soon as he backs up, they’ll crowd the table from all directions.
This is actually a picture from the second or third round, as evidenced by the carrots left behind from the previous go and a fresh batch going on top.
Blowing on it really isn’t going to help, but if you’re hungry and impatient, you can try, hehe.
Learning to peel your own shrimp can be hard…and gross even.
But the success is so worth it. Even the shrimp will be smiling by the end. :)
Ketchup, ranch dressing, squeezable butter and crackers should all be arranged on your best pink kids’ table. The crackers are perfect for the whole garlic clovers that will melt in your mouth or to pair with the butter while you’re chomping at the bit, waiting for the next round to come out.
Bags/corn hole can be a backyard blast, especially if you have little helpers in between. Horse-shoes could be fun, too, but watch out for little toes.
If accidents do happen, make sure you have a big sister around to comfort you. They’re the best.
Princess shoes are optional, but highly recommended.
They entertain for hours, encourage sharing and trading….
And really, even the big kids will love them. ;)
Just keep an eye out for runaway jeeps and princesses.
Shrimp hearts – Simple makes the difference
I know I’ve said it before about how a simple smiley face added to the top of a dish can make it 10x more appealing.
The rice beneath those shrimp tastes good, but it looks boring. The shrimp is pretty boring, too, really, but it doesn’t matter. Make it look like a heart and suddenly an 8-year-old romantic is swooning. Dangle shrimp from edges and it’ll blow the mind of a borderline OCD child who ponders if it’s okay for the food to be on the outside.
Prepare four bowls in identical ways and watch the Libra in me twitch that they’re not -quite- identical. Before moving the out-of-sync bowl, I had the girls look to see which one didn’t look the same. Even putting this picture on the site makes me delete, reupload, delete, reupload, delete, reupload slightly uncomfy because while I don’t mind if pictures look messy, out of focus, etc, I crave balance.
Hmm. Maybe I’m that borderline OCD child referenced above. :P
Recent Comments