Happy New Year

As we turn the page on a brand new year, I want to take a moment to send my warmest wishes to all my friends—thank you for the support that made last year so special to me. Here’s to a year filled with new adventures, unexpected joys, and, of course, lots of love and good food!

Speaking of food, I’m setting a delicious intention for the year ahead—trying more recipes! Whether it’s experimenting with ingredients I’ve never worked with, exploring new cuisines, or just perfecting those comfort food classics, I’m excited to dive deeper into the kitchen this year. I’d love to challenge myself to cook more, bake more, and share the process with all of you.

If you’ve been thinking about trying something new in the kitchen, I encourage you to join me! The new year is the perfect time to explore, whether it’s making a fancy dinner for yourself, testing out homemade bread, or attempting your first soufflé. Don’t worry if it doesn’t come out perfect; it’s all part of the fun and learning. Plus, the best memories are often made around a table with friends, sharing the food you’ve made with your own hands.

Here’s to a year of bold flavors, delicious experiments, and plenty of happy meals shared with those we love. Let’s make 2025 a year to savor, one recipe at a time. Happy New Year to all of you! 🎉✨

What recipes are you looking forward to trying this year? Let’s inspire each other in the kitchen!

Shrimp & Grits – With a twist!

Indulge in a harmony of flavors with every bite of our tantalizing shrimp and grits. 

Picture this: plump, succulent shrimp delicately nestled atop a bed of creamy, velvety grits, infused with just the right amount of savory spices to awaken your taste buds. Each mouthful is a harmonious blend of rich, buttery goodness and the subtle sweetness of fresh seafood, creating a culinary experience that dances on the palate. Welcome to a world where comfort meets sophistication, where every spoonful tells a story of Southern charm.

 

Here are the ingredients that you’ll need:

For the grits:

  • 1 cup stone-ground grits
  • 2 cups Chicken stock
  • 2 cups milk
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons Butter

For the shrimp:

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • ½ Cup diced spicy sausage (optional) This is something I had around, so I decided why not!
  • 1 small filet of fish (optional) This is my spin on this dish!

Instructions:

  1. Start by preparing the grits. In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken stock and milk to a boil over medium heat. Slowly whisk in the grits, reduce the heat to low, and cover. Let the grits simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 20-25 minutes or until thickened and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then stir in the butter until melted. Remove from heat and keep warm. Or to save time, mix everything in a microwavable bowl and cook for about 10-15 minutes, depending on your microwave. 
  2. While the grits are cooking, prepare the shrimp. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the chopped onion, and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet and cook for another 2 minutes.
  4. Add the spicy sausage if using. 
  5. Season the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet and add the seasoned shrimp. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through. Mix them in with the vegetable mixture. 
  6. Season your fish with the same seasoning. In the same pan, add the fish and cook for 2-3 minutes per side. Take out and set aside.
  7. To serve, spoon the creamy grits into bowls and top with the cooked shrimp and vegetable mixture. Garnish with chopped parsley.
  8. Add the fish perfectly right on top.

Can you say yum? Yes, please! And, when you get comments like “That’s mind-blowingly yummy” it makes you want to make this often!

Oh, and this will pair well with my homemade bread recipe, you can find that here