Friday, September 12, 2008

FOOD for THOUGHT & FRIDAY SEAFOOD FEAST ~ GRILLED SHRIMP with WALNUT PESTO / BEEFSTEAK TOMATO FETA SALAD

There is life in the ground:
When it is stirred up, it goes into the man who stirs it.
~ author unknown



~ Rainy face dahlia

(American Dahlia Society)

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GRILLED SHRIMP with WALNUT PESTO

~ A bumper basil crop treat from The Great Big Barbecue Cookbook

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12-16 jumbo raw (shelled and deveined) shrimp

1/2 cup toasted walnut pieces

4 Tbsp. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

4 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil

2 cloves chopped garlic

3 Tbsp. fresh grated Parmesan cheese

2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

2 Tbsp. walnut oil (or olive oil)

coarse salt & freshly ground pepper

  • Combine toasted walnuts, parsley, basil, garlic, cheese and oil in food processor. Process until finely chopped. Season with salt & pepper.
  • In a bowl, add half the pesto to shrimp and toss well. Refrigerate at least 1 hours or overnight.
  • Thread shrimp onto skewers and cook on hot grill for 3-4 minutes, turning once. Serve with remaining pesto and mixed green or tomato salad. (4 servings)

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BEEFSTEAK TOMATO FETA SALAD

2 lbs. beefsteak tomatoes

8 oz. crumbled feta cheese

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

12 Kalamata olives

4 springs fresh basil

freshly ground black pepper

Cut thick slices of tomatoes and arrange in serving dish. Sprinkle with crumbled feta, olive oil, olives, and snipped fresh basil. Season with freshly ground pepper and serve at room temperature. (4 servings)

12 comments:

  1. Well, allow me to be the first to drool over your breathtaking dahlia, not to mention, recipes.
    They both look and sound absolutely amazing. Thanks Joey.

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  2. I love the idea of walnuts instead of pinenuts. Sounds perfect to add on grilled shrimp. Now if the rain will stop this weekend, we might be able to grill again.

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  3. Joey, you always find the most wonderful quotes! I love the dahlia-something I seem to have trouble growing. The color is so delicate. Tomatoes and feta are one of our favorite combinations especially when the tomatoes are garden fresh.

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  4. Oh, yum, Joey. That sounds utterly delicious! And, happily, Indian Summer has arrived in this part of California so grilling is right in order. You have the best recipes! Thank you for sharing! Kathryn xoxo

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  5. Wonderful photo! One of your best.
    Jen

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  6. I will be making that wonderful salad you posted tomorrow for lunch. THANK YOU for reminding me of this wonderful treat.
    The flowers you feature today are as lovely as always. Are you all getting this wonderful rain that we are? I am loving it and so are the flowers. Enjoy your weekend dear friend.

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  7. Thanks so much for linking to my new blog, A Photographer's Garden. I've added a link to your blog there and on my team cooking blog, The Wooden Spoon.

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  8. I can't think of anyone I would enjoy entertaining more, Mother Nature. Do come!

    Dear Marysol ... big thanks. Perhaps you might bring your dreamy baked apples and join Mother Nature and I for a fabulous feast ;)

    The nut lover that I am, I enjoy substituting, Jane Marie. You can't go wrong with fresh basil and nuts. Weather never stops me from grilling since I grill all year long. Grab your unbrella and weather the storm (I do believe Ike has his eye on us all weekend:)

    You are always so kind, Beckie.
    Even when not eating, I dream of tomatoes this time of year. A favorite ~ toasted bagel half, whipped cream cheese, chopped chives, fat slice of tomato, bit of salt and lots of cracked pepper (a simple energy snack to share with Rose before one of your famous jaunts)

    Dear Kathryn ... BIG thanks. Your weather sounds delightful. We are enjoying much needed rain here in Michigan (entertained a California neighbor last weekend at the lake who has a retreat on an ocean cliff near you). Hugs dear one.

    Jen ... from your gifted eye, a heartfelt thank you.

    You are living in 'tomato heaven' with your bountiful harvest, dear Bren. Enjoy the salad and the weekend ;)

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  9. I can't think of anyone I would enjoy entertaining more, Mother Nature. Do come!

    Dear Marysol ... big thanks. Perhaps you might bring your dreamy baked apples and join Mother Nature and I for a fabulous feast ;)

    The nut lover that I am, I enjoy substituting, Jane Marie. You can't go wrong with fresh basil and nuts. Weather never stops me from grilling since I grill all year long. Grab your unbrella and weather the storm (I do believe Ike has his eye on us all weekend:)

    You are always so kind, Beckie.
    Even when not eating, I dream of tomatoes this time of year. A favorite ~ toasted bagel half, whipped cream cheese, chopped chives, fat slice of tomato, bit of salt and lots of cracked pepper (a simple energy snack to share with Rose before one of your famous jaunts)

    Dear Kathryn ... BIG thanks. Your weather sounds delightful. We are enjoying much needed rain here in Michigan (entertained a California neighbor last weekend at the lake who has a retreat on an ocean cliff near you). Hugs dear one.

    Jen ... from your gifted eye, a heartfelt thank you.

    You are living in 'tomato heaven' with your bountiful harvest, dear Bren. Enjoy the salad and the weekend ;)

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  10. Me too! I'll be right there. Set a table setting for me. The flower is luscious as well!
    Brenda

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  11. I love your new site, Caren, a joy to visit. With your busy schedule and input at Garden Voices, don't know how you wrap your arms around all that you do. Thanks for linking me to The Wooden Spoon. Gardeners and cooks must stay together ;)

    Do come Brenda ... the table is set!

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