Our massive lawn is buried deep beneath snow. Our driveway is still white, though passable even with my little Civic. And those big C9 lights that I rushed to put up a few weeks ago really glisten against the wintery backdrop. It’s a winter wonderland out there.
For the first time in years, Will got on a sled this weekend. It was a big thing. See, as a toddler, he tried sledding once and went flying. He wasn’t injured, but he was frightened by it all. So, this is the first year in years that he actually gave it another try. As it turns out, he now absolutely loves the rush of it all. Heck, so do I. Paige tried sledding too and liked it … until she started to get cold. And that was that.
It’s been hard to get fully into the Christmas spirit this year. It seems like in the blink of an eye we went from Halloween to the week of Christmas. I’ve barely had time to stop and enjoy it along the way. And since I did most of our shopping online this year (free shipping really does rock!), I wasn’t as exposed to the carols and hustle-bustle of mall shopping. I know most people hate it, but I kind of like it myself.
Anyway, don’t take any of this the wrong way–I can’t wait for Christmas to come.
The best news? This week things have started to fall mentally into place. A family holiday party this weekend was filled with laughs and the joy of seeing all the kids running around together. Then the Sunday snowstorm sent us outside to play. We’ve finally trimmed the tree and begun wrapping presents. Although I said I wouldn’t, I made some holiday treats too. We have more baking planned for later this week … and I think I might take the kids to their first ever Christmas Eve service. It is my favorite of the year.
Now, for Christmas Eve, I don’t cook. It’s a night for takeout in this house. However, if I were to cook Christmas Eve dinner, this recipe would be on the menu. These delicious shrimp are cooked in a rich sauce of butter, garlic, shallots and a hint of lemon (yes, it seems like a lot of lemon when you add it, but the flavor mellows during the cooking process). I just love these, and so did the kids.
I also love that they are easy and fast to make.
So, tell me, am I the only one who’s felt like the last few months have flown by? Have you had a hard time getting into the spirit too?
Buttery Roasted Shrimp Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb raw large shrimp, , peeled and de-veined
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- juice of 1 lemon
- 2 finely chopped shallots
- 3 cloves finely chopped garlic
- 1 tsp Kosher salt
- ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the broiler on high.
- In a shallow, broiler-safe dish, melt the butter over a medium-low heat (on the stovetop). Add the lemon juice, shallots, garlic, salt and pepper and stir well to combine. Add the shrimp and toss to coat.
- Broil the shrimp for 3-4 minutes per side until lightly browned and firm.
- Transfer to a serving dish and pour the pan sauce over. Serve immediately.
- NOTE: These shrimp are also delicious tossed with pasta.
What I’m Cooking With: A round, oven-safe casserole dish, a wooden spatula and a slotted spoon.
Patti V.
Wednesday 23rd of December 2009
Time has indeed been flying. Halloween was last week, right?
;-)
The shrimp recipe looks yummy, Sarah. As for sledding, I'm too old. I know I would break something.
patsy
Wednesday 23rd of December 2009
You had me at buttery roasted shrimp! Sounds so wonderful! I agree, the last few months have flown by... and 2010 will be here much faster than I am ready for it.