“The preparation of good food is merely another expression of art, one of the joys of civilized living…” ~ Dione Lucas

Good morning, everyone.  As many of you know, I enjoy cooking.  However, during these late summer days, I am especially fond of preparing recipes which can be put together in the morning and pulled from the refrigerator when it is time to serve.  Doing so always makes me feel as though there was an elf in the kitchen.  So today, I am sending a few favorites.  

The first is one of Mike’s all-time favorites, Marinated Shrimp and Artichoke Hearts.  He is always beyond happy when he knows this is on the menu.

Marinated Shrimp and Artichoke Hearts

1 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup red wine vinegar

1/3 cup dry white wine ( I use a Pinot Grigio)

1 Tbls. chopped fresh parsley or 1 tsp. dried

1 tsp. sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. paprika

1/4 tsp. pepper

1 clove minced garlic

2 pounds medium/large shrimp, cooked, peeled, and tails removed

2 (14-ounce) cans artichoke hearts(not marinated), drained and halved

1 (8 ounce) can sliced water chestnuts, drained

1 small red onion, thinly sliced into rings

In a medium bowl, whisk together oil, vinegar, wine, parsley, sugar, salt, paprika, pepper, and garlic – set aside.  In a large food-storage container, combine shrimp, artichoke hearts, water chestnuts, and onion.  Add marinade, cover the container tightly, and shake it, to coat shrimp and vegetables with the marinade.  Refrigerate overnight, or at least 6 hours, shaking occasionally.

Serve with nice crusty bread and your favorite rosé or white wine.

Note:  If you can find artichoke quarters, they are perfect and will save you time cutting.

“Good food is very often, even most often, simple food.” ~ Anthony Bourdain

This recipe was given to me by a neighbor way too many years ago.  It is wonderful for lunch and also for dinner when served with a salad and bread.  And it is quite refreshing when the temperatures are in the upper 90’s.

Gazpacho

1/2 cup diced celery

1/2 cup diced green pepper

1/2 cup diced onion

1/2 cup peeled and chopped cucumber

1 cup diced tomatoes

1 can tomato soup undiluted

1 soup can of water

1 and 1/2 cups of regular V-8 juice

1 Tbls. red wine vinegar

1 Tbls. prepared Italian dressing

A good dash of garlic salt

1/4 tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. pepper

4 dashes of hot sauce

A dash of Worcestershire sauce

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl or pitcher, mix well.  Cover and refrigerate overnight or at least all day.  Stir well and serve cold in bowls or mugs.

This salad is one I have prepared so many times, I no longer need to look at the recipe.  

Mexican Salad

“My love for ice cream emerged at an early age ~ and has never left.” ~ Ginger Rogers

While anytime is a good time for ice cream, sometimes it is overlooked as a dessert.  I think we often stress over a more time-consuming recipe when it isn’t necessary.  Ice cream is a lovely and easy dessert.  And is ever so scrumptious when topped with Ina Garten’s raspberry sauce.

I began making this sauce several years ago to use as a topping for cheesecake (always Mike’s requested birthday cake).  But I also learned,  it turns a dish of vanilla ice cream into a marvelous indulgence.

Ina Garten’s Raspberry Sauce

“Great cooking favors the prepared hands.” ~ Jacques Pepin

 

Dear friends, I hope you will try and enjoy these recipes.  Should you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact me.

And for everyone who enjoys cooking, stay tuned, there just might be something new happening on the blog.

Know how much I appreciate your visit and I always enjoy hearing from you. 

Wishing you a wonderful day!

 

 

Bon appétit,

Sandra

 

 

Notes:  A reminder: On the home page of this blog there is a section titled recipe archive, where you will find all recipes previously posted.

Images: via Pinterest