Links to this week's
Menu and Recipes

   Menu
   Day 1
   Day 2
   Day 3
   Day 4
   Day 5
   Day 6
   Shopping List


shrimp vieux carre
Vieux Carré Scampi

polenta with leeks
Soft Polenta with Leeks 

peas with leeks
Peas with Leeks

Menu Plan for the week of Oct. 4, 2013: Day 1 Recipes

Vieux Carré Scampi
Soft Polenta with Leeks
Peas with Leeks

Cooking time:  30 minutes for menu          Cooking schedule: see below for instructions

      Easy dinner to end the week.

Vieux Carré Scampi                                                    Preparation and cooking time: 30 minutes
     This is based on one of a 'box' of recipes I got years ago.  It's a bit heavy on the butter, which makes it ideal for serving over rice or pasta... Or Polenta

12oz (360gr) shrimp (prawns)
1 tbs lemon juice
1 clove garlic
1 shallot
1 tbs dried parsley
2 tbs butter
1/2 cup (2oz, 60gr) shredded cheese - your choice, I use Gruyère

Clean shrimp if needed.  Divide into 2 buttered, shallow, individual baking dishes or 1 larger one, arranging nicely.  Peel and finely chop shallots and garlic, divide and sprinkle over shrimp.  Sprinkle parsley over shrimp.  Drizzle with lemon juice, dot with remaining butter and sprinkle the cheese over all.  Bake at 375F (190C) for 15 - 20 minutes, until hot, bubbly and shrimp are done.  Time varies depending on size of shrimp.  Serve. 
Note: I put the small dishes on a baking sheet for easier handling.

Soft Polenta with Leeks                                         Preparation and cooking time:   20 minutes
       Check the package directions for quantity proportion - you may have to add more (or less) liquid to get a soft consistency. It can be adjusted at the end, before serving. This should be very thick but not stiff. 

1/2 medium leek
1 cup (8oz, 240ml) chicken stock
1/4 cup polenta, quick cooking
1 tsp dried oregano
1/4 cup (2oz, 60ml) milk or cream (or more stock)
1/4 cup shredded cheese
1 tbs olive oil

Clean and slice leek.  Sauté in oil in small saucepan over medium heat.   When leeks are soft, 7 - 10 minutes, add stock, oregano and heat.  When stock is simmering slowly pour in polenta, whisking constantly. Cook, stirring, about 5 minutes or until done.  Add milk (or stock) to thin and cheese.  Stir well and serve.     

Peas with Leeks                                                          Preparation and cooking time: 15 minutes
    I try to keep prepared, canned and frozen food to a minimum, but some foods, like peas, I think are actually better frozen; as well as difficult to get fresh. The leeks add interest, mild onion flavor and color.  

1 cup (8oz, 240gr) fresh or frozen peas
1/2 medium leek
2 tsp olive oil
2 tbs water
1 tsp butter

Trim leek, cut in half the long way and rinse thoroughly.  Slice half of leek (reserving other half or another use).  Heat oil over medium heat in small skillet or saucepan.  Add leek and sauté until tender, about 7 minutes.  Add peas, water, cover and simmer until peas are hot and tender, about 5 minutes longer.  Uncover and drain.  Toss with butter and serve.

Cooking Schedule: 30 minutes
Assemble all food, utensils and serving dishes
Utensils: measuring cups, spoons, knives,
whisk, 2 small saucepan with lids, baking dish(es),
baking sheet,

Turn oven on, 375F (190C)
Clean shrimp if needed
Butter baking dishes
Arrange shrimp in baking dishes
Chop shallot, sprinkle over shrimp
Mince garlic, sprinkle over shrimp
Sprinkle parsley over shrimp
Sprinkle lemon juice over shrimp

Dot with butter, sprinkle with cheese
Put small dishes on baking sheet,bake
Clean, slice leek, divide
Sauté leek for polenta
Sauté leek for peas
Shred cheese for polenta if needed
Add stock to leeks for polenta
Add peas, water to leeks, cover, simmer
Add polenta to stock, whisk
Add milk or stock, cheese to polenta, stir well
Remove shrimp
Drain peas, add butter, stir
Serve all

Share this:

----------------------

Get 7 Dinner Menus, Recipes, Shopping List each Thursday by e-mail: