Your birthday. A day that is completely and solely dedicated to you. In your 24 hours, you can take advantage and get away with behaviors that otherwise would be baffling any other day of the year. For example (you might want to take notes), you can…
- Rock the most obnoxious outfit you own and get away with it
- Wear a crown because everyone should damn well know you are princess for the day
- Down the most expensive drinks on the menu and not even pay for it
- Eat as much cake, carbs, and crap as you want because the calories don’t count
- Party like a rock star and pass out in the middle of your party…everyone is expecting it
Yes, it may very well be the best day of the year. But – as the years go by and the number adds up, I am beginning to look less and less forward to the coming of my “special” day. This year was the ultimate low. The only thing I wanted to do was put a bag over my head, crawl in a deep dark hole, and never come out. A little dramatic as that may seem, I was not ready to embrace marking one more year to my list. Luckily, I had a support group that was ready and willing to hold my hand, shower me with sensational gifts, and stuff me with intoxicating liquids and a divine dinner. They know me so well. Gift giving and receiving is always something that brings a smile to my face, but my family knew very well that a pile of presents would not cure my desire to crawl into a cave. There was only one thing they could do. They summoned the grill god, Bobby Flay, dug out directions for 2 delicious dinners, gassed up the grill, and slid up their sleeves.
You better get ready! Brace yourself to be BEDAZZLED!
The first course of action! To sooth the sulking, my family had to act quick with this smooth Syrah. Best taken in large doses and several times a night.
To keep the eyes busy and take away the very thought of turning one minute older: Wheat Thins, Ancho Cheesy Dip, Pita Chips, Hummus, and Cranberry Mushroom Salad. What girl doesn’t like chips and dip? Plus, we have a calorie count to fulfill!
BEHOLD! The grill-father’s great shrimp recipe!
Ginger-Soy-Lime Marinated Shrimp
2 large shallots, peeled and chopped
1 (2-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
4 cloves garlic, smashed
3/4 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup peanut oil
1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
2 pounds large shrimp, shells and tails onPlace shallots, ginger, garlic, soy, lime juice, and sugar in a blender and blend until smooth. Add the green onion and oil and blend until combined. Season with black pepper, to taste. Place shrimp in a large bowl, pour the marinade over, and let marinate at room temperature for 20 minutes. Preheat a grill to high. Remove shrimp from the marinade and grill for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes per side. Serve on brown paper bags, if desired.
Ahhh…Marvel at the magnificent marinade. Note the precision of the piercing of the shrimp.
The shrimp on skewers and now ready for the grill scene.
You can almost hear them sizzle…
You thought that was all? Haha…you are sadly mistaken. You thought that would be enough to wash away all my woes? Uhhh…WRONG!
Maybe this will work – another AWE-some recipe from the meat-grillin’ man :
Rub four 8-ounce filets mignons with Pepper-Ancho Rub on one side; drizzle with vegetable oil. Grill rub-side down over high heat, about 4 minutes; flip, reduce the heat to medium or move the steaks to a cooler spot and grill 4 more minutes (for medium-rare), brushing often with Mint Glaze. Top with more glaze.
Pepper-Ancho Rub:
2 tablespoons coarsely ground pepper
1 tablespoon ancho chile powder
1 tablespoon kosher saltWhisk all of the ingredients in a bowl.
Mint Glaze:
6 tablespoons dijon mustard
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons horseradish, drained
6 fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepperWhisk the mustard, honey, horseradish and mint in a bowl; season with salt and pepper. Set aside a few tablespoons for the finished steaks.
The steak – rubbed and ready to rumble!
Is that steak is getting fresh with me??? Oh wait, it’s just the minty glaze.
Together at last. Yes, you want some. Don’t even lie to yourself. Get, get, get…get it girl!
Quit your pouting! Even potatoes were served to please.
What??? We are still missing something? Oh yes…but of course. The sweet ending to sooth my soul…
THE ONE
…
…drumroll please…
…
THE ONLY
…
your not drumming
…
that’s better
…
THE SCRUMPTIOUS
…
…
…
SPRINKLES CUPCAKES!!!
One of every flavor of course!
But, which one did the birthday girl choose?
My new favorite: The Black and White - a beautiful Belgian dark chocolate cake coated with creamy vanilla frosting.
Wow, did I look hungry or what? HEY! IT WAS MY BIRTHDAY! Don’t you remember? You can look however you want, drink how you want, and stuff your face how you want. But, regardless whether it is your birthday or not, it doesn’t mean you can’t use these great recipes. So go! Gather the goodies, gas up the grill, get together with family and friends, and grub down on this great feast! Meanwhile, I’ll be sipping down my Syrah and sinking into the remaining Sprinkles cupcakes. Now where’s my damn tiara???
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