It was my birthday this past week.  For my birthday this year, we decided to go away for the weekend.  Or make that, I decided that my honeyman would take me away for the weekend.

We went to Kingston, Ontario for an overnight trip.  It was nice to get away and leave the computer and my business behind.  I managed to make it through 24 hours without checking e-mail but still couldn’t shake the “I should be working right now” feeling.  I think the next trip will need to be longer.

One of the things I love about going on mini-vacations, or even just going out for dinner for that matter, is trying new meals and taste combinations that are new to me.  Or even meals that I wouldn’t make at home myself.

We ended up at my honey’s favorite restaurant, The Keg, for dinner.  It’s a Steak House and I really wasn’t in the mood for steak for dinner.  That left me with limited options LOL  I tried the Creole Chicken: grilled chicken topped with shrimp and scallops sautéed in Creole seasonings.

It wasn’t very spicy – not at all my idea of what Creole should taste like.

So tonight, I tried my hand at my own spicy shrimp and must admit, it was better than the Keg.

Cajun Barbequed Shrimp

1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves, crumbled
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano leaves, crumbled
2 pounds large shrimp, rinsed and patted dry (shells on)
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon hot red pepper sauce
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
1 large lemon, juiced
1 large orange, juiced
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (optional)

Wash and peel shrimp.

In a bowl, mix the spices, Worcestershire sauce, red pepper sauce, garlic, lemon and orange juices.  Add your shrimp and let stand for ten minutes.

Preheat your grill and arrange your shrimp on soaked wooden skewers.  Once the grill is hot, place the skewered shrimp on the grill, leaving room between each skewer.  Baste the skewers with melted butter (optional).  Grill for 3-4 minutes or until the prawns have turned pink, turning the skewers once halfway through cooking time.

Remove from heat and serve.

Kitchen Table Talk…

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