Crab, Shrimp, and Mango Salad w/Yuzu Vinaigrette

I was really excited to try this recipe because of the yuzu (a Japanese citrus fruit about the size of a tangerine) until I couldn't find any and then realized they really aren't in season until fall and primarily winter. Bummer. I settled for lemons, and I made myself feel better by adding more crab than the recipe called for because it just didn't seem like enough. The star in this dish really was the mango. The sweetness of it was really delicious and coupled with the crab and the arugula made for a really nice flavor. Overall though, I was left feeling like the whole dish was a little too tangy or that there were too many zesty flavors. It was a little bit of an overload for my palate. Eric however, asked if there was more arugula. That is a first.

The dressing

The other dressing

Lime Leaves

Things I learned from this recipe:

What Kaffir Limes Leaves are, and while planning this recipe, I also stumbled upon this article that has officially changed the name to just Lime Leaves because of the derogatory connotation that Kaffir has. Really quite fascinating and I'm sure I would've just passed on this article had I not had this recipe planned.

Would I make this recipe again?:

Maybe. We decided it might be nice as a small start salad or appetizer. 

The recipe

Lemongrass Ginger Chicken in Lettuce Cups (Lunch)

I had already planned to make lettuce wraps for lunch today because I had the butter lettuce on hand, but I came across this recipe last night and thought it would be a good way to switch up an old favorite. I was totally right! This recipe is amazing and I'm happy to be introduced to lemongrass - what a delicious flavor. This is definitely a great alternative to the wraps I usually make and it may become my go-to lunch when I have the ingredients on hand.

Lemongrass

Garlic & ginger

Cooking

Up close

Lettuce w/sauce

Things I learned from this recipe:

There is no replacement for lemongrass. Some suggestions were a combinations of ginger/lemon/lime. I decided at the last minute to make a trip to Whole Foods to purchase it and I'm glad I did. It has such a distinct flavor and there is no way lemon/lime would've been a good substitute. 

Would I make this recipe again?

Absolutely

The recipe

Shrimp Tacos w/Warm Corn Salsa (dinner)

I know what you're thinking...not another shrimp taco recipe...and to that I answer, but this one has a warm salsa! That is about the only thing different than most of the other shrimp taco recipes I've tried. I feel shrimp tacos have turned into my new guacamole - I am on the search for the perfect recipe. I think I'm close, and while this one is tasty, it's not it. After a extremely delicious lunch today I was hoping for an equally tasty dinner and this one was just okay.

Prep

Corn in a dry pan

+ cilantro

Shrimp

Things I learned from this recipe:

Should've been topped with fresh cilantro instead of warm.

Would I make this recipe again?:

No

The recipe

Ginger-Lime Chicken Sandwiches

YUM! That about explains this dish. It was a toasty 85 degrees in the house at dinnertime so we ate this delicious dish on the deck right after it was done cooking on the grill. I served the sandwich with baked french fries and a glass of iced tea. Hello summer!

One thing to note, the chicken needs to marinate for at least one hour and up to four. Mine marinated for just over an hour and it was delicious. 

Marinade pre-blend

Blended

Chicken + marinade

Garlic mayo

Chicken grilling

Buns + olive oil

Veggies

Things I learned from this recipe:

Garlic + mayonaise = garlic mayo. More yum!

Would I make this recipe again?:

Definitely

The recipe

Quick Chicken Mole + Corn w/Jalapeño Butter

Quick Chicken Mole

I've always wondered what goes into a mole sauce. I've seen it on menus at Mexican restaurants many times and have never known. Apparently it's supposed to take a long time to make, but this recipe made it very simple and quite tasty. The sauce is definitely on the spicy side, but it a very rich and thick way - perhaps due to the chocolate chips. I was thankful that it was a pleasant evening and that we were eating outside to enjoy this meal, and Eric commented that it was better than he's had at some restaurants. A garnish of fresh cilantro from the deck doesn't hurt.

Seeds, nuts, and spices

Onions & garlic

+ spices & nuts

+ tomato puree & chocolate chips

stirred

Blended

Chicken + sauce

Things I learned from this recipe:

I could've used more cilantro, and the lime squeeze is a must otherwise it's a tad heavy tasting. 

Would I make this recipe again?:

Sure

The recipe

Corn with Jalapeño Butter

We started barbecuing corn with husks on a couple of years ago and last year we decided to pull of the husks and throw them right on the grill. As long as you watch them, they come out great, and we really enjoy the couple crispy pieces that inevitably will be present. This bi-color was exceptional and the best we've had so far this season.

Also last year I found a trio of recipes to spice up the butter you apply to corn. I served it for guests and we all loved the flavors. Now only if I could find that recipe card...the only one I could remember (and Eric and my's favorite) is this jalapeño and butter mix. I'm pretty sure there were other ingredients, but really, just adding jalapeños to the butter is sufficient and adds a great kick to the corn.

Butter + jalapeño

The BBQ set-up

Things I learned from this recipe:

It just occurred to me that a little dash of cayenne pepper or smoky paprika could also add a nice flavor to the corn.

Would I make this recipe again:

Definitely

The recipe

As much butter as you need + as many chopped pieces of jalapeños that you want - microwave, brush on the corn, serve!