Fresh Recipe Ideas Needed

[lnyc]

I am cookind dinner this weekend for a few guests. I have pork tenderloins and jumbo shrimp in the freezer. I usually marinate the tenderloins in garlic and rosemary and grill, and the shrimp are usually used for a shrimp scampi pasta. I need some fresh new ideas, will probably only cook one of the proteins for this meal.

[pgwiz1]

Pork Tenderloin:
I like to make a stuffed pork tenderloin with an almond mint pesto. After it bakes, and you cut out rounds and it's great for presentation. For the pesto, in a blender mix equal amounts of mint and fresh basil (about 1/2-1 cup each), garlic, green chilis (optional, depending on taste), toasted slivered almonds, lime juice, s&p. Blend for a second and then add streaming OO till it resembles a pesto. Take our pork tenderloin and cut it along it's length 3/4 of the way and open it up. Use a meat tenderisor to flatten the pork tenderloin. Spread the pesto in a thin layer (reserve some for garnish) and then roll the pork back up. Tie it with butcher string at regular intervals. sprinkle salt and pepper on the outside and bake. I usually serve it with hoisin sauced green beans and some almond rice.

Shrimp:
If you are looking for pasta, take some shallots and saute in EVOO. Add tons of garlic and saute for a second. Add either halfed cherry tomatoes or chopped up roma tomatoes and then sprinkle with salt. Cook for a few minutes till tomatoes are soft. Add the shrimp, and cook till shrimp is almost done. Add lemon juice and lots of parsley. Toss with fresh pasta (I usually make my pasta, but you can also use the store bought refrigerated pastas...fresh pasta is key tho...not the dried kind). Sprinkle with parma. If you are looking for exotic shrimp dishes, let me know. Good luck!

[lnyc]

thanks, the pork recipe sounds delish. Would love non-pasta shrimp dish recipes as well

[pgwiz1]

Something more exotic with shrimp could be like a shrimp in coconut curry. It's really mild, but delicious. Just saute some onions (food processor the onions to get a paste) till slightly brownish in color (not burnt!). Add grated fresh ginger (so for 1 medium onion, about 1" inch piece of ginger. i love ginger, so I use more). Stir it around and then add a can of coconut milk (you may need more if you're making a lot). Add salt to taste and a tablespoon of sugar (if you like it a bit spicy, with the onions, add some cayenne powder). Bring the mixture to a light boil, add the shrimp, cover and server with rice.

[gourmanda]

I used to make a pork tenderloin simply--coat with mustard and then with fresh breadcrumbs with your choice of herbs. Bake and serve with a mustard cream sauce. Last night I made a great shrimp dish, IMHO: saute garlic slices in o.o. over medium low heat til just straw colored and remove with slotted spoon. Toss in butterflied shrimp, season w/ s&p til just cooked; remove and add to garlic. Pour out o.o. and pour in heavy cream, simmer til thickened (meanwhile cook penne pasta); then add sliced roasted red pepper and the shrimp/garlic. Heat and toss in good-quality pesto. Toss sauce and pasta together and serve. It was easy and very, very tasty, took about 20 minutes total. Served with blanched then roasted broccoli. Have fun with your friends!