Summer Heat

Summer has arrived! Here in Minnesota we toggle between thunderstorms, sticky humid days and beautiful, sunny skies. My vote is for the cool, gorgeous days – How about you?

I get crabby (even more than usual) in the heat and humidity. For starters, my hair has a life of it’s own – frizzy and out of control and, let’s be real, not in a pretty kind of way! And….let’s just say it – I get crabby when it’s hot and humid – particularly as I spend a lot of time in the kitchen wrestling with hot ovens and steaming stovetops. My disposition goes south fast – just ask Bill or the boys!

Remember the old phrase – “If you can’t stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen”? Well, I take that seriously and head right out to the trusty old Weber grill when the thermometer begins to rise.

This Grilled Shrimp with Lemon is perfect in the heat. 20 minutes, a hot grill means a cool dinner’s on the way. Equally fitting for a weeknight family meal, a party or a fancy summer party, you’ll make this one over and over all summer.

I invite you to buy some beautiful shrimp from your favorite fish monger and go to town. You may want to double or triple this recipe – They are fabulous hot or cold making the leftovers perfect in a salad. Enjoy!

Grilled Shrimp with Lemon

This quick and easy dish will be an instant hit. The shrimp are succulent, beautiful and full of flavor. Double the batch and bring them to every event this summer. You'll be loved!

Servings people

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp
1 large lemon
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 cloves garlic crushed
2 sprigs fresh thyme or 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 pinch kosher salt
1 pinch ground black pepper

Instructions

Heat your grill to medium hot
Strip the leaves from the sprigs of thyme
Add the crushed garlic, juice of the lemon, thyme leaves, red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper to a small jar.
Peel and devane the shrimp. (ICK) Invest in some good, large shrimp for this dish - they will grill up beautifully and won't dry out
Place the shrimp in a bowl, give the marinade a good shake and add it to the shrimp
Oil a grill pan and heat it on the grill
Place the shrimp on the grill pan and cook turning once until they are pink and a bit crisp. It will only take about 3 minutes a side. Don't walk away from the grill!
Serve with a sprinkle of thyme and lemon wedges. You'll be amazed at how fast they disappear. These are a fabulous dish to bring to any and all summer get togethers.