Nope, I don’t have any Chocablock Cookies for you today. And, I don’t have any steamed puddings either. I’m really sorry about that, but life has kind of smacked me in the head this past week and I just never found the time to make them. My work schedule has been kind of crazy and Mr. SGCC has been out of town A LOT, so I’ve been pulling double duty both at home and at the office. Plus, I’ve got a brand new project over here that is taking up a ton of my time and attention! Allow me to introduce you all to our new little addition.
Meet Bella:
Okay, all together now: AWWW!!!
Isn’t she a little cutie pie? I took this shot right after we got her home. She looks pretty pooped, doesn’t she. After a three hour car ride, I wasn’t surprised. We picked Bella up last weekend from a wonderful breeder near Mt. Dora. This is the same breeder that we got our dear, departed Sophie from. I had to wait for more than a year for a puppy from her, but it was worth it. Sophie was such a special member of our family and I wanted our new baby to come from the same nurturing place. I’m so thrilled to have Bella in our family, but taking care of an eight week old puppy is a lot of work! It’s almost like having a new baby, except that the puppy can already run around on her own! And no, that is not a splotch of blood or poop on her flank. Lol! It’s nail polish. The breeder uses it to identify all of the puppies in her litters. It will eventually wear off.
So, back to the food, or lack thereof. I had all the best intentions to make both this week’s TWD recipe and this month’s Daring Bakers challenge. It just wasn’t in the cards. However, I’d never let you leave here empty-handed. This Lemon Linguine with Basil Pesto Shrimp was on the menu of my cooking class last week. It’s a lovely, springtime pasta dish that highlights the bright, fresh flavors of lemon and basil. Plus, it’s super simple to make. My students loved it! You can even make this recipe ahead and serve it chilled as a pasta salad. It doesn’t get much better than that!
So, enjoy! I’ve got to run and take Bella out for another potty break before she notices my Oriental rugs!
Lemon Linguine with Basil Pesto Shrimp
Ingredients:
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined – with or without the tails
1 batch Basil Pesto (recipe follows)
1 pound linguine, cooked al dente
1/2 to 2/3 cup olive oil
1/4 to 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (2-3 lemons)
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
1 cup pasta cooking water
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions:
1. Place shrimp in a non-metal bowl or zip lock bag and spoon in half of the pesto to coat. Mix well. Place shrimp in the fridge to marinate for about 30 minutes. Set aside the rest of the pesto for later. You can also put the shrimp on wooden skewers that have been thoroughly soaked in water.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet or grill pan. Add the shrimp and sauté just until it turns pink, about 1-2 minutes per side. Remove from pan and cover to keep warm. It will continue to cook for a minute after you remove it from the heat.
3. In a large serving bowl, whisk the 1/4 cup of the lemon juice and olive oil until partially emulsified. Add the Parmesan and continue whisking until creamy. Toss in the lemon zest and season with salt and pepper. Adjust the oil-to-lemon ratio by adding more lemon juice, a little at a time, until it is to your taste.
4. Add hot pasta to the bowl and toss until well-coated. The heat from the pasta will melt the cheese and help it stick to the linguine. Add some cooking water if the pasta seems dry.
5. Apportion the linguine onto dinner plates and top each with 4-6 shrimp. Ladle some remaining pesto onto each plate as well.
Serves 4.
Basil Pesto
2 cups fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
4 medium sized garlic cloves, finely minced
2/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan Cheese
1/3 cup toasted pine nuts
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
Salt and red pepper flakes to taste
Directions:
Put basil and garlic in bowl of a food processor. Pulse a few times to combine. Add Parmesan and pine nuts and pulse a few more times. Scrape mixture into a bowl and whisk in olive oil. Add salt and red pepper flakes to taste. Stir.
Filed Under: Cooking, Family, Fish and Seafood, Italian, Pasta, Recipes, Sauces, Salsas and Salad Dressings, Uncategorized
Sweet and Spicy Pecans and A World of Possibilities
On April 27, 2010 at 1:10pm, Jessica @ How Sweet said...
I am dying over Bella! I have been begging my hubby for a golden retreiver because I grew up with 2. Must use this picture to bribe him.
On April 27, 2010 at 1:18pm, The Duo Dishes said...
Awww, how do you even focus on food with that cute puppy right there? Bet you’re having a ball with a new baby in the house! Delicious meal though.
On April 27, 2010 at 1:19pm, Ciaochowlinda said...
What a fabulous recipe. I love all the flavors including the lemon, which I’ve never tried on pasta but that will soon happen too! Bella is bellissima.
On April 27, 2010 at 1:20pm, Joanne said...
I’m pretty sure that if I had a cutie like Bella around, I wouldn’t ever find time to do any cooking! All I’d want to do is play with her.
I’m glad you pulled yourself away long enough to make this pasta though. It looks fantastic! I love pesto!
On April 27, 2010 at 1:21pm, Rae said...
I was suprised with a puppy for valentine’s day and it was exhuasting the first few weeks. The pasta dish sounds yum!
On April 27, 2010 at 1:38pm, Manggy said...
Ahaha, you’d better be careful, she might get… nail polish on them 😛 She’s so precious!
(whispers) Don’t tell anyone, but… I’d rather have this pasta than cookies or puddings. You can either think I’m not really that much of a dessert person or I really, REALLY love shrimp on pasta! (take a guess!)
On April 27, 2010 at 1:54pm, peter said...
Nevermind the pooch…that pasta is striking! Great pics as always and Oh…the dog has to be walked…along with any calories!
On April 27, 2010 at 2:14pm, katy said...
so cute! but let me guess… did you have a teenage daughter who picked out the name for the puppy?
On April 27, 2010 at 2:19pm, Colleen said...
Oh my Bella is just the cutest little pooch around. Welcome to our world Bella, I’m sure we will be seeing more of you in time :o) And the linguini is just sublime Susan. Well done. The pics are gorgeous xx
On April 27, 2010 at 2:24pm, Elena said...
Look great! Amazing picture as always! I love lemon pasta. Anything with lemon actually 😉 I’ve recently made lemon parsley pesto sauce, it was delicious: http://gourmetaddict.wordpress.com/2010/03/01/326/
On April 27, 2010 at 2:36pm, SMITH BITES said...
OH GOODNESS SUSAN - not sure what to comment about first??!!! But I’m a dog lover and who can resist one with the name Bella? Obviously, not me - she is suh-WEET! And this recipe ain’t bad either - to. die. for. Congrats on both!
On April 27, 2010 at 2:44pm, Karen@Mignardise said...
Bella is ridiculously cute! Puppies are a lot like babies, but at least you can put them in their crate and go out for dinner.
But why would you when you can make this delicious-looking pasta?
On April 27, 2010 at 3:11pm, Rosa said...
A delightful dish! So refined and flavorful!
I love your cute puppy! So sweet!
Cheers,
Rosa
On April 27, 2010 at 4:31pm, Lydia (The Perfect Pantry) said...
This looks delicious, and I might go one step beyond, and (gasp!) add a sprinkle of feta on top!
On April 27, 2010 at 4:40pm, Linda said...
OMG - Bella is too cute! Our pup just turned a year old, and you totally brought back memories of potty patrol, crate training, and teething. At the end, all of the hard work is worth it. Can’t wait to see more photos as she grows.
I’m always looking for new shrimp pasta recipes, and this sounds so delicious. Bookmarked for dinner this weekend…thanks for sharing this Susan!
On April 27, 2010 at 4:48pm, heather said...
we make something similar to this from one of Susan Branch’s books — the Summer one. it’s a spicy Cajun shrimp over lemony linguine. sooo good. this would be a nice swap out for that!
cheers [and cute pup],
*heather*
On April 27, 2010 at 7:36pm, PastryPrincess said...
oh, isnt she cute! puppies and great food - i dont think it can get much better than that! 😉 makes me really miss my wonderful doggie, i had him for 18 years…
sounds like a lovely summer lunch and cuddling up to that adorable furry ball for a nap right after…. ah, those are the days! ;P
On April 27, 2010 at 8:44pm, Marie said...
Welcome little Bella, you’re going to love the smells coming from your moms kitchen, I’m sure you’ll be eating good in your new home!
On April 27, 2010 at 10:05pm, Kathleen said...
Your pup is absolutely adorable!!! This pasta dish looks and sounds delicious!!
On April 27, 2010 at 10:50pm, Donna said...
I cannot wait to try this. My basil has taken off growing in my garden this year and I am always looking for ways to use it (other than my mozzarella, tomato & basil grilled cheese sandwiches!)! Thanks for the recipe!
On April 27, 2010 at 11:23pm, nina said...
That is one very adorable puppy and one very tasty looking plate of linguine!!
On April 28, 2010 at 8:44am, bellini valli said...
Where do I start…lemon, basil, linguine..LEMON!!! I am sure that Bella will get used to her finger happy mamma who loves to take photos of food as well as little cuties like her.
On April 28, 2010 at 9:11am, FFichiban said...
AWWWWWWWWWWWW!! Bella is just tooooo adorabllee!! If only she could stay a puppy foreverrr
On April 28, 2010 at 9:49am, Patricia Scarpin said...
Bella is so beautiful! “Beautiful” means “bela” in Portuguese, and she certainly is. Adorable!
This pasta dish would make my hubby so happy, Susan - he loves seafood, especially shrimp.
On April 28, 2010 at 10:02am, Margaret said...
The shrimp sound delicious. I will have to make this - soon.
Adorable Bella. Looks like ours about 7 years ago. I love retrievers.
On April 28, 2010 at 11:23am, Miranda said...
This one of the best pasta dishes I have seen….It looks wonderful!
On April 28, 2010 at 2:07pm, Rachel (S[d]OC) said...
Aw…too cute! May she brighten your home for many years to come.
Pesto is one of my favorite things. Recipes that use it are always welcome.
On April 28, 2010 at 7:04pm, Sook @ My Fabulous Recipes said...
Oh wow I love shrimp dishes like this. Pasta and Shrimp are some of my favorites!
On April 28, 2010 at 7:28pm, Mary said...
The pasta looks wonderful, but the puppy is adorable! And I’m not even a dog person:)
I didn’t get the cookies made either, but I did manage a few puddings. I’ll take the pasta…
On April 29, 2010 at 8:55am, Emily said...
Both the dish and the puppy are beautiful! Congratulations!
On April 29, 2010 at 1:05pm, The Food Hunter said...
How cute is that puppy!!
On April 29, 2010 at 6:55pm, Anne said...
I plan to make that dish this weekend. It looks so delicious! And Bella does too - che bellezza!
On April 29, 2010 at 9:25pm, patsyk said...
what an adorable new addition to your family!
that pasta looks like a perfectly good substiute for the other recipes … I’d be happy to share a dish with you!
On April 30, 2010 at 2:34am, M.Kate said...
All I can say is it’s yummy..havent tasted it but I know it is good. Aw.. Bella is so cute
Happy weekend, I popped over from Pat’s place.
On May 01, 2010 at 1:06pm, Kristen said...
beautiful baby! but that shrimp looks scrumptious
On May 01, 2010 at 1:21pm, Kevin (Closet Cooking) said...
I did something similar recently and it is a fantastic flavour combo!
On May 02, 2010 at 8:42pm, Zibi said...
I hope you got Bella out in time! She’s so fluffy
Great sounding past too, I like that it can double as a salad, very handy for a workday lunch, should there be any leftovers that is…
Anyway I really like your blog and it’s fun design, so I’ve given you some awards, enjoy
http://freshslowcooking.com/48/spreading_the_love
On May 03, 2010 at 10:32am, CookiePie said...
YUMMY looking pasta, and that pooch is so fluffy and adorable!! Hope you’re enjoying her! xo
On May 04, 2010 at 9:54am, Anna said...
Bella is amazingly cute!
Made this dish last night and sent it with the hubs for lunch today. Made it with chicken instead, since he doesn’ tlike shrimp. Delicious! Served with a light salad and some toasted bread with herbed olive oil. YUM!
On May 06, 2010 at 7:52pm, alison lewis said...
Someone just told me about your blog. I love it and this sounds delicious! Your dog is so cute too! I’m a fellow foodie so glad to discover you! Alison
On May 11, 2010 at 12:36pm, CookieCrazedMama said...
Oh this was yummy! I made it last night for the family. We love garlic, so I minced a couple cloves and tossed it in with the pasta and shrimp. It added a nice bite that we like in our house. But I pretty sure we all reek of garlic today. Thanks for this delicious, simple dish!
On May 11, 2010 at 1:47pm, Jenn AKA The Leftover Queen said...
Congrats on the new addition to your family, Susan! Bella sure is sweet!
On May 11, 2010 at 3:58pm, The Cilantropist said...
Oh Bella is adorable!!! And what a coincidence, my sister just got an equally cute boxer and named her Bella.
If you want to swoon over another cute pup, you can check her out here: http://cilantropist.blogspot.com/2010/03/bellas-banana-bites.html
And as for your pasta and shrimp…. Mmmmm, my mouth is watering, lemon with shrimp is the perfect combo!
On May 20, 2010 at 12:52pm, Brenda - Aesthetic Dalliances said...
This looks utterly delicious. The shrimp are perfectly cooked and while I often pair lemon with shrimp, I almost never pair pesto with them. Definitely worth making sometime soon!
On June 17, 2010 at 6:12pm, Mom24@4evermom said...
I made this tonight. Absolutely delicious! My kids even loved it. I added a couple of touches, I tossed the remaining pesto with the noodles. I also sauteed, just until they popped, some halved grape tomatoes and chopped sun dried potatoes and added them to the pasta. Finally, I used long fusilli lunghi. Such a fun noodle. Wonderful recipe, thanks.
On January 31, 2011 at 4:34pm, Steph-O said...
Thank you for the mouth watering pictures- they gave me the inspiration I was looking for. My boyfriend’s mother was coming over for dinner and I needed something to impress her. I am on a very strict diet for health reasons and I do not want others to have to eat what I eat, but in this case it worked out great. I used spaghetti squash for the linguine and made my own pesto with roasted pumpkin seeds in place of pine nuts and omitted the Parmesan. I mixed the lemony sauce with some of the pesto to cover the “noodles”. Voila! It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free and still delicious.