Valentines+Seafood=Love

For the past few years...well, since we've had little ones, we have celebrated Valentine's Day in the comfort of our own home.  There is something not so appealing about waiting in terribly long lines with a toddler in tow, only to rush through your meal before bedtime meltdowns begin.

We started the tradition of a home-cooked seafood dinner.  We both love seafood, but it's not something we make often.  We tend to save it for special occasions.  This year I spent a couple of days planning our menu and scouring the internet for recipes.  We tried a couple of new ones this year that were definite hits!  And, we always go with the old tradition of Red Lobster biscuits.  We are never let down when we begin our seafood feast with those!

I stopped for a couple of last-minute ingredients on my way home, and decided to pick up a balloon for each of the kids.  Not something I would normally drop $4/child on....but I'm kind of thinking these are what helped to get me out of a speeding ticket on my way home!  "Thank you, Kind officer:)"

Chad and the kids hand-delivered some beautiful roses to me when I walked in the door, and they looked oh, so beautiful next to my birthday bouquet:

The kids  were excited about our 'special' meal... they even noticed that we got the 'fancy' plates out of the hutch!

We were super excited about the Cajun Shrimp after just returning from Jamaica.  We were thinking it would bring us back to the ocean:)  We enjoyed it, but next time would only add about 1/4 of the cayenne pepper.  We halved it, and it was still a little spicier than we would have liked.

Red Lobster Cajun Shrimp

1 lb. shrimp, use at least medium size
1/2 C. margarine
4 tsp cayenne pepper
3 tsp salt
2 tsp black pepper
2 tsp paprika
2 tsp cumin
2 1/4 tsp dry mustard
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried oregano
2 tsp onion powder
2 tsp garlic powder
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.  Place the margarine in  a 13 x 9 baking pan, and then place the pan in the oven.  While the pan is in the oven wash and peel shrimp.  Devien the shrimp.  By the time you have finished prepping the shrimp, the margarine should be melted in the pan.  In a small bowl mix together the spices and blend well.  Place shrimp into the pan, and then sprinkle on the seasonings you have just blended together on the shrimp.  Mix the shrimp, margarine, and spices until the shrimp is coated well with margarine and shrimp.  Bake for approximately 15 minutes, remove shrimp, and check for doneness.  The shrimp should be pink when done.

Red Lobster biscuits are always a favorite:

• 2 cups Bisquick baking mix
• ½ cup cold water
• ¾ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup butter
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon italian seasoning

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 450.
2. Combine baking mix, water and grated cheese in a bowl.
3. Roll out on a lightly floured surface, until 1 inch thick.
4. Cut biscuits, and place on an ungreased pan.
5. Melt butter and spices together.
6. Brush the biscuits with the butter and bake for 8 to 10 minutes.

A favorite for all of us were the Bacon-Wrapped Scallops we made.   We had never made scallops before and were anxious to try them.  They were delicious-  The kids loved them!  The scallops we had came from my friend's meat market, and they were HUGE!  Thanks, Thielen's for the delicious dinner!

• 1 ½ lbs sea scallops
• ¹⁄₃; lb bacon
• ²⁄₃; cup butter , melted
• ½ cup white wine
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon seasoning salt

Directions:

1. Cut bacon in half and wrap each half around a scallop.
2. Secure with a toothpick.
3. Mix together wine and lemon juice.
4. Pour over scallops in a shallow dish.
5. Marinade for 1/2 hour.
6. Pour melted butter over scallops.
7. Sprinkle with paprika and seasoning salt.
8. Bake at 400* for 15- 20 minutes.
    
   Valentine's Day dinner 2012 was a huge success.  I may take advantage of Chad's birthday coming up for an excuse to recreate a delicious meal like this!  We may even need to get out the 'fancy' plates again:)
   
   
   *Little side note- I finally finished the little tu-tu that I've been working on for Adi...and it is the sweetest little thing!  I will be posting about it soon!