Thanks to a wonderful dinner at Mercedes and Mark’s house this week, I have Fall Recipes for Shrimp and Corn on the grill to share. It’s that time of year when you can still grill outdoors and enjoy what’s in season like corn.
I’m also sharing what I wore to travel to Rome, Italy (where I am now), a great read, and a funny new television series.
It’s Fave Faves time with Annie and Cindy.
1. Grilled Shrimp With Grape Tomatoes
For her grilled shrimp, Mercedes uses two skewers for stability (so the shrimp doesn’t slip through the grill). Genius!
This recipe was adapted from Williamson Sonoma "Grilling" and perfected by Mercedes McGowan
- 12 large whole cloves garlic minced
- 2 lbs large or jumbo shrimp
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce (pureed tomatoes)
- 2 tbs red wine vinegar
- 2 tbs chopped fresh basil (and more leaves for garnish)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 18 grape tomatoes
-
Peel and devein the shrimp. In a large bowl stir together the oil, tomato sauce, vinegar, basil, minced garlic, salt, and cayenne pepper. Add the shrimp and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for about 30 minutes, tossing once or twice.
Meanwhile, soak bamboo skewers.
-
Position the oiled grill rack 4-6 inches above the fire. Remove the shrimp from the marinade and reserve the remaining marinade. Thread the shrimp and grape tomatoes on the two skewers (one grape tomato after two shrimp). Using two skewers stabilizes the shrimp.
-
Arrange the skewers on the rack. Grill turning them and brushing two or three times with the marinade until the shrimp becomes pink. About 6 to 8 minutes. Be careful not to overcook.
2. Fall Recipe Grilled Corn With Lime Chili Butter
Preheat: Heat a grill to medium-high heat (375 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit) while soaking the corn with husks in water.
Grill the corn: Place the corn directly on the grill grates and cook until the husk begins to blacken, then turn. Cook 20 to 22 minutes total, until the corn is cooked through (the outside husk will be charred).
Melt 1/2 cup butter and stir in the zest from one small lime, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and a pinch (or more) of ancho chili powder. Remove corn husks, roll corn in the butter mixture, and serve.
Watermelon, Cucumber And Feta Salad
That night, I brought this watermelon and cucumber salad to Mercedes’ house. I used what we had on hand and it was refreshing.
- Three cups chopped watermelon
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion marinated in red wine vinegar (we keep it stored in the refrigerator this way ready for salads)
- 1/2 chopped hothouse cucumber
- 2 tbsp fresh mint plus parsley for garnish
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Drizzle with a little olive oil, juice from one lime, and salt to taste
- Toss to serve
3. Fall Travel Outfit
Here’s what I wore on the flight to Rome (basically layers since I knew it would be in the 90s when we got here).
Loving the Quince Brand For Affordable Luxury:
The reasonably priced Quince Leather Shopper Tote is really roomy (comes in three colors) and holds the Crossbody Quilted Bag (made in Italy), my laptop computer, the cashmere shawl, pills, extra reading glasses, etc. The small 14K Gold Pavé U Hoop Earrings are similar to mine and are good for travel.
Shop The Travel Look:
4. What To Read: The Maid
I finished this audiobook in two days on my walks and before bed. It’s so good. I am sure the written version would be great, too.
From the publisher: ABOUT THE MAID “A heartwarming mystery with a lovable oddball at its center” (Real Simple), this cozy whodunit introduces a one-of-a-kind heroine who will steal your heart.
5. What To Watch (for a laugh): “The Afterparty 2022”
Howard and I didn’t know what to expect from this Apple TV Original Series. It’s funny (some tasteless jokes but…) we chuckled. This “whodunit” keeps you watching to find the murderer…and you see each character’s perspective through their retelling of the night to the engaging detective.
Some of the episodes are better than others. But, Rotten Tomatoes gives it a 90 score.
If you are new here, each Sunday I share my top five favorite things along with my friends, Cindy and Annie. It’s like our weekly “catch-up” phone call. If you would like to receive this series every week, please sign up HERE.
Let’s see what Annie and Cindy’s Five Faves are this week:
Just catching up! I am going to make that shrimp recipe tomorrow night! Sounds delicious and simple!
We’re going to make that shrimp! Have the best time in Rome! xo
Enjoyed the post! Love the outfit, and the recipes look great! Have a wonderful time with your family!
Thanks, Barb!
Enjoyed the post! Love the outfit, and the recipes look great (especially for this time of year). Have a great trip!
Mary Ann love your travel look! Can’t wait to hear more about Rome! It’s one of my favorite cities!
Have the best time. xo
Thanks so much for your great posts. I really appreciate the effort that must go into them. If possible, could you please let me know how you dealt with lack of zipper on the quince tote during airline travel. That is the main thing holding me back from purchasing it. Thank you.
There is a center zipper that I put my conputer in and I kept the tote at my feet.