My absence and where I've been!

No, I have not been on an extended holiday in paradise, but I wish I have been!

Last September, Hurricane Irma dropped a huge tree on our house . . . we still have not returned home as it is still not habitable.

We are still staying at my mom's house and should be going back home in another month of two.

In the meantime, I am going to make an attempt to get back to blogging to take my mind off of everything that has been going on.  During my absence, I have continued to post promising recipes on my Facebook Fan Page for this blog . . . https://www.facebook.com/ginasitaliankitchen/  ~ check it out!

Looking forward to "normal" . . .

Coconut Shrimp copycat inspired by Red Lobster

Quick Coconut Shrimp Recipe photo by Taste of Home




One of my favorite meals ever!  

This copycat recipe was inspired by Red Lobster's Parrot Isle Coconut Shrimp.

Can't wait to try out these shrimp as well as the Pina Colada Sauce!

INGREDIENTS

1 pound uncooked jumbo shrimp (about 12), peeled and deveined
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 egg whites, lightly beaten
1-1/3 cups sweetened shredded coconut
Oil for deep-fat frying
1 jar (12 ounces) pineapple preserves
1 tablespoon frozen nonalcoholic pina colada mix, thawed

DIRECTIONS

Starting with the tail, make a slit down the inner curve of each shrimp; press lightly to flatten. 

In three separate shallow bowls, place the flour, egg whites and coconut. 

Coat the shrimp with flour; dip into egg whites, then coat with the coconut.

In an electric skillet or deep-fat fryer, heat oil to 375°. 

Fry shrimp, a few at a time, for 1 to 1-1/2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. 

Drain on paper towels.

Pina Colada Sauce

In a small bowl, combine preserves and pina colada mix. 

Serve with shrimp. Yield: 4 servings.

Originally published as Coconut Fried Shrimp in Simple & Delicious November/December 2006, p46, Taste of Home

Inspired by: Parrot Isle Jumbo Coconut Shrimp from Red Lobster

My Facebook Fan Page

I've been sharing lots of recipes on Gina's Italian Kitchen Facebook Fan Page . . . check it out!

https://www.facebook.com/ginasitaliankitchen/

National Cheesecake Day

PHILADELPHIA Classic Cheesecake

Happy National Cheesecake Day!

One of my favorite cookbooks is from Kraft Philadelphia Cream Cheese which is loaded with all types of cheesecake and other cream cheese delicacies.  The Classic, pictured above from their website, is the mother of all cheesecakes.  The link includes a video for this delicious and easy cheesecake.

Anyway, the cookbook is the most used in my collection and includes the cheesecake I make most often . . . Chocolate Chip Cheesecake.

Click here for all of the cheesecake recipes on my blog.


Here is a list of cheesecake links you can get lost in searching for your perfect cheesecake:

AllRecipes.com Cheesecake Recipes

Taste of Home Top 10 Cheesecake Recipes

Southern Living To-Die-For Cheesecakes

Food Network Cheesecake Ideas

Kraft Recipes Cheesecakes

Martha Stewart - Our Favorite Cheesecake Recipes

Simply Recipes Perfect Cheesecake

The Cheesecake Factory Original Cheesecake Recipe (copycat)

Reddiwip Cheesecake Recipes

The 91 Most Delish Cheesecake Recipes

BBC Good Food Cheesecake Recipes Collection

Epicurious Cheesecake Recipes

Betty Crocker Cheesecake Recipes

Moms Who Think Cheesecake Recipes