Crispy Honey Shrimp (PF Chang's Copy Cat Recipe!)

OOH boy, oh boy do I have a fun weekend meal for you to cook up!

This recipe was born out of desperation. A craving, really, that couldn't be resolved easily. I NEEDED Crispy Honey Shrimp from PF Chang's and yet I found myself with no motivation to actually drive however many miles it would have taken to get to my closest restaurant. Whenever that happens, the most logical thing to do is take to the internet to find the recipe and make it myself. That's exactly what I did.

This Crispy Honey Shrimp is the perfect alternative to my usual PF Chang's meal! It is just as irresistibly crunchy, sweet, sour and gooey. Served over white rice and topped with scallions, and you'll be none the wiser that this ISN'T take out but rather some super tasty deliciousness from your own kitchen.

The recipe that follows isn't inherently hard by any means; I truly believe that anyone could whip it up. However, there are a few steps involved, and the main process (that is, frying the shrimp to airy, crispy perfection) can be a little intimidating. To be honest, I still get a little scared when I am dealing with a big pot of hot oil! The best way to combat these fears is to be sure you have a candy thermometer (to monitor oil temperature...keep it at the right temperature=no fire!), use a heavy pot with high sides (like a 6 quart dutch oven), and use your back burner (to protect kids and pets and yourself from any spills or splatters!).

Once the shrimp is cooked and crispy, the real winner of this recipe is that thick and gooey honey sauce. This is what makes this recipe crave-able. Warm, crispy shrimp get a quick toss in that sweet, tangy sauce and poured over a hot bed of white rice. Oh my. I mean just look at that shine!

Make your whole family extra happy...don't wait another minute...make this shrimp!!

Apple Pie Oatmeal

Let's eat all the apples!

Have you been apple picking this season? I don't care if the internet declares apple picking a "basic" activity--it's fantastically fun and a tradition I am not willing to give up.

At what other time of year can you get 20 pounds of apples for two people and NOT judge yourself?

Besides eating an apple a day for the entire month of October, apple picking gives you the perfect excuse to get cooking with the freshest apples that the season has to offer. A fresh apple is the key to my Apple Pie Oatmeal. Imagine having dessert for breakfast. Well, I am here to make that dream a reality.

I suggest rolled oats or steel cut oats for this dish. They are nutty and rich and pair wonderfully with warm apples, cinnamon, and sweet honey. There is no refined sugar in this oatmeal, making it a deliciously guilt free breakfast you can enjoy all week!

I like to make a big batch of this oatmeal Sunday night, and warm up individual portions every morning. The oatmeal may get thicker the longer it sits in the fridge, but that's nothing a little almond milk can't solve. Simply warm the oatmeal in the microwave with a couple of tablespoons of almond milk until your desired consistency is reached.

May I recommend an extra apple slice or two, chopped pecans, an extra sprinkle of cinnamon and a dollop of vanilla yogurt for serving? Enjoy!

Honey Balsamic Glazed Asparagus

Can we all agree that when it is not raining here in New England, the weather has been just beautiful recently?

Boston, MA

I wanted to take some time with the windows open and the breeze pouring through the share a quick but yummy side dish I made recently.

If you check out my last post, you can get more of an idea as to why I have been slightly MIA from the blog world, and when you can expect me back in full swing!

One of my favorite veggies is asparagus. It has such great flavor and pairs well with so many different meals. I usually will just roast up a bunch of full spears with lots of salt, cracked black pepper and a little lemon juice drizzled on top. Sprinkle that with Parmesan cheese and we are totally in business.

I decided to try something a little different this weekend and I was quite pleased with the results.

I roughly chopped the asparagus and sauteed in a little bit of lemon olive oil (O brand), then tossed it all in honey and balsamic vinegar until a lovely glaze formed. I balanced the sweetness of the honey and the bite of the balsamic with just a dash of chili powder and some salt and pepper to taste.

 The end result was tender and flavorful asparagus that paired beautiful with roasted red potatoes (recipe here) and a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store.