We are fortunate to have most of both of our families travel back to our hometown where we grew up for Christmas.  (Okay, I admit it, Eric & I have been together since high school.)  We do Christmas Eve with Eric’s family & Christmas Day with mine, with lots of overlap between the two sides of our families for the rest of the time.  Lots of great food & craziness & family & love.  It’s the best!

Eric’s brother Karl is a chef.  He always comes up with the plan for Christmas Eve dinner at Eric’s mother’s house, with lots of input from the family.  Nana usually hosts 9-12 of us.  Last year, Karl made this shrimp dish that I absolutely loved.  Simple, quick & delicious-my kind of meal!  I sweet talk Eric into making this for me whenever I can.  It is elegant enough for special occasions but simple enough for a week night!

The family gathered at Nana’s for Christmas Eve dinner, 2011.

Simple ingredients make a fantastic dish!

Shrimp in White Wine (serves 2)

• 1 small red or yellow onion, finely chopped
• large clove of garlic
• salt & pepper
• 10-12 raw, tail-on shrimp (21-25/pound size)
• 1/8  to 1/4 cup flour
• 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• ½ cup white wine
• splash of lemon juice

Mix the flour with the salt & pepper & lightly coat the shrimp, tails still on if desired.

I prefer the tails removed before cooking.

Heat the olive oil in a pan and sauté the onion until it softens, then add the garlic and the shrimp.  Cook for 3 minutes on one side then flip the shrimp and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Butter, white wine & a splash of lemon juice in the pan with the shrimp, onion & garlic.

When the shrimp has cooked on the second side, add the butter, white wine & a splash of lemon juice and fresh herbs, like parsley, if desired.  Let it all simmer for 2 minutes, then remove the shrimp to a serving platter.  Let the sauce cook a few minutes longer, stirring to thicken it, then pour the sauce over the shrimp.  This can be served over pasta or rice or with a loaf of crusty bread.

Add a green veggie, some buttered bread and a martini or some white wine and you have a very elegant meal for any occasion!

I ask for this every chance I get.  And Eric is great about obliging me!  Enjoy!   ~Linda