Italian Shrimp Bake

I have seen this recipe floating around Pinterest for many years. I've made this recipe a few times in the past but I thought I would share it on my blog for that one person new to the recipe that loves shrimp (and lots of butter). Ha Ha The flavors in this meal are very similar to a shrimp scampi dish and goes along well when served over cooked rice or your favorite type of pasta!

When I had a craving for an easy shrimp dinner last week, I realized that I did not have any lemon. So I substituted lemon juice from the bottle instead. I love a strong lemon flavor so I was more than happy to add as much juice as I liked to the baking pan. Although you could easily leave out the sliced lemon or lemon juice and still get plenty of flavor from the seasoning.   The recipe also calls for a packet of Italian Dressing mix...which I always have stocked in my pantry because it is my favorite go-to salad dressing. All together you only need 3-4 ingredients which makes this Italian Shrimp Bake recipe an easy meal to make anytime!

Italian Shrimp Bake

1 (20 oz.) bag frozen extra large shrimp (raw~tail on)

1 stick salted butter

1 package Good Seasons Italian Salad Dressing mix

1 lemon, thinly sliced...or....2 Tablespoons lemon juice

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil. Rinse the frozen shrimp under cool running water until thawed. Place the stick of butter in the center of the baking sheet and put the sheet into the oven until the butter melts...about 6 minutes.  Remove the sheet with melted butter from the oven and layer the sliced lemon on top. (or just add 2 Tablespoons lemon juice to the melted butter) Lay the thawed shrimp onto the lemon slices/melted butter. Sprinkle the entire packet of Italian Dressing mix (or less if you prefer) evenly over the shrimp. Bake for 10 minutes. Serve over cooked rice or pasta. 

The Best "Chewy" Chocolate Chip Cookies

Everyone loves a good chocolate chip cookie!!! I recently volunteered at a Christmas cookie drive collection for airman at a local Air Force base.  The decorated bags for each airman were filled with an assortment of homemade baked cookies. I noticed that the majority of cookies that were donated for the event were either chocolate chip or peanut butter.  It was also obvious that chocolate chip cookies can result it all kinds of textures, shades and varieties.  My personal preference is for a more tender chewy cookie. So when I came across this recipe on Pinterest for "Super Soft" cookies I just knew that I had to try it! 

.........and the result was an amazing cookie!!! 

The Best "Chewy" Chocolate Chip Cookies
original recipe from Two Twenty One

3/4 cup butter, softened

1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 cup sugar

1 cup brown sugar

2 eggs
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
3 cups flour
1 1/2 cups chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 345 degrees. In a large bowl cream together the butter, oil, sugar and brown sugar.  Add eggs and beat together until batter is fluffy.  Add baking soda, baking powder, salt, vanilla and flour. Fold in the chocolate chips.  Roll batter into 1 inch balls. Place on parchment lined cookie sheet 2 inches apart.  Bake for 8-9 minutes.

This cookie is so soft and chewy that it just melts in your mouth!!! It truly is the ultimate in comfort food that pleases all ages!!! I'm definitely using this recipe as my "go-to" whenever I need a fail-proof cookie. Ideas such as adding pecans, toffee bits or white chocolate chips is already in my plans for the next time I need a sweet "chewy'" dessert.  Make this recipe soon and your family will be very happy!!!