Carmela Soprano's Shrimp Scampi - Shrimp in Garlic Butter Sauce

Ah, yes, a Tad's steak dinner was once the food of love.

It was our weekly date dinner.

But, we're not teenagers any more. 

And we'd like to get older.

Which means watching our cholesterol.

And saving steaks for extra extra extra special occasions.

Think that means folks over 60 can't celebrate Valentine's Day in style?

No way.

Adriana La Cerva's chapter Cibo D'Amore has something special and healthy.

Shrimp Scampi.

It's one of my favourite recipes in Artie Bucco's The Sopranos Family Cookbook.

And it's fairly healthy, too.

Butter may be bad, but garlic is good.

Watching one's cholesterol is all a matter of balance.

Add some flowers, music, wine…

Buon amante!!

                        Shrimp Scampi

Serves 2

Shell and devein

16 large shrimp

In a large skillet melt over low heat

4 Tablespoons unsalted butter

2 Tablespoons olive oil

When the foam dies down stir in

3 large garlic cloves, minced

Cook a few minutes until the garlic is lightly golden.

Watch it - garlic burns easily. 

Increase the heat to medium high and stir in

the prepared shrimp

a pinch of salt

Cook 2 minutes, stirring once, until the shrimp are just pink.

Stir in

2 Tablespoons very finely chopped fresh parsley

1 Tablespoon lemon juice

Cook 1 minute.

Serve garnished with

Lemon wedges

Parsley sprigs

Would I make Shrimp Scampi again?

Yes.  Often.

With rice and salad a perfect quick light meal.

For a special occasion I'd also prepare Adriana's Risotto.

The large brown mushroom works well, thank you very much.

Ma's Risotto, in all its many forms, also goes well with the shrimp.

Enjoy!!

One recipe down.  Forty-six more to go.