Friday the 13th dinner...

Well, since Tony and I are both working on Valentine's Day, we decided to have a super romantic Friday the 13th. We both love grilled steaks, roasted asparagus, and ceviche (a citrusy shrimp appetizer), so we bought all the ingredients. I also made Red Velvet cupcakes for my honey, since they are his fav. Would you like to make our dinner for yourselves?

Shrimp Ceviche "Cocktail"
1 qt. salted water
1/2 C. plus 2 Tbls freshly squeezed lime juice
1 generous lb unpeeled small shrimp
1/2 medium white onion, chopped
1/3 chopped fresh cilantro, plus several sprigs for garnish
1/2 cup ketchup
1-2 Tbls vinegary Mexican bottled hot sauce
2 Tbls extra virgin olive oil
1 small ripe avacado, peeled, pitted and cubed
salt
several lime slices for garnish
tortilla chips for serving

Shrimp...
Bring 1 qt salted water to a boil and add 2 Tbls of lime juice. Add shrimp, cover and return to boil. Immediately remove from heat, set pot lid askew and pour off all liquid. Replace lid and set aside, letting shrimp steam in closed pot for 10 minutes. spread out shrimp in large glass or stainless steel bowl to cool completely. Peel shrimp. Toss shrimp with remaining 1/2 C. lime juice, cover and refrigerate for about 1 hour.
Flavorings...
In small strainer, rinse chopped onion under cold water, then shake off excess liquid. Add to shrimp bowl along with chopped cilantro, ketchup, hot sauce, olive oil, and avacado. Mix gently, taste and season with salt, usually about 1/2 tsp. Cover and refrigerate up to a few hours or serve immediatly.
Serving...
Spoon ceviche into sundae glasses, martini glasses or small bowls. Garnish with cilantro and limes. Serve with tortilla chips.


Steaks
We will probably just put a rub or some spices on the steaks and cook them in our new cast iron pan.


Roasted Asparagus
1 or 2 bunches medium Asparagus
2 Tbls extra virgin olive oil
S+P

Preaheat oven to 350 degrees.
Trim ends of asparagus. Spread shears in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with foil, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with S+P and roll to coat throughly. Roast asparagus until lightly browned and tender, about 8-10 minutes. Give the pan a good shake about halfway though to turn the asparagus. Enjoy!!

Now, we are off to the library for some music, gardening books, and a movie for the night. We are also off to get some champagne!!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!