I made several dishes last weekend. Some very good, some not so. It happens. Fortunately it was just my very close family that suffered. First off, on Friday night, I made this really delicious, really simple grilled shrimp appetizer. Here are all the ingredients. 
I didn’t measure and you won’t have to either. I know you all have good enough judgment to make this work. Just eye it and feel it and you’ll do a-ok. Eat this dish with friends as you’ll want to suck the shrimp shells of all the smokey spicy wonderfulness and you’ll get all messy peeling them – but they’re so good.
You see, I went to buy salmon fillets to roast and serve with my already made rhubarb marmalade and then I saw the shrimp. My husband LOVES shrimp. Me? Ehh. It’s good, but I never crave it like I do oysters! (He hates oysters) But I know he loves shrimp, yet I really wanted salmon for dinner and the marmalade was already made. So I bought 9 shrimp – as an appetizer!! 5 for him, 4 for me. And then on the drive up to the country, I completely forgot about them. We arrived, unpacked and here I was surprised by the shrimp (duh – I bought them.) and had to figure out something quick to do with them as it was getting late. Here’s what I did – and they were scrumptious!!
GRILLED SHRIMP APPETIZER – serves 2
9 – 10 large shrimp with shells on, rinsed several times and patted dry
Salt
Pepper
1 star anise
1 red chili, crushed with seeds
Swirl of olive oil
Smoked paprika – heavy sprinkling
Combine and toss all ingredients together. Let marinate for 10 -15 minutes. Toss on the grill on high heat for about 2 minutes, just until pink and done. Serve immediately.
It’s finger lickin’ good!
Then, last Saturday, I was determined to make pizzas from homemade pizza dough. The Times had a big article on pizza dough and pizzas the previous Wednesday and I was hyped. Our oldest son was coming to the country with his girlfriend for the weekend and I was making these pizzas with a big beautiful salad to greet them when they arrived for lunch. Well, the pizzas sucked. They looked good but the only one that was any good was the pesto. Before I tell you any more, I really need to work on this one. The Mario Batali recipe needs some refining. Actually he has about three different recipes online for the dough and I need to get the 00 flour – that I couldn’t find. So stay tuned and I’ll find that flour and try this one again – and then tell you about it. xoxo, Mary
Super quick and delicious!
Ramps!
Garlicky Chicken With Lemon-Anchovy Sauce
Grilled Farmer’s Market chicken with lemon ginger basting sauce
Catfish Roasted with Tomatoes and Horseradish 
Hi Mary,
When you find 00 flour maybe you can put it in your next ingredient box.
Diane, that’s a great idea!! Thanks!
I won’t disagree…the shrimp do look finger-licking for sure. And those pizza…nice. I bet your son and the girl enjoyed it! 🙂 ela
Well the pizza was not very good – but the shrimp – that’s definitely a repeat!!
Good to see success and failure travelling hand in hand…..just like real life. Nice post;)
Oh I’ve got plenty of mess-ups!! Thanks Roger!
I love your addition of star anise to the shrimp, looks delicious. I would not mind a slice of pizza on the side… Have a super weekend. BAM
Bam’s Kitchen recently posted…Rainbow Veggie Spring Rolls
Yes, I thought the star anise addition was my little stroke of genius – something a little different! Next time a cinnamon stick might also be nice. I love the sweet/savory, mysterious spice thing going on, don’t you?
These grilled shrimp look lipsmackingly delicious, Mary. Sorry to hear that pizza didn’t turn out well…they however look quite appetizing and comforting.
Have a beautiful weekend!
Angie
Angie (@angiesrecipess) recently posted…Kamut Almond Cookies
Angie, you’re right – the pizzas looked good – but the crusts sucked. The shrimp, another story, I highly recommend!
Mary, the shrimp look delicious. Like your husband – a fan of shrimp but not oysters.
I buy my 00 flour from King Arthur – online. I also like to use the recipes from the Artisan Bread in Five Minutes bakers: http://www.artisanbreadinfive.com/
You use their method to make a large batch that can go in the refrigerator or freezer for future pizzas or make all four at once.
Jovina Coughlin recently posted…Make An Abruzzi Inspired Dinner
Jovina – thanks so much for the tip on the flour and recipe. I’m going to go there and order the flour now and try this again next weekend!
Those shrimp look so good, whether appetizer or main I would love them. The pizza looks really good. I have 00 flour but have never used it. I should try making pizza dough with it.
apuginthekitchen recently posted…Coconut Pineapple Layer Cake
Suzanne – try the pizza dough – or messenger that flour over to me! (just kidding)
Tasty looking appetizer!
yummychunklet recently posted…ffwD: Baby Bok Choy, Sugar Snaps and Garlic en Papillote
It was really, really good!!
If it takes 00 flour, let’s
pass. Love you.
I know – I have so many flours already – white, multi-grain, whole wheat, bread, rice, potato – and now I have to add another! Love you too!
There are times when serving shrimp in the shell is not appropriate – too messy. Have you tried this recipe using peeled raw shrimp?
Ringo recently posted…The Dock – Fine Dining in Newport Beach, CA
No I haven’t but surely you could try it. I would just use less of everything since you don’t have the shells protecting the shrimp and blocking the spices. Particularly use less of the smoked paprika.
Shrimp looks great! And actually the pizza’s do too. That’s always so disappointment when you have high expectation for a recipe and it doesn’t deliver! Especially when you make for a special occasion.
tinywhitecottage recently posted…mac and cheese
I know!!! I was so psyched for the pizzas. It was a bummer!
Those shrimp looks amazing and flavorful. Like you, I am not very fond of eating shrimp but these guys with the seasoning that you put, will definitely do it for me. Looks delicious. Have a good week Mary Frances. 🙂
wok with ray recently posted…Samalamig and Sago
Oh I like shrimp – I just don’t crave them – like I do oysters! This seasoning mix was really good. I think you would like it, Ray!
Shrimp and pizza. You made me so hungry!!
Danielle @ theCHARMITspot recently posted…CHARM IT! Photo Props
:))))
My fingers feel messy just reading your wonderful words.
You had me at shrimp then grabbed me with the smoked paprika. Oh la la.
Your photos are so clear I want to touch them.
Thanks for sharing your goodness.
I feel lucky I stopped by today.
YUM
Daleen recently posted…you can’t eat an egg through the computer
Thanks Daleen!! Thank you for stopping by – how nice to hear from you!!
Scrumptious from beginning to end. I recently found 00 flour and loved using it, although normal flour is equally as good.
Have a wonderful day.
🙂 Mandy xo
Mandy – The Complete Book recently posted…Naan Bread
Thanks Mandy!! Is 00 flour finer than regular flour?
I absolutely love smoked paprika and have that very same brand. I use it so much, I’m afraid my food is going to all taste the same! 😉 This shrimp looks delicious… ~Janice
LOL! Janice, you might also look for some real Spanish versions of smoked paprika if you like it so much!
Great looking grilled shrimp. Smoked paprika has such lovely flavor, doesn’t it? I haven’t played with 00 flour yet — I’m looking forward to it!
John@Kitchen Riffs recently posted…Homemade Deviled Ham
Thanks John!! Yes, smoked paprika adds a really nice flavor, just as long as you don’t use too much!
Great to read about non success. people assume as a food blogger we only create perfection, NOT. The shrimps – which I love – look amazing.
Evelyne@cheapethniceatz recently posted…Dim Sum with Shumai and Law Bok Gow
Evelyne – you’re so right – I’ve got plenty of screw-ups!
00 flour is really common here. I have no trouble finding it at all the local supermarkets. Either we make a lot more pasta and pizza dough here or your stores just don’t get it. 🙂
The shrimp and those pizzas look good to me.
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef recently posted…The Olds and Potato Leek Soup
Really?!! That’s so great you can find it in a normal grocery store!
I’ve been looking everywhere for that 00 flour here in Calgary as well. No luck so far, I think it makes a big difference in the pizza crust..but don’t know because I can’t find any lol! They look beautiful to me! Love that shrimp recipe.. my family would too and I love that it’s not too many ingredients for great results!! xx
Barb Bamber recently posted…Pansy Wacky Cake ~ Gluten Free ‘n Vegan
Barb – Jovina told me you can buy the 00 flour at King Arthur online. Check it out! The shrimp are so simple and so delicious – give it a go!
wow Mary, that’s a lovely appetizer and such a delish pizza on the side!! drooling…
Thanks Ayesha!! You’re sweet!