Shrimp on the Barbie with Chimichurri Sauce

I am honored to be a World Market Ambassador and I thank them for sponsoring this post!

This crowd pleasing grilled shrimp recipe couldn't be easier to make! Served alongside a fresh 

and colorful chimichurri sauce, this is a dish you'll be making again and again!

Growing up I had a pen pal, Tracy, who lived in Sydney, Australia. I can't remember how we first got connected, I think it was through some sort of teen magazine. I was around 12 at the time, and we wrote each other letters (can you believe it? Actual letters!) every couple of weeks. It was so awesome to learn about her life in another country. We sent each other pictures of our favorite places, and we also traded stickers. Do you remember doing that as a kid? Stickers were such a big deal back then! I had tons of them, and I think my mom still has some of them stashed away. Anyway, it was my friend Tracy who initially sparked my interest in other countries, especially Australia, and it's someplace that I've always wanted to visit.

I enjoy watching pro tennis and have really gotten into the Australian Open this year. As I've been watching, it has brought back all the memories of my friend Tracy from Sydney. I decided that in honor of her, I wanted to whip up an Australian inspired meal. Just a little something the kids and I could enjoy while watching the matches. You can watch the Australian Open on the Tennis Channel from now through January 29, 2017. For more details, check out the Tennis Channel!

Baked Shrimp Taquitos with Creamy Salsa Verde Dipping Sauce

These delicious shrimp taquitos are baked, not fried, and full of incredible flavor. 

Served with a side of creamy salsa verde dipping sauce, this is the perfect appetizer to serve for the big game!

If you've been around for awhile, then you already know how much I love Mexican food. It's probably my favorite cuisine, with Italian a very close second. Tacos, fajitas, nachos, enchiladas, I don't discriminate. I want it ALL! My kids and I especially love taquitos - they are finger food, no forks required, and are just really fun to eat. Paired with a flavorful dipping sauce, they are perfect appetizer for game day or a party, or even for a quick lunch!

Cajun Shrimp Capellini

This Cajun Shrimp Capellini is beautiful, flavorful, and takes less than 30 minutes to prepare! 

Seasoned shrimp are tossed in a simple tomato cream sauce and served over pasta. 

It's the perfect weeknight meal for the family!

Although I love seafood, I didn't start cooking it at home until a few years ago. For some reason I was intimidated and thought I wouldn't cook it properly. No idea why, I guess I was just being a big chicken! One day, when I was really craving scallops, I decided to put aside my insecurities and buy them. I brought them home, prepared them, and you know what? They were delicious! I didn't overcook them. They weren't rubbery and tough. They were actually soft and tender and melted in your mouth. And of course I was kicking myself for not doing that sooner! Lesson learned right there. Don't be afraid, just do it!

Shrimp Scampi with Linguine

This simple but elegant Shrimp Scampi with Linguine is perfect for a special occasion, 

but it also makes a great quick weeknight meal!

I love seafood, but I don't cook with it nearly enough. {Other than a box of fish fillets...I know, don't judge!!} Cooking with fresh seafood is something I really want to get better at this year. Scallops, shrimp, fish, I enjoy it all! Lucky for me, my kids like it too. 

I decided I wanted to make a really nice {OK, fancy!} dinner for my boys on Valentine's Day. After all, they are my favorite Valentines ever! I wanted this dish to be simple to make, and something that we could have often, not just on special occasions. This Shrimp Scampi with Linguine was the winner, and I couldn't be happier with how it turned out!