Blackened Shrimp and Avocado Salad

Here you go facebook friends. This is a pretty quick and easy lunch.

Start with a basic salad. I used some mixed greens right out of the bag. I added sliced cucumbers, sliced roma tomatoes, blackened shrimp and a half a sliced avocado.  That was topped with Wasabi Soy & Ginger Vinaigrette. Tip on the avocado: Cut it in half, remove the seed (I hit the seed with a sharp knife so it sticks and turn the seed, it'll pop out), then slice the avocado while still in the skin and scoop out with a big spoon.

To blacken the shrimp I peel and devein, then toss them in Bob's Cajun Mix. Have a hot skillet going on the stove and cook each side 3-5 minutes (depending on the size of the shrimp) in a little canola oil. Place the shrimp on top of the salad, add avocado and dressing.

Mushroom and Smoked Gouda Ravioli

Pasta:
3/4 Cup All Purpose Flour
3/4 Cup Semolina Four
2 Eggs or 3 Eggs Whites, beaten
2 Tbsp Water
2 Tbsp Olive Oil

Filling:
1 Cup Sliced Mushrooms
1 Cup Sliced Baby Bella Mushrooms
1/4 Cup Diced Onion
1/4 Cup diced Bell Peppers
2 Tbsp Chopped Italian Parsley
2 Tbsp Chopped Oregano
Pepper to taste
1 Cup Grated Smoked Gouda

Last night we tried something new, homemade pasta. This can be made without a pasta machine. It turned out really good. I think I will be getting a pasta machine and next time we will try to make some wheat pasta. Both of the flours used are of the healthy variety and I used my Marinara sauce which is healthy mixed with a little milk.

To make the pasta I made a bowl out of the flour on the counter. I then whisked together the wet ingredients and kneaded into a stiff dough about 10 minutes. Then wrap the dough in a towel and place in a plastic bag at least 20 minute or until needed. I believe it would last 48 hours. I then combined the filling ingredients, except the cheese, in a saute pan and cooked until the mushrooms are done. Remove from the heat and allow to cool before adding the cheese.

Then I rolled the dough out and cut into rounds with a small jar. Spoon in the filling and top with another round. Seal the edges with a fork. Get a pot of water boiling and add the ravioli. It cook fast about 3-4 minutes. Spoon out and drain then top with sauce and some parmesan cheese.