4 MOUTHWATERING DELICIOUS FLORIDA SEAFOOD RECIPES

Hello all,

One thing Florida is known for is its beaches and seafood. We have an abundance of both here. My family loves to cook, and seafood is among those things we make a lot. You can find Florida seafood on most menus here. I came across 4  mouthwatering delicious Florida seafood recipes that look so delicious you'll have to try them! Enjoy:

1. Gator Burgers -  I know gator meat is delicious and there are so many specialty meat shops here where you can purchase it. Why not change it up on the grill tonight and give these a try. This one comes to us freshfromflorida.com.

INGREDIENTS:
1 pound ground alligator meat
1 large beaten egg
2 tbsp chopped onion
1/2 tsp salt
1/3 tsp black pepper

DIRECTIONS:
In a bowl mix meat, onion, egg, salt and pepper.
Mixture will be moist. Make into 1/4 inch thick patties.
Grill patties for 10-12 minutes each until cooked through.
Serve on buns topped with sauteed peppers.

4 MOUTHWATERING DELICIOUS FLORIDA SEAFOOD RECIPES - GATOR BURGERS

2. Steamed Lobster - We have a lobster season here which is 8 months long! That calls for a lot of lobster recipes. This one comes from freshfromflorida.com.

INGREDIENTS:
2 whole uncooked lobsters
3 tbsp salt
clarified butter

DIRECTIONS;
Bring 3 quarts of water and salt to boil in a 6 quart pan.
Put lobsters in water and return to a boil.
Simmer 12-15 minutes.
Larger lobsters may take longer. You know they are done when you can easily pull off one of its legs or antennae.
Rinse with cold water for at least 2 minutes.
Split and clean lobsters then serve with butter.

4 MOUTHWATERING DELICIOUS FLORIDA SEAFOOD RECIPES - STEAMED LOBSTER

3. Shrimp Scampi - We love shrimp in my family. You can cook it so many different ways. This recipe is from woodsfisheries.com.

INGREDIENTS:
1 1/2 pounds peeled shrimp
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup dry wine
4 tbsp garlic
1/2 cup sliced green onions
2 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 cup parsley
1/2 tsp black pepper
lemon slices for garnish

DIRECTIONS:
Heat butter and add garlic and cook 1-2 minutes till browned.
Add shrimp, green onions, wine and lemon juice and cook till shrimp is pink and firm, 1-2 minutes per side.
Add pepper and parsley, and garnish with lemon slices.

4 MOUTHWATERING DELICIOUS FLORIDA SEAFOOD RECIPES - SHRIMP SCAMPI

4. Honey Orange Glazed Grouper - There is not a better tasting fish than Florida Grouper! You can cook it many ways. Take a look at this delicious recipe from floridasnatural.com.

INGREDIENTS:
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp orange marmalade
1 tbsp oj
3/4 tsp dijon mustard
1/2 tsp soy sauce
1/8 tsp gr. white pepper
3/4 pound grouper fillets

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat broiler.
Combine all ingredients except the fish.
Place grouper on oiled broiler pan and brush with the honey glaze.
Broil 4-5 minutes until browned. Then turn the fish and brush the other side with the glaze. Broil for 5 more minutes or until the fish flakes easily.

4 MOUTHWATERING DELICIOUS FLORIDA SEAFOOD RECIPES - HONEY GLAZED GROUPER

DELICIOUS MOUTHWATERING EASTER TRADITION RECIPES

Hello all,

I love holidays and their traditions. I especially love Easter and the delicious tradition we have of cooking recipes handed down in our family. I am sharing 2 delicious Easter tradition recipes. One I have made every year for Easter and Thanksgiving.. I have used this recipe to make my kick-ass marshmallow sweet potatoes since my kids were small. I always get a lot of compliments on them. They especially go well as a side dish with ham and turkey. I think the secret is the addition of orange juice. They are very sweet. Here it is, Enjoy-

MARSHMALLOW SWEET POTATOES-

INGREDIENTS:
2 large cans of sweet potatoes ( I think they're about 23 ounces)
1/2 cup of butter
1/2 to 3/4 cup of orange juice
2 bags of mini marshmallows
1 tsp. cinnamon

DIRECTIONS:
Drain sweet potatoes into a bowl and smash with a potato masher.
Melt the butter and add it to the potatoes.
Add the orange juice.(I say 1/2 to 3/4 cup because you don't want them watery, but you want to taste the orange juice).
Add the cinnamon and stir.
Add a whole bag of mini marshmallows and mix well.
Spread into a  square 9 X 13 baking pan.
Bake at 350 degrees for 20 mins.
Sprinkle the remaining bag of marshmallows on top of the potatoes and cook 5-10 more mins. until the marshmallows start to melt ( as many marshmallows as you like, I use half a bag).
Put the pan under the broiler for a few minutes if you want it browned ( I usually do for a few minutes).
Remove the pan, cool and enjoy. But be careful the marshmallows will be very hot!

DELICIOUS MOUTHWATERING  EASTER TRADITION RECIPES-MARSHMALLOW SWEET POTATOES

The second recipe I want to share is passed on through Italian families. It is for sweet Italian Easter pie. There are many variations on Italian Easter pie. Some are made with eggs, some with cold cuts, and some are like a pizza. The one I am sharing today is one you can make for a delicious Easter dessert. Enjoy:

Easter Pie- This is a real Italian tradition -(Taste of Home)

INGREDIENTS:

Crust-

1 2/3 flour

2 tbsp sugar

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 cup butter

1/4 cup shortening

2 slightly beaten eggs

Filling-

15 ounces ricotta cheese

1 cup sugar

1 tbsp flour

1/4 tsp each of grated lemon and orange peel

Dash salt

4 eggs

2 tsp vanilla extract

1/3 cup chocolate chips

1/3 cup citron

1/8 tsp cinnamon

Dash of nutmeg

DIRECTIONS:

Combine flour, sugar salt and baking powder in a bowl. Add the butter and shortening until it starts to crumble.

Add egg and stir until it forms a ball. Refrigerate 1 hour covered.

Roll out dough on floured surface to a 10 inch circle. Set in a 9 inch pie plate, flute and refrigerate.

For filling beat the ricotta, sugar, and flour in a bowl. Add the peels and salt and beat until smooth.

In a separate bowl beat the eggs until thick and slowly add to the ricotta mixture. Add the rest of the ingredients, add to pie crust, and bake at 350 degrees for 55 minutes till knife inserted in middle comes out clean.

DELICIOUS MOUTHWATERING  EASTER TRADITION RECIPES- EASTER PIE

MY RECIPE CORNER - HOW TO MAKE A DELICIOUS SCRUMPTIOUS KEY LIME PIE

Hello all,

 One dessert we love making here in Florida is scrumptious Key Lime Pie. You can get many variations of the recipe. Many people even grow the delicious key limes in their own yards. I ran across one that sounds both delicious and easy to make on epicurious.com.  Give it a try and enjoy:


INGREDIENTS:
For crust-

1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
2 tbsp sugar
5 tbsp melted butter

For filling-

1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
4 large egg yolks
 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp fresh or bottled key lime juice

For topping-

3/4 cup heavy chilled cream


DIRECTIONS:
For crust-

Preheat oven to 350*
Stir together graham cracker crumbs, butter and sugar in a 9 inch pie plate, Mix well and press mixture evenly on the bottom and up the sides.
Bake crust in the middle of the oven for 10 minutes then remove and let cool. Keep oven on.

Make filling and bake the pie-

Whisk together eggs yolks and condensed milk in a bowl. Add juice and whisk till slightly thickened. Pour filling into crust and bake in middle of the oven for 15 minutes. Cool pie completely then chill for 8 hours. Filling will set as it cools.

Make topping-

Just before serving beat the cream in a bowl with an electric mixer till it holds stiff peaks. Top pie with cream and serve. Enjoy!

delicious scrumptious key lime pie

5 MOUTHWATERING SUPER BOWL PARTY WORTHY RECIPES

Hello all,

It's that time of the year, the Superbowl! And it's time for the biggest party of the year. I'm here to help make your party a success with these mouthwatering Superbowl party worthy recipes. Enjoy:

1. Hot Wings - No Superbowl party is complete without those delicious hot wings. Try this one out from the Food Network .

INGREDIENTS:
oil for frying
12 separated chicken wings
1 12 ounce bottle of hot cayenne pepper sauce
1 stick of butter
Worcestershire sauce
Hot sauce

DIRECTIONS;
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees.
Heat oil in a pot to about 375 degrees.
Add half the chicken to the hot oil and cook 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
Repeat with the remaining chicken.
Heat cayenne sauce and butter over medium heat. Add a dash of the worcestershire and hot sauce until it starts to bubble.
Place the wings in an oven dish and pour the sauce over the chicken and stir to coat.
Bake for 15 minutes.

5 MOUTHWATERING SUPER BOWL PARTY WORTHY RECIPES-  HOT WINGS

2. Brown Sugar Smokies - This recipe looks like it would be a big hit on gameday, and sounds so easy to do. This one is from All Recipes.

INGREDIENTS:
1 pound of bacon
1 16 ounce package of little smokie sausages
1 cup of brown sugar

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Cut each piece of bacon into thirds add wrap a piece around each piece of sausage.
Place several sausages on a skewer and place them on a cookie sheet.
Sprinkle with the brown sugar.
Bake until the sugar melts and the bacon is crispy.

5 MOUTHWATERING SUPER BOWL PARTY WORTHY RECIPES- BROWN SUGAR SMOKIES

3. Slow Cooker Meatballs - Nothing says gameday like delicious appetizers, and these meatballs are one of them This one is from Delish.

INGREDIENTS:
1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
1 egg
2 cloves garlic
2 tbsp chopped chives
1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

DIRECTIONS:
Combine ground beef, bread crumbs, chives, worcestershire sauce, egg, and garlic and mix well.
Season with salt and pepper and make into 1 inch balls
Add the rest of the ingredients to the slow cooker, stir then add the meatballs on top.
Cover and cook on low for 4 hours until meatballs are cooked through.

5 MOUTHWATERING SUPER BOWL PARTY WORTHY RECIPES - SLOW COOKER MEATBALLS

4. Seven Layer Dip - This dip is a Superbowl tradition. This recipe is from food.com.

INGREDIENTS:
16 ounces refried beans
1 package taco seasoning
1 cup of sour cream
1 cup of guacamole
1 cup lettuce
1 cup salsa
1 cup shredded mexican blend cheese
4 ounces sliced olives
1 cup diced tomatoes

DIRECTIONS;
In a large dish layer in this order:
Refried beans mixed with the taco seasoning
1 cup sour cream
1 cup guacamole
1 cup salsa
1 cup lettuce
1 cup cheese
The olives
1 cup diced tomatoes
Chill and serve.

5 MOUTHWATERING SUPER BOWL PARTY WORTHY RECIPES - SEVEN LAYER DIP

5. Easy Quesadillas - This is a great finger food for the big party. This one is from Delish.

INGREDIENTS:
1 tbsp oil
1 chopped onion
1 pound ground beef
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp cumin
8 flour tortillas
1 1/2 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese
1 sliced avocado
2 tbsp chopped cilantro

DIRECTIONS:
Heat oil in a pan and saute onions.
Add ground beef and spices and cook the beef thoroughly.
Drain fat.
Sprinkle cheese onto 4 tortillas.
Top with beef, avocado and cilantro.
Top off with the second tortilla.
Transfer tortillas to a heated pan and cook for 3 minutes.
Flip the tortillas to the other side and cook till golden brown and slice into triangles.

5 MOUTHWATERING SUPER BOWL PARTY WORTHY RECIPES - EASY QUESADILLAS

MY RECIPE CORNER - DELICIOUS EASY TO MAKE CHRISTMAS FRUITCAKE

Hello all,

When I think of Christmas, I think of trees, decorating and baking. And when I think of Christmas baking, I think of fruitcake. Love them or hate them, fruitcake is definitely a Christmas tradition. I've tasted a few that were downright delicious. I've come across one that fits the bill for delicious. It's a recipe from A Taste of Home for a delicious easy to make c
Christmas fruitcake.

Fruitcake originated with the ancient Egyptians. They made the fruitcakes for their departed ones to carry with them into the afterlife. The dense cakes were thought to be able to withstand the journey. It then carried onto other populations and cultures and each put their own spin on it. So give the recipe a try and remember they make great gifts:


INGREDIENTS:
3 cups coarsely cut nuts such as walnuts, pecans or hazelnuts
1 pound chopped pitted dates
1 cup halved maraschino cherries
3/4 cup flour
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS:
In a bowl combine, nuts, cherries and dates. In a separate bowl combine flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Add to nut mixture and stir until well coated.
In a small bowl beat eggs until foamy then stir in vanilla. Fold into nut mixture and mix well.
Pour into a greased parchment lined 9 X 5 loaf pan.
Bake at 300 degrees for 1 3/4 hours until toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and enjoy!

delicious easy to make Christmas fruitcake

MY RECIPE CORNER - KICK- ASS DELICIOUS MARSHMALLOW SWEET POTATOES

Hello all,

When I think of November, I think of one of my favorite holidays, Thanksgiving. I just love getting together with family and friends. I also love all of the delicious recipes this time of year! My recipe for kick-ass marshmallow sweet potatoes is a tried and true family favorite.

I have used this recipe to make kick-ass marshmallow sweet potatoes since my kids were small. I always get a lot of compliments on them. They especially go well as a side dish for Thanksgiving. I think the secret is the addition of orange juice. They are very sweet. Here it is, Enjoy-

MARSHMALLOW SWEET POTATOES-

INGREDIENTS:
2 large cans of sweet potatoes ( I think they're about 23 ounces)
1/2 cup of butter
1/2 to 3/4 cup of orange juice
2 bags of mini marshmallows
1 tsp. cinnamon

DIRECTIONS:
Drain sweet potatoes into a bowl and smash with a potato masher.
Melt the butter and add it to the potatoes.
Add the orange juice.(I say 1/2 to 3/4 cup because you don't want them watery, but you want to taste the orange juice).
Add the cinnamon and stir.
Add a whole bag of mini marshmallows and mix well.
Spread into a  square 9 X 13 baking pan.
Bake at 350 degrees for 20 mins.
Sprinkle the remaining bag of marshmallows on top of the potatoes and cook 5-10 more mins. until the marshmallows start to melt ( as many marshmallows as you like, I use half a bag).
Put the pan under the broiler for a few minutes if you want it browned ( I usually do for a few minutes).
Remove the pan, cool and enjoy. But be careful the marshmallows will be very hot!

MY RECIPE CORNER - HOW TO COOK DELICIOUS FLORIDA LOBSTER

This post may contain affiliate links.

Hello all,

Its that time of the year again folks, lobster season! I'm here to teach you how to cook Florida lobster. Florida has 2 lobster seasons, The mini season is the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday in July. Then the regular season.  It runs from  August 6th - March 31st. The Florida lobster is called the spiny lobster or "bugs" by locals and can be tricky to catch. They can travel backwards at great speeds to avoid being caught.

Before you cook Florida lobster, you have to catch them. The best way to catch a lobster is to use a tickle stick and  to coax it out of its hiding place. You take the stick and slide it behind the lobster and tap him on its tail. This causes the lobster to slowly walk forward. Once it starts moving you place your net behind it and quickly swoop the end of the net around and trap him in it. The lobster will move fast so make sure you have your net in place. Then make sure they're the appropriate size, carapace minimum 3 inches, and tail must be greater than 5 1/2 inches. Remember 6 is the daily bag limit.

Florida lobster is best grilled or broiled, but never boiled. Maine lobster is the one that gets boiled. All of this lobsters meat is in the tail. In celebration of lobster season, I found a delicious recipe for
crab stuffed Florida lobster from freshfromflorida.com I want to share:

To cook Florida lobster the easy way split the tail with a large knife. Brush the meat with a combination of olive oil or butter, lemon juice, and pepper. Put them on the grill. Cook the shell side for 6 minutes and the meat side for 2 minutes, and voila, a delicious masterpiece. Now for the recipe, enjoy!:

INGREDIENTS:

2 whole lobsters split lengthwise
1 tbs butter
1 tbs chopped celery
1 chopped shallot
1 tsp dry mustard
1 tsp flour
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup flaked crabmeat
1 tbs melted butter
3 tbs dry breadcrumbs
paprika

DIRECTIONS:

Remove lobster meat and rinse lobster cavity thoroughly.
In a skillet saute celery and shallot in butter till soft.
Stir in flour, dry mustard, cayenne, and milk and simmer until thickened.
Add crab meat and spoon mixture into lobster body.
Brush lobster meat with melted butter.
Sprinkle bread crumbs and paprika over crab and lobster meat.
Bake on pan in oven at 400 degrees for 15 - 20 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned. Enjoy!

cooking Florida lobster

JARED PADALECKIS NEW CAMPAIGN

Hello all,

I wanted to take a minute to talk about the terrible tragedy that occurred here in Florida. On  June 12, 2016 Orlando suffered a terrorist attack at the nightclub The Pulse leaving 49 dead and 53 injured. The senseless tragedy left many speechless and heartbroken,  My heart goes out to all victims and their families. Many people rallied together to help where they could. I've read reports of how many Floridians flocked to blood banks to donate and where the lines stretched for blocks.  One Illinois man taking it upon himself  built and delivered 49 crosses for the victims. It was also reported President Obama and former President  George W Bush both had met with Florida Governor Rick Scott to offer their condolences to Orlando.

  But one particular thing I wanted to draw attention to is the new campaign by Jared Padalecki of the show Supernatural at represent.com/Jared. The campaign features the sale of shirts with the logo "I AM ENOUGH". Quoting from their site, " In addition to finding charities that support the fight against depression, self harm and suicide a portion of the proceeds of the Rainbow tee will be donated to OneOrlando and Equality Florida's Pulse Victims Fund." --Jared
 The shirts sell for $23.99.  Help support if you can a good cause.  

https://www.facebook.com/JaredPadalecki/videos/542111645994435/     ;

https://represent.com/jared/padalecki-i-am-enough-live-yourself-first-for-orlando

WELCOME ALL !!

Hi,

Welcome to my new blog, FreeSenseNews. I will do my best to talk about things I think you'll find interesting, such as sci-fi shows, recipes, great freebies I find, fun things to do, entertaining news and all things in between. I will also have guests talking about everything under the sun. Also look out for our feature where I will talk one-on-one with new talent of all genres. So, please enjoy!  I welcome all comments!!