Seniors, Shrimp Skewers with Pesto and Cheddar Polenta

The day has arrived...the "Last, First Day of School".  My girls are Seniors and this day has been coming for a very, very long time.  Although it doesn't seem that long...feels like they were just taking their "First, First Day of School" photos.

My heart is overwhelmed with emotions and it's going to be one of those long Kleenex kinds of year. Well, my little birds will be ready to fly soon and we just continue to pray for them and be thankful for all the Blessings we have been given with them.

This dinner has absolutely nothing to do with anything other than it is a great comfort meal for me in my time of need.

Shrimp Skewers with Pesto and Cheddar Polenta

Adapted from Cuisine at Home Grilling

For The Shrimp;

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup minced garlic

1 Tbsp. red pepper flakes

1/2 tsp. paprika

minced zest of 1 lime

salt to taste

16 jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails off

(1) 4 ounce container, prepared pesto sauce

For The Cheddar Polenta;

3 cups water

1/2 cup whole milk

1 cup yellow cornmeal

1-1/2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

salt to taste

Preheat grill to medium-high heat.

Combine 1/4 cup oil, garlic, pepper flakes, paprika, lime zest, and salt for the shrimp in a bowl.  Add shrimp and toss to coat; marinate for at least 5 minutes.

Thread 4 shrimp onto each of the 4 skewers through both the tail and the head to hold in place.  Reserve marinade for basting.

Arrange skewers on the grill with the handles extending over the edge.  Grill covered for 1-1/2 minutes per side, brushing shrimp with marinade as they cook.  Serve skewers with warmed, prepared pesto.

For the Polenta, bring water and milk to a boil in a large saucepan over medium heat.  Gradually whisk in cornmeal.  Cook cornmeal according to package directions, or until thick, stirring often.  

Add Cheddar, stirring until melted.  Season polenta with salt.

One Year Ago: Naughty Cookie Bars

Two Years Ago: Spinach, Chicken, Bacon Pizza

Three Years Ago: Flatiron Steak Salad