Teresa in the Kitchen, Stab 2.

I am so back!

I am cheating badly. I am supposed to try a new recipe every week, but I needed this confidence boost.

I just made George Stella 's Anaheim Shrimp Scampi recipe and it was every bit as amazing as it was the first time I had it three years ago. Back then, George, a Food Network chef, was promoting his cookbook and serving scampi at a local supermarket when I passed by his demo table. After one taste, I bought his book and all the necessary ingredients. I cooked his scampi dish that night and three times later that year.

My husband just walked in from work and is picking at what I left for him on the stove while he talks on the phone. Aside from one cocktail party, I have never seen my husband eat while standing. There is no stronger endorsement than this.

A tip on the recipe: I did a short-cut on the scampi butter. I partially melted the required stick of butter in a microwave-safe dish for 15 or 20 seconds, and then whisked in the other ingredients. I molded the melty mix into a cigar shape and stuffed it into the freezer for ten minutes. It almost turned solid and that was good enough for me.

I somehow managed to buy amazing avocados yesterday. I usually suck at produce selection.

This is my best low-carb meal yet. OK, I've only tried two and yesterday's was a disaster. To answer the unspoken question, yes, I tasted it off the floor. It was awful but I am going to try the meatloaf recipe again.

I am counting this post as next week's. I fly on Monday for business.

My photos to come, I swear.