dinner tonight

[jazzyjas]

OK -- I am having a friend over for dinner tonight to celebrate her new job. I was thinking some kind of shrimp over polenta. We're having a sour cherry pie for dessert (long story) any suggestions on recipes or sides?
Thanks everyone
jas

[emilycat]

I think roasted portobellos would be nice, drizzled with fresh herbs and olive oil.
If you'd like to do a salad, something with mixed baby greens or arugula with roasted red peppers, shaved parmesan and olives would be a nice starter (or if you'd like to emulate the traditional style, a follow-up http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif ).

As far as main-dish recipes, I made the Garlic Lover's Shrimp (from CL's recipe finder) not too long ago, and it was delicious -- not too difficult or time-consuming, either. That might work well with the polenta.

Have fun!

[jazzyjas]

Thanks Emily, I made the garlic lovers shrimp and added sun dried tomato flakes -- served it over the polenta -- it was very tasty. The salad was boston bibb and spinach with roasted red peppers, kalamata olives and I shaved romano (my first time shaving cheese for the salad). We also had broiled portobello mushrooms with basil and asparagus (also broiled with the mushrooms and polenta). We ended the whole thing with sour cheery pie and vanilla ice cream -- the girls couldn't stop raving. Yummy!!
Thanks for all your suggestions -- you can see I took them to heart. I'll have to invite you next time.

Jas

[emilycat]

Jas,

I'm so flattered that you used my ideas -- thanks! That's great that your dinner turned out so well, but I'm sure the success was mostly a result of the chef's talents http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Emily