The Small Town Chef

Fire up your taste buds with Gambas al Ajillo Spanish garlic shrimp or Gambas al Ajillo (pronounced Gahm-bahs ahl ah-HEE-yoh) is a must-try Mediterranean dish! Large, juicy shrimp soaked in olive oil and garlic — a perfect match. It’s bright, garlicky, spicy and rich in all the right ways. Serve it with crusty bread to soak up all the liquid goodness! Gambas al ajillo literally translates to “garlic shrimp” or “shrimp with garlic.” And boy does it live up to its name: big, juicy shrimp swimming in a flavorful sauce made from olive oil and lots of garlic. It’s perfect for sharing alongside a good loaf of crusty bread for dipping into that sauce! This Spanish shrimp recipe is incredibly easy to make and comes together quickly.   Recipe: Gambas al Ajillo Ingredients:   1 pound 16-20 shrimp, peeled and deveined 8 cloves garlic, finely minced 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1/2 teaspoon (or more) crushed Aleppo pepper (optional, for some heat) 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley 1 t...

  A Sweet, Spicy, and Savory Symphony for Your Taste Buds Today I’m sharing one of my culinary creations that has quickly become a summertime favorite in my kitchen – Roasted Raspberry-Chipotle Sauce!   Trust me, this sauce is a keeper. It’s got the perfect balance of sweetness from the raspberries, a smoky kick from the chipotle peppers, and a deep, rich flavor from roasted garlic. Plus, we’re adding a touch of crushed Mexican oregano for an extra layer of aromatic goodness. This sauce is incredibly versatile – you can use it as a marinade, glaze, or even as salsa. Let’s dive right in and talk about how you can make this delicious sauce at home.     Why Roasted Raspberries and Garlic? First off, roasting the raspberries and garlic is a must. It adds a depth of flavor that you just can’t get from fresh or even cooked ingredients alone. The natural sugars in the raspberries and garlic caramelize, giving the sauce a richer, more complex taste. Adding Mexican oregano ad...

  Get Ready to Sizzle: Bang Bang Shrimp Taco Fiesta! Are you ready to make your Cinco de Mayo celebration more exciting with a recipe that guarantees deliciousness in every bite? Hold on to your sombrero and brace yourself for an explosion of flavor; Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos! Crunchy, juicy shrimp drenched in a delicious Bang Bang sauce, wrapped in warm tortillas then topped with all your favorite toppings. Not a fan of shrimp? Use your favorite mild fish cut into strips before dredging – cod, grouper, mahi mahi would be excellent choices. Whether you’re throwing a party or just craving some really good food, these tacos are about to be your new go-to dish on Cinco de Mayo. So get your mise en place ready and let’s get cooking!   Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp Ingredients: For the Bang Bang Sauce: ½ cup Mexican crema ½ cup Mayonaise 4 tablespoons chili-garlic sauce 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce 2 teaspoons honey 2 teaspoons lime juice For the Shrimp: 2 pounds large (U26-30) shrimp, peel...