A Tale of Two Dinners: Thai Shrimp and Tailgate Sandwiches

I tried two new recipes this week, both from the August & September 2011 Taste of Home magazine.  My collected recipes fall into one of two categories: those that please adult palates – meaning I will make them for myself and husband when the children aren’t around, and those that are universally appealing – meaning children are also apt to enjoy them.
When I saw the recipe for Thai Shrimp, I recognized it as a perfect dinner for two.  So I added it to the week’s menu, since my husband and I would be dining sans children Sunday night.
A recipe for Tailgate Sandwiches also caught my eye, mainly because it seemed so kid-friendly – simple and flavorful (school’s back in, fall sports activities are in full swing – I need quick but tasty weeknight options).
Sunday night’s Thai Shrimp was spicy, flavorful, satisfying.  (It also exuded a wonderful aroma courtesy of garlic, ginger and curry.)  Served over jasmine rice, it was a lovely “grownup” dinner.
Later that week, I baked two pans of Tailgate Sandwiches (I doubled the recipe since my husband was convinced two sliders per person would not be enough.)
I, for one, could not gobble them up quickly enough!  My husband also gave them a thumbs up.
The children, however, were not impressed.  All four rated them “so-so” (their description).  Three had them fresh that night; the seven-year-old had them as leftovers and was equally dismissive.
I was flabbergasted, since I found them SO DELICIOUSLY ADDICTIVE!  What was wrong with these children??  My husband surmises the sandwiches are just too rich for kids.  Ah, well.
Whatever the reason, I suppose they won’t reappear as a family dinner.  But, my husband and I can now move them into the grownup category – and have the entire lot to ourselves when we make them!
Thai Shrimp
Adapted from Taste of Home magazine
(Serves 2)
3/4 lb. uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons lime juice, divided
1 shallot, chopped
1 teaspoon minced fresh gingerroot
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
10 cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1/2 cup reduced sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup light coconut milk
1 teaspoon curry powder
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons chopped salted cashews
2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
Sprinkle shrimp with 1 tablespoon lime juice, then with salt and pepper.
Saute shallot, ginger and garlic in oil for 1 minute in large skillet. Add shrimp; stir and cook for 2-3 minutes or until shrimp turn pink. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Add tomatoes, mushrooms, broth, coconut milk, curry powder, pepper flakes and remaining lime juice to skillet. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes or until mushrooms are tender and sauce is slightly reduced, stirring occasionally. Add shrimp and heat through. Garnish with cashews and cilantro.
Tailgate Sandwiches
Adapted from Taste of Home magazine
(Serves 6 – 2 sandwiches per person)
12 Hawaiian sweet rolls, split
1 lb. shaved deli ham
12 oz. Gruyere cheese (can use sliced or shredded)
1 tub (8 oz.) chive and onion cream cheese
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons dried minced onion
Arrange bottoms of rolls in greased 13 x 9 pan. Layer with ham and Gruyere cheese. Generously spread cut side of roll top with cream cheese and place over Gruyere.
Combine butter, Parmesan cheese, Worcestershire sauce and onion in small bowl. Drizzle evenly over sandwiches. Let stand for at least 20 minutes.
Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees F. for 20 minutes or until heated through.