Living Undenied

This past week was full of lovely goodness. I managed to file for unemployment, sort out some financial items, and get packages in the mail. The snow has melted substantially; enough that I could open the windows to release the stale house smells and to draw in fresh air. Adding the couple of WIPs (works in progress) turned into FOs (finished objects), and there appeared a hoppy bunny dancing away. My little warren however did not share the same enthusiasm and protested my loud steppings with obviously disapproving looks.

Introducing the packages, I begin with the much anticipated one from Jessica, aka BunnySquirrel on Ravelry. Hers was actually a replacement to the lost one she had sent in the mail early January. After three weeks, we realized the package became a no-show and she promptly pulled another set of goodies for me. This time, she added sugarless treats that would appeal to me and appease my doctor. Does Jess rock or what? 🙂

Two more packages in the mail arrived to cheer me up. A while ago, I destashed some yarn to a delighted somebunny in Sweden. Recently Ulrika was out shopping and spied some bunny stickers and matching fabric. She promptly purchased and mailed them to me. I love how the blue stickers are identical to the red fabric. If looking closely, two different rabbits are hidden. (See them yet?) The other package contained another square of soft fabric — white rabbits playing with beach balls in the green grass. The Japanese print has a beautiful shine and I am going to need help on translating the label. Yumi or Hiroshi, help?

If there is one thing I have learned in life, it is refusing to settle and be content with whatever is handed to me if I want something better. I love applying one of my favorite quotes towards everything I desire: “A thought came to you for a reason. PURSUE it!” The energy required for that gusto can be taxing. For the past few months I relied on caffeine and unhealthy food as my fuel. Now I am paying for it after being diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes and outrageously high amounts of cholesterol. After being told to cut eggs, butter, and starch in my diet, I decided to create dishes without denying myself flavor. So here is the first of my spontaneous recipes that are more health-conscious and are guaranteed to delight one’s taste buds. Please note that the measurements are estimates. I like to toss items together until they “look right” to me. Bon appetit!

Coconut Shrimp
Ingredients
1/2 cup flake coconut (optional)
2-4 tablespoons olive or canola oil (or 1-3 tablespoons sesame oil)
1/2 – 3/4 cup minced onion
2 tablespoons garlic
2 tablespoons parsley
1/2 teaspoon red/cayenne pepper
1/2 -3/4 cup coconut rum
1 pound of 31-40 peeled and deveined shrimp
pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions
Toast the coconut by spreading it on a non-stick cookie sheet and baking in the oven according to package instructions. Set aside. Heat a 12-inch or larger skillet, tossing the oil, onion, garlic, and parsley. Adding cayenne, rum and shrimp, begin simmering on medium heat. When the liquid has reduced to half, add red pepper flakes and toasted coconut. Start watching the skillet contents because the shrimp will begin to caramelize due to the rum. When that happens, serve immediately with a favorite salad or side dish. =:8