I'm SO excited to share this with you!!

When we first arrived to New Orleans in August 2010 we heard about a seafood festival that would take place in September.

We decided to check it out.

Oh WOW! We ate with our eyes that day. You can see here what I'm talking about.

The food was amazing.

Well, on this day, I came across my first encounter with BBQ Shrimp.

When I first heard the name, my initial thought was, "BBQ sauce on shrimp...like the kind of sauce you put on chicken. Hmmm...weird."

Well, I was totally WRONG!!

Instead, this sauce is what I like to call heaven.

A sauce that's filled with butter, lemon and herbs and spices.

HEAVEN!!!

What I ate that day was a BBQ Shrimp Po-boy from the New Orleans Hamburger and Seafood Company. (If you ever come to NOLA, you gotta try it. They have the best food!)

What I LOVED about this po-boy is that it wasn't like your typical po-boy...just some fried food, maybe dressed with lettuce and tomato on a huge piece of po-boy bread...nope!! This one had all the BBQ Shrimp goodness stuffed inside the bread.

Basically, the inside of the bread was taken out and then replaced with the goodies, which meant for total yumminess and hardly any mess!! ME LIKE!!

The way the sauce and shrimp combined with the po-boy bread...oh, it was LOVE at first bite!

New Orleans Hamburger and Seafood Company isn't close to our house, so it was always a treat when we go.

A few months back, my hubs, D, decided to make it on his own at the house. Oh yeah!!

But, instead of having it as a po-boy, we decided to have it on top of cheese grits, because we've had SO many things on top of cheese grits since living here...pulled pork, shrimp, duck...that we pretty much LOVE it!!

Pretty much anything can go on top of cheese grits in NOLA! Did you know that? I sure didn't before moving here.

Now, the one thing my hubs does that's completely different from me, is that he uses a BBQ Shrimp seasoning packet to add to the mix.

I, on the other hand, would rather NOT use a packet. But, because I'm a busy mama, and I love this dish, I let it slide.

But, I also know that NOT everyone can get their hands on a BBQ shrimp seasoning packet (but I did find it on Amazon!!), so once my time opens up more, I'm gonna make it without the packet and with the REAL thing instead.

But, I think D wants to make it this way, too because last night he mentioned it. Yippeee!!!

Don't worry, I'll share it once it's made.

Because, really, all it is lemon, herbs and spices and some soy sauce.

For this one, my hubs doesn't make it the EXACT way it says on the back of the seasoning packet.

But, trust me, it's SUPER easy!

He uses less butter...and, just remember, you're NOT eating the entire dish, so you're really not even getting as much butter as it calls for anyway...for all those who are afraid of butter, like my husband...but, definitely NOT me.

Butter is the most REAL food you can find out there. It's full of beautiful, nourishing nutrients and anti-oxidants.

If you're unsure of butter, check out this great read.

I promise..butter is NOT the bad guy. :)

OK - moving on.

You'll need to have grits on hand. Just make them as the box says, and then add shredded cheese at the end.

My hubs likes to add monterey jack to the mix as well, but I just prefer cheddar. But either way, it's still freakin' good!

You'll need 1 pound of frozen, thawed shrimp, or fresh if you prefer.

I like to buy the already peeled, tails cut off, frozen shrimp because it's much easier time-wise for us busy parents.

First, mix BBQ seasoning packet on stove, which includes butter and olive oil.

Then you'll place thawed shrimp in a pan.

Pour BBQ seasoning sauce over the shrimp and lemon slices and then sprinkle some black pepper.

Place in oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, turning several times in between.

Place on top of cheese grits and it's READY TO EAT!

Mix it up and enJOY the delicious NOLA flavor!!

I promise you, you won't leave one biteon your plate.

Promise!! ;)

And, if there's leftovers, grab some bread and make you're own po-boy!! I do it all the time!! :)

For some added sides to the dish (it's good on its own, but I was craving some goodies to go along with it) I sauteed up some broccoli in butter and coconut oil.

I LOVE my broccoli this way. It's SO crisp!! I'm not a fan of super soft veggies that taste bland.

Oh, and for added flavor (and nutrients) I always cut up the stem of the broccoli, too. Just peel the sides off because that part doesn't digest well.

And, because Spring is on its way, I'm craving more cooling foods, like salads.

I chopped up all the ingredients on Sunday, that way it's all ready to just put together, EASILY, during the week.

This one is a colorful mix of spring mix greens, shredded carrots, shredded beets, shredded red cabbage, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, black olives with blue cheese dressing on top!

SO freakin' good!!

Oh, salads, I always LOVE you when the weather starts warming up.

If I eat a salad during the colder months, I'm left feeling colder than when I first started eating.

The body knows what's going on in the environment, so actually, eating this way during this type of weather isn't beneficial at all.

That's why I LOVE seasonal eating. It does a body good!

I'm SO thankful that my little family and I get to experience all the delicious foods that make up NOLA (and that I have my blog to share them with you, too!).

When we move, we're definitely taking many, many meals with us.

Which makes us very, very happy!

Alright...I know you're ready to make this heavenly dish, right? :)

Well, here ya go...

BBQ Shrimp + Cheese Grits

BBQ Shrimp

Ingredients
1 package of Cajun King Barbecued Shrimp Sauce Mix
1 pound (or 1 bag) of frozen or fresh shrimp
1 stick of butter
4 tablespoons, olive oil
1 to 2 lemons, sliced
Sprinkle of black pepper

Directions
1. Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees.
2. If using frozen shrimp, thaw. If using fresh, you can leave the skin and tails on, if you'd like or peel.
3. Wash shrimp in cold water, draining well. Divide shrimp into a baking dish, one layer thick. Overlapping is fine. Set aside.
4. Heat saucepan on medium heat. Add butter and 4 tablespoons. Bring to a simmer.
5. Turn to low heat and mix in Cajun King Barbecued Shrimp Sauce Mix. Simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Place sliced lemon slices throughout pan.
7. Pour sauce mix over shrimp.
8. Sprinkle back pepper over shrimp.
9. Place in oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, basting and turning several times. (During this time start making cheese grits - see below)
10. Let shrimp sit for about 10 minutes. Sample one to make sure shrimp is fully cooked.
11. Serve on top of cheese grits.
12. Turn off all distractions, sit down by yourself or with your kids, family and/or friends, take a few deep breaths, say how much gratitude and love you have for your food, your family, your life and DIG IN, slowly and savor the deliciousness!

Cheese Grits

Ingredients
1/2 cup White Hominy Grits (we used Quaker)
2 and 1/4 cup water
1/2 block, mild cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 block, monterey jack cheese, shredded

Directions
1. Pour water into saucepan. Bring to a boil.
2. Add in grits and slowly stir.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and cook for 12 to 14 minutes, or until thick. Stir occasionally.
4. Add shredded cheese and continue to cook until the cheese melts, for about 2 to 3 minutes.
5. Add to your favorite serving dish and place BBQ shrimp on top.
6. Turn off all distractions, sit down by yourself or with your kids, family and/or friends, take a few deep breaths, say how much gratitude an d love you have for your food, your family, your life and DIG IN, slowly and savor the deliciousness!

Variations: Replace the grits with your favorite french bread on this side, or better yet, have it as a po-boy instead. Either way, just be sure to eat it up in any way that you absolutely LOVE!

Ingredients
1 package of Cajun King Barbecued Shrimp Sauce Mix
1 pound (or 1 bag) of frozen or fresh shrimp
1 stick of butter
4 tablespoons, olive oil
1 to 2 lemons, sliced
Sprinkle of black pepper

Directions
1. Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees.
2. If using frozen shrimp, thaw. If using fresh, you can leave the skin and tails on, if you'd like or peel.
3. Wash shrimp in cold water, draining well. Divide shrimp into a baking dish, one layer thick. Overlapping is fine. Set aside.
4. Heat saucepan on medium heat. Add butter and 4 tablespoons. Bring to a simmer.
5. Turn to low heat and mix in Cajun King Barbecued Shrimp Sauce Mix. Simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Place sliced lemon slices throughout pan.
7. Pour sauce mix over shrimp.
8. Sprinkle back pepper over shrimp.
9. Place in oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, basting and turning several times. (During this time start making cheese grits - see below)
10. Let shrimp sit for about 10 minutes. Sample one to make sure shrimp is fully cooked.
11. Serve on top of cheese grits.
12. Turn off all distractions, sit down by yourself or with your kids, family and/or friends, take a few deep breaths, say how much gratitude and love you have for your food, your family, your life and DIG IN, slowly and savor the deliciousness!

Cheese Grits

Ingredients
1/2 cup White Hominy Grits (we used Quaker)
2 and 1/4 cup water
1/2 block, mild cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 block, monterey jack cheese, shredded

Directions
1. Pour water into saucepan. Bring to a boil.
2. Add in grits and slowly stir.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and cook for 12 to 14 minutes, or until thick. Stir occasionally.
4. Add shredded cheese and continue to cook until the cheese melts, for about 2 to 3 minutes.
5. Add to your favorite serving dish and place BBQ shrimp on top.
6. Turn off all distractions, sit down by yourself or with your kids, family and/or friends, take a few deep breaths, say how much gratitude an d love you have for your food, your family, your life and DIG IN, slowly and savor the deliciousness!

Variations: Replace the grits with your favorite french bread on this side, or better yet, have it as a po-boy instead. Either way, just be sure to eat it up in any way that you absolutely LOVE!

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Want some sides with your shrimp + grits?

Crunchy Munchy Broccoli

Ingredients
1 to 2 heads of raw broccoli, washed and dried
1 tablespoon of butter
1 tablespoon of coconut oil
Dash of sea salt and pepper

Directions
1. Cut broccoli heads off to the size you prefer.
2. Cut off stem and the sides of the stem. Dice.
3. Heat skillet to medium heat. Add in butter, oil, broccoli, salt and pepper
4. Mix it up while it cooks for about 10 minutes or less...just until dark green.
5. Add to your favorite serving dish.
6. Turn off all distractions, sit down by yourself or with your kids, family and/or friends. Take a few deep breaths, say how much gratitude and love you have for your food, your family, your life and DIG IN, slowly and SAVOR the deliciousness!

Taste the Rainbow Salad

Ingredients
1 handful of spring greens mix
1 handful of romaine lettuce
1 handful of chopped cucumbers
1 handful of black olives
1 sprinkle of shredded beets
1 sprinkle of shredded carrots
1 sprinkle of shredded red cabbage
3 to 4 cherry tomatoes, sliced
1 tablespoon of your favorite blue cheese dressing

Directions
1. Prepare all salad ingredients on a day where you have ample time. Once you do this, place in your favorite storage container so you can have them all ready to go throughout the week so you won't have to worry about always having to chop veggies for your salad.
2. I use a cheese shredder to shred my beets, carrots and red cabbage. I do this first.
3. Get your favorite serving, salad dish and place greens, lettuce and then all other veggies on top.
4. Place dressing on top and you're ready to eat it up!
5. Turn off all distractions, sit down by yourself or with your kids, family and/or friends. Take a few deep breaths, say how much gratitude and love you have for your food, your family, your life and DIG IN, slowly and SAVOR the deliciousness!

If you make it, PLEASE lemme know how you liked it. I always LOVE to hear and talk about food! :)

Be on the look out for this recipe made from complete scratch...no package...in the near future!

Until then...

Life IS...LOVING what you eat and eating what you LOVE! SAVOR it up! :)