The Oscars are almost here, and you know what that means—party time! I was trying to think of some exciting new dishes and cocktails to serve this year, but was a bit stumped. Then I thought, when in doubt, stick with the classics. So, that's exactly what I'm doing—with a twist of course! On the menu we have: Shrimp Cocktail—but no ordinary shrimp cocktail. I marinate mine in a delicious Chimichurri sauce, roast them, and serve it with a spicy Sriracha aioli. To wash it all down, I'm serving old-school Grand Sidecar Martinis (they're Grand because I make them with Grand Marnier). They're timeless and offer that classic, old Hollywood feel. Plus—they're gold! Perfect for an Oscar party. Cheers!
Sidecar Martini
*This recipe makes 2 cocktails
3 oz. Grand Marnier
3 oz. freshly squeezed lemon juice
dash of simple syrup
Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled 1/2 way with ice. Shake for 30 seconds and strain into each cocktail glass rimmed with sugar. Serve with a twist of lemon.
Garnish
Juice of 1 lemon and peel for garnish
1/4 cup granulated sugar for rim
Squeeze the lemon juice onto a plate. on a separate plate, add the sugar. Dip the cocktail glass into the lemon juice, and then the sugar to coat the rim. Repeat with the remaining cocktail glasses.
Chimichurri Roasted Shrimp with Sriracha Aioli
1 lb raw shrimp
2 cups packed parsley leaves and tender stems
3 to 4 garlic cloves, finely minced (1 tablespoon minced)
1 medium shallot, finely chopped
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 to 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Place the raw shrimp on a sheet pan. In a Cuisinart blender, add the remaining ingredients, and blend until smooth (It will resemble a loose pesto). Pour the Chimichurri sauce over the shrimp and toss a few times with clean hands. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and roast in the oven for 8-10 minutes until nice and pink. (These shrimp are also great served with basmati rice and an extra drizzle of Chimichurri sauce to make a quick and delicious dinner!)
Sriracha Aioli
3/4 cup good mayonnaise
1/3 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
2 teaspoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
Blend all ingredients together and serve with shrimp.