Entertaining on a Wednesday?

I had the day off today to get some Christmas shopping done and have a couple doctor's appointments.  It was a very productive day but it also allowed me the time to prepare dinner so a friend from Ohio could join us.  I made gorgonzola and sausage stuffed mushrooms, baked shrimp, and broccolini with raisins. 

This is a recipe that I saw on Giada at Home.  I substituted nonfat yogurt for the mascarpone cheese.  It was AWESOME!  If you like gorgonzola cheese this is a recipe for you.  It was easy to prepare and the last 10 minutes are in the oven which frees you up as you get the rest of the meal to the table. 

OK, so I found this recipe online, by the Barefoot Contessa (so already you know it is great).  It is a marinade for shrimp which you then skewer and grill.  The entire marinade sounded so good I couldn't bear to discard the ingredients so I made this a scampi recipe.  I served it as a main dish but next time I will pour this entire thing over pasta.  I know my Dad for one will be VERY happy....New Year's??  Try it, you will love it!

I made a version of this dish maybe 5 years ago and it has been randomly appearing ever since.  It sounds weird, broccolini and raisins?  We love it though, I hope your family does too!

Broccolini with Garlic and Raisins

16 oz of broccolini, trimmed

2 TBS of olive oil

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1/3 cup of golden raisins

Steam broccolini for 4-5 minutes.  Heat olive oil is medium saute pan.  Add garlic and cook for about 2 minutes.  Add the broccolini and raisins.  Combine well to distribute the garlic.  Serve warm.  Enjoy!