Last Minute Inspiration

Sometimes, I get really wrapped up in what I'm doing like, say, laundry or cleaning or, I don't know, reading a blog maybe... And then I look at the time and I realize, it's time to start supper, like now! And most days, I menu plan, but what if I just don't feel like eating what I have on the menu for that day? That always happens on the days I'm right at the last minute to make supper. So I look in the freezer and the pantry, and the refrigerator and then back to the pantry and then, time flies you know, I have to find something to make, and then, I have a flash.



Let's say I take those thin burger buns and split them in half, that could make a great mini-pizza... And those shrimp in the freezer, I could thaw them out in some chicken broth and sauté them in a little butter, garlic, pepper flakes and that would make a great topping... A creamy bechamel for the sauce, grated mozz on top, a brief trip in the oven, garnish with green onions and, bingo! A quick and easy supper. It's on days like those that I realize the importance of a well stocked kitchen. I love last minute inspiration.



Mini Shrimp Pizzas
The amount of ingredients you need to make the pizzas will depend on how many people you want to serve.

shrimp, thawed if frozen
1 or 2 cloves of garlic, minced
red pepper flakes, to taste
olive oil

Bechamel sauce:
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
1 cup of milk
salt and pepper, to taste

thin burger buns ( like these)
grated mozzarella cheese
green onions, chopped for garnish

First, make the bechamel sauce. Melt the butter in a small saucepan. Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Add the milk and whisk until it boils. Let simmer for about 5 minutes or until the sauce has thickened. Salt and pepper to taste and set aside.

In a skillet, heat some olive oil and add the garlic. Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes, to taste, and cook for about 1 minute. Add the shrimp and cook until they are pink and beautiful. Set aside.

If you have a pizza stone, now is the time to put it in your oven and preheat it to about 500F. If you don't have a pizza stone, preheat your oven to 450F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Split the hamburger buns and spread some of the bechamel on the inside of the buns. Place some shrimp on top of that, and sprinkle with the mozzarella. Place the pizzas on the pizza stone (or the baking sheet) and bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Garnish with green onions and serve with a salad (I'm in love with arugula these days).