Now that my cookbooks are out and doing well at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and Big Bob\u2019s Diner and Truck Tire Repair, I hear lots of people tell me how lucky I am to have achieved my dream.<\/p>\n
I thank them, sign their book, and smile. Because I know I\u2019m lucky.<\/p>\n
Why?<\/p>\n
I was born into a family of immigrant entrepreneurs who spun gold from hardship.<\/p>\n
I went to a public high school where I learned algebra, studied Chaucer, and read Langston Hughes. I attended a college where I sat side-by-side with brilliant young men and women who went on to launch brilliant careers.<\/p>\n
I married a wonderful woman who gave birth to six incredible kids. We built a new house and planted a garden. We owned a Porsche. We sold everything and moved to the inner city to work with young people. I remodeled and lived in three Victorian homes.<\/p>\n
I made some money. I lost some money. I made some of it back.<\/p>\n
Yep. It was all a massive stroke of luck. I guess I was one of the \u2018chosen few\u2019.<\/p>\n
Yeah\u2026 Right\u2026<\/p>\n
I remember going to the Fireman\u2019s Day Parade as a child in my hometown of Mamaroneck, New York in the early sixties. It was a big deal. Not like so many parades today – anemic and under-attended. This was the era of three TV stations, sandlot baseball, circus under a real tent, and pizza by the slice. My dad hoisted me on his shoulders to see the parade. I know I saw more than he did. But I\u2019m convinced we both had a great time.<\/p>\n
Flash-forward to the Mid-90\u2019s. I took my wife and kids to Chicago to see the Thanksgiving Day Parade. Crowds swarmed and jostled along the curb. The older kids nudged their way to the front. I hoisted my young son Aaron up on my shoulders so he could revel in a parade that I would never see. But I certainly enjoyed his squeals of laughter as floats, clowns and marching bands drifted by. Yep, I\u2019m convinced we both had a great time.<\/p>\n
Back when I was raising money for non-profits, I once solicited a wealthy gentleman for a major gift. He responded, \u201cWarren, when I win the lottery, I\u2019ll give you that big gift.\u201d<\/p>\n
My response?<\/p>\n
\u201cMike, you were born in America. You already won the lottery.\u201d<\/p>\n
He shook his head and chuckled. Then he whipped out a pen and signed the pledge card.<\/p>\n
See, here\u2019s the deal. If you live in America, you\u2019ve already won the lottery. You\u2019re already \u2018lucky\u2019. \u2018Cuz someone, somewhere let you climb on their shoulders to see The Parade. I don\u2019t care if you were raised in Beverly Hills or Bed-Stuy. We\u2019re all standing on someone\u2019s shoulders to see a parade that they could only hope to see. It might\u2019ve been a parent, grandparent, uncle, aunt, teacher, coach, neighbor, rabbi, or priest. Someone stooped low enough to allow us to scramble onto their shoulders to see something remarkable while we were perched up there.<\/p>\n
Now it\u2019s time for each one of us to lift someone up on our shoulders. To let them fully see what you and I have only caught a glimpse of.<\/p>\n
This is how the world changes\u2026..For the good.<\/p>\n
I bet you\u2019re wondering, \u2018What does this have to do with jumbo shrimp?\u2019<\/p>\n
Easy. I\u2019m gonna give you a recipe that\u2019ll knock your socks off. But I have to let you in on a secret. It\u2019s not mine.<\/p>\n
I gleaned it when I climbed on the shoulders of a great New York chef who has long since passed away. He wrote it down for the likes of me to see and tweak. I\u2019ve made it for family and friends for over 20 years. Now I\u2019m passing it on to others.<\/p>\n
I\u2019m standing on his shoulders. Now pull out that skillet and climb up on mine.<\/p>\n
Bon app\u00e9tit!<\/p>\n
\u2022 GARLIC BAKED SHRIMP \u2022<\/p>\n
This dish is so simple, yet so delicious. You can prepare it hours ahead and pop it in the oven at the last minute. I\u2019ve doubled this for company and they\u2019ve gone nuts over it. When I give them the recipe, they’re stunned by its simplicity.<\/p>\n
PREP: 10 minutes
\nCOOK: 15 minutes<\/p>\n
INGREDIENTS
\n3\/4 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
\n3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
\n2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1\/4 teaspoon garlic powder)
\n3 tablespoons seasoned breadcrumbs with Romano cheese
\n1-1\/2 tablespoons dry sherry (or dry white wine)
\n1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley<\/p>\n
DIRECTIONS
\n1. Preheat the oven to 375\u00b0.
\n2. Place the shrimp in a small casserole dish and add the melted butter.
\nStir shrimp to coat well.
\n3. Add the remaining ingredients and stir to coat. May be refrigerated
\nuntil ready to bake.
\n4. Place casserole dish in the oven and bake for 15 minutes (a little
\nlonger if the shrimp have been chilled.)<\/p>\n
Serve with Steamed White Rice and Carrots in Vermouth.<\/p>\n
Chef Warren Caterson is the award-winning author of\u00a0 \u201cTable for Two \u2013 The Cookbook for Couples\u201d an “Table for Two – Back for Seconds.” In addition to writing, Chef Warren travels extensively presenting his informative and entertaining cooking demonstrations at Food & Wine Festivals, Home and Garden Shows, Conventions and other events. Visit him online at www.TableForTwoCookbooks.com.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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