ps: Pride and Joy and Lobster Guacomole

Oh - by the way - I have decided that my brand new Blogger Award is now my Pride and Joy. Oh boy am I going to be impossible to live with now. 

I am in such a good mood I'm going to share a brand new recipe with all of you. Isn't it amazing how some positive recognition for our efforts can just lift our spirits? So, never before seen on this blog.  It's fresh and easy and the prettiest thing you ever wanted to see sitting on an Hors d'oeuvres plate. It will make you the host / hostess or guest of the year when you whip this one out:

Lobster Guacamole with Mango on a Tortilla Chip: (you can substitute shrimp or crab for the lobster) - makes 2 cups or about 48 tortilla chips

2 ripe Haas avocados, peeled and pitted (save the pits)

1 large garlic clove, mashed to a paste with salt

3 ripe plum tomatoes, seeded and diced

1 big tablespoon cilantro (or parsely) chopped

1/4 cup scallions, minced

1/4 cup fresh lime or lemon juice

salt and pepper

1 cup cooked lobster, shrimp or crab, chopped very small

1 ripe mango, peeled, pitted and diced very small

1-2 teaspoons honey

"Scoops" tortilla chips

Mash avocados with fork. Add garlic, tomatoes, cilantro, scallions, lime or lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Put the pits in the mixture and it will not turn brown. (it's an old cook's trick that you don't have to be old to use)

Cook the seafood of choice (lobster, shrimp or crab), dice small and set aside. (keep cold)

Dice the mango very small and mix with the honey. Set aside. 

Spoon a nice teaspoon into the Scoop tortilla chip. Top with seafood of choice, then top with a few pieces of mango. 

These little hors d'oeuvres will become your Pride and Joy! 

My Favorite Quote and Grilled Lobster

"I did the best that I knew how; when I knew better, I did better" - Maya Angelou

I love this quote. I think it can be applied to so many things in our lives. This being Mother's Day I think it is even more relevant. 

How many of us knock our heads against the wall trying to be "the best mother possible"? How many of us live in regret because of something we did or didn't do with or for our children? 

Well, stop it. Today, right now, stop it. If you love your children. Stop it. You did the best that you knew how.... and when you knew better, you did better. 

Happy Mother's Day - give yourself a present. You are enough. 

Grilled Petite Lobster Tails with Orange and Thyme Scented Butter (serves 4)

8 petite Lobster Tails (about 3 ounces each)

1 stick (8 ounces) unsalted butter

Zest of 1 orange

1 sprig thyme

Pinch Kosher Salt 

Lemon wedges (optional)

Heat the grill to high. 

Place lobster tails (in shell) on grill. Grill 3 to 4 minutes, flip to other side, grill 3 to 4 minutes. Tails will slightly curl. Don't overcook. 

Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, melt butter slowly, add the orange zest and the sprig of thyme. Continue melting the butter until it foams. Stir in pinch salt. Using a small strainer, strain into 4 small cups for dipping lobster. 

I serve the tails with steamed fingerling potatoes tossed with olive oil and sea salt and a small side salad. 

P.S: 

Happy Mother's Day everyone. 

If you are a mother, happy mother's day.

If your mother is still with you, call her today

If your mother is gone, remember something wonderful about her

If you are not a mother, as you go about your business today, wish someone else happy mother's day. 

Have a great one and count your blessings.