What's for dinner? Mussels! Mussels typically aren't a meal you think of when you think of a home cooked meal. I'm not sure why, they are healthy, delicious, and actually super easy and quick to put together. The deep color of the black shells, the novelty of pulling the meat out of them, it makes for a fun interactive meal that the whole family can enjoy. And nothing beats the taste of white wine, garlic, and butter. 

Ingredients: 
16 ounces linguine noodles
3 pounds mussels
1/3 cup flour
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup shallots, chopped
5 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
1 cup white wine
2 teaspoons lavender salt
1 teaspoon pepper

In a large pot of salty water, boil your linguine noodles for 8 minutes or until al dente. While that cooks, in another pot heat your butter and oil over medium heat. Cook the shallots for 5 minutes, then add your garlic and cook for another 1 minute. Add your parlsey, thyme, wine, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil then add your muscles. Cook over medium heat for 6-8 minutes until the mussels are opened. Drain your noodles and place in a large bowl, pour your muscles and their sauce over the noodles and serve hot. 

Enjoy!

Sometimes classic dishes such as shrimp scampi can sound intimidating. But often times, there are reasons they are classics. This dish is pretty fool proof, and its extremely simple to make. The wonderful pairing of the white wine, butter, and garlic are as always, delightful. 

Ingredients: 
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup white wine
3/4 tsp lavender salt
1/8 tsp red pepper flakes
1 3/4 pounds large shrimp, shelled and deveined 
1/3 cup parsley, chopped
juice from 1/2 a lemon 
8 ounces linguini pasta, cooked aldente 

Directions: 
Melt your butter and olive oil in large skillet. Saute garlic for 60 seconds. Add wine, salt, and pepper and simmer until wine has reduced by half, should take 2-3 minutes. Add shrimp and saute until just pink, 3-4 minutes. Stir in parsley and lemon juice and serve over pasta. 

A classic and comforting dish with memorable savory flavors. This dish is easy to make, delicious, and I'm pretty sure you won't have any leftovers to worry about. 

Have you ever had a shrimp boil for dinner? It's such a fun and unique meal idea that you family is sure to love. All of the yummy cajun flavors, the hearty potatoes and corn, there is just nothing not to get excited about. So throw some newspaper across your table and come join us for a cajun shrimp boil!

• Ingredients: 
• 2 lemons, cut in half
• 2 tablespoons ground bay leaves
• 2 tablespoons celery salt
• 1 tablespoon dry mustard
• 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 2 teaspoons sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground white pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon ground mace
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon lavender
• 6 sprigs fresh thyme
• 8 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1 large onion, quartered
• 1 pound small red potatoes 
• 4 ears of corn cut in half
• 1 1/2 pound large gulf shrimp with shells
• 2 tablespoons butter

Directions: Fill a large pot with water. Add your lemons, spices, garlic, and onion. Cover and bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer for 3 minutes. Add the potatoes to the pot and cook until just tender (about 10 minutes) Add the corn and cook for 5 more minutes. Peel and deveine your shrimp, add to pot for about 2-3 minutes. Remove your shrimp and vegetables from the pot, but keep 1 cup of the broth in the pan. Add your butter to that broth until the butter melts. Serve the broth over the shrimp and veggies. You can serve with lemon wedges and hot sauce as well. 

There is something so wonderful about your entire family gathering around a big ol' shared plate for dinner. This dish is flavorful, filling, and oh so satisfying. Give it a try and put a taste of the south in your mouth. Bon Appetite!