Shrimp Tortilla Pizza for One (or Two)

I recently came up with a recipe based on a "Chef for a Day" challenge over in "The Refugees" group at Group Recipes. The challenge was simple: people suggested random ingredients until 10 ingredients total were listed. Then we were to come up with a unique recipe using the 10 ingredients suggested. The ingredients for this recipe were: tortilla, shrimp, cheese, white rice, black beans, Spanish olives, fruit, red pepper, red onion and sour cream. For my fruit, I chose mango as I had an over-ripe one handy in my fruit bowl. Fortunately, we could add any combination of spices, herbs and seasonings that we wished. The following was my effort.

INGREDIENTS
Base:
1 10-12" tortilla

Marinade:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon lime juice
a pinch of Kosher salt and a few grinds for fresh ground black pepper
1 tablespoon freshly chopped cilantro

6 medium-large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/4 cup sliced red onion

Bean Layer:
1/4 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
1-2 tablespoons olive oil
1 clove minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Pinch of Kosher salt and a few grinds of fresh ground black pepper

Rice Layer:
1/3 cup leftover white rice
2 ounces grated cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons sour cream
2 tablespoons finely chopped Spanish olives, pimento included
1/4 teaspoon Polly's Signature Spice Blend
1 tablespoon freshly chopped cilantro

Red pepper slices
1/4 cup finely diced mango

DIRECTIONS

Blend ingredients for marinade.
Add the shrimp and onion, toss to coat and set aside.
Meanwhile, place the ingredients for the bean layer in a food processer or blender and process until well blended.
Spread bean mixture onto tortilla.
Gently mix all the ingredients for the rice layer and spread on top of the bean layer.
Add the marinaded shrimp and onion.
Top with red pepper slices and mango.
Drizzle with the remaining marinade.
Bake in preheated 425 oven for 8-10 minutes.
Turn oven to broil and continue cooking for an additional 3-5 minutes, until bubbly.
Garnish with sprig of fresh cilantro and serve.
Enjoy!

A spicy and satisfying meal! I hope, if you try this, you'll let me know what you think!

Easy Shrimp in Creamy Basil Sauce

INGREDIENTS

4 tablespoons butter, divided
1 lb. frozen shrimp, thawed, shelled and deveined
2 tablespoons flour
1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper
3 cloves (or more if you like) minced garlic
1 1/2 to 2 cups half and half
2 tomatoes coarsely chopped
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1 lb. your favorite pasta, prepared al-dente
Basil leaves for garnish

COOKING DIRECTIONS

Prepare pasta according to package instructions for al-dente.
Meanwhile, in large non stick pan melt 2 tbsp. butter over medium-high heat.
When butter is sizzling, add the shrimp, sauteeing until almost done.

Remove shrimp from pan and set aside.
Add the rest of the butter to the pan, along with the garlic.
When melted, add flour, salt and pepper forming a roux.
Add 1 1/2 cups half and half stirring constantly. If sauce becomes too thick, you may add an additional 1/2 cup half and half
When thickened to desired consistancy, stir in tomatoes and basil.
Return shrimp to pan and allow to finish cooking (another 2-3 minutes)
Serve over warm pasta and garnish with basil leaves.
Eat and enjoy!