It's Raining in Our Tropics

What is with this weather? It's been a yucky Spring so far for sure...not impressed. I'm dreaming of an aloha vacation, and thankfully, we'll be going on one in September. Who doesn't love Hawaii? Last time we went to Kauai, we loaded up at the costco with all sorts of yummies- we like to barbecue and cook our own food on vacation at least some of the time and in Hawaii that's easy with the lovely costco and local farmer's markets for produce. Some of our favorites? Steak shish kebabs and Aloha burgers (teriyaki burgers with pineapple, avocado, and grilled onions). Quite festive in the tropics. Obviously we've had to be a bit more, ahem, creative with the menu in some of the foreign countries (a lot of them don't even have expiration dates on their food). But Kauai is super-easy.
So, I sat in the car today, Hawaii-dreaming, just driving with my babies and my hubby, exploring the local area. We saw a lot of wetlands and 2 lakes (Cavanaugh and McMurray). It was a little bit of a tiring day, as I worked the night before, but Telea (bless him) watched the girls so I could take a nap and then we tried to stay occupied in this rain. After driving around the county, we came home and I got it in my head that we MUST make coconut shrimp. Luckily, my husband is indulgent, and made these little bites of delight for me (he protested at first on the basis of he wasn't sure he could follow the recipe, but it is super-easy and I was busy nursing the baby. And then when I tried to help later, he wouldn't let me, it was now 'his' thing!)

Coconut Shrimp
Ingredients:
1 egg, 1/2 Cup Flour + 1/4 Cup Flour divided, 2/3 Cup Beer, 1 1/2 tsp Baking Powder, 2 Cups Flaked Coconut, 24 Shrimp, Oil for Frying

Directions:
In a medium bowl combine egg, 1/2 cup flour, beer, and baking powder. Place remaining flour and coconut in separate bowls. Hold shrimp by tail and dredge in flour; shake off excess. Dip shrimp in batter and then let excess drip off. Roll shrimp in coconut and place on a baking sheet lined with wax/parchment. Chill in fridge for 30 minutes (or in freezer for about 10). Meanwhile heat oil to approx. 350 degrees (preferably use a deep-fryer). Fry shrimp in batches, turning once, for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Use tongs to place on paper towels to drain.

Doesn't it just conjure up an image of palm trees and clear warm water? Seriously, I can smell the sunscreen and freesias. So go make yourself some, and have a tropical day! Never mind the weather.

ps- When we go to Kauai, I think we will be buying a BIG bag of shrimp. And coconut. Bring on the deep-fried goodness.