On this date in April 28, 1979, my wife, Debbie and I were married. For forty-four years, I’ve considered myself, a lucky man. To have fallen in love with whom I called my “Little Fox”, I could not have asked for anything more. 

Today, here in New Jersey, the weather is a mirror image of the day we took our vows; overcast, dark and drizzly. Our original plans were to take the afternoon train into New York City, meet with our son, Mark and go for drinks and dinner. Since the weather didn’t cooperate, we abandoned those plans and we both went to work. I was home before her and decided on a simple dinner of; Thai grilled shrimp wraps, homemade potato chips, macaroni salad and a tomato bruschetta.

I know your mouths are anxious to read on…

Grilled Shrimp Wrap-

• Marinate shrimp with a mixture of  sesame oil, Sriracha, fresh chopped garlic, brown sugar, honey, one-half freshly squeezed lemon, and salt and pepper.
• Using a stove top grill pan, grill the shrimp until they turn pink. Grill them a few minutes longer to add some char to the outside of the shrimp. 
• Dice the shrimp, and place them in a bowl with the juice from one-half freshly squeezed orange. Add shredded romaine lettuce, diced red onion and avocado and mix.
• Place two healthy (large) spoonfuls in the center of a flour tortilla wrap, drizzle with honey and wrap.

Homemade Potato Chips-

• Thinly slice potatoes on a mandolin and dry on paper towels.
• Drop them in a counter top fryer until golden brown, approx. 3 minutes
• Place in a bowl, sprinkle kosher salt, paprika and toss … keep warm in the oven.

Poor Man’s Macaroni Salad-

• cook one cup of elbow macaroni per package directions and drain (do not rinse in cold water)
• Add mayonnaise and ketchup and mix to a creamy, semi-soupy blend.

Tomato Bruschetta- 

• Dice the following - one pint of cherry tomato medley, red onion, cucumbers cut the thickness of a quarter, yellow banana peppers and black olives. If desired add chopped basil.
• Place ingredients in a bowl, add one tablespoon of kosher salt, one tablespoon sugar and mix thoroughly. 
• Within minutes, the tomato will emit its own juices, stir again.

We set our snack trays in front of the television, Debbie poured a glass of Chablis, I poured a Guinness and we proceeded to watch Top Gun - Maverick. 

My wife loves Tom Cruise… just not as much as me!