It’s the Real Thing

I’d like to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony. That’s what plays in my head when I hear the word “coke”. Despite it’s feel-good ad, I’m not a coke consumer. Even if they do claim “It’s the real thing.”

In all fairness, I’ve never been a fan of sodas. Give me a root beer with a slice of pepperoni pizza. Maybe a sip of Orange Crush poured over a scoop of vanilla ice cream. But to sit down and have a soda just for the sake of drinking a soda has never appealed to me. I’m not even sure why I order a soda when we go out to eat. Most of the time after one or two sips, I’m done.

Kiddo can drink a soda just for the sake of drinking a soda. Hubby likes a big mug of ice cold Mountain Dew when he’s snacking on chips (especially chips and salsa). I’ rather have a lemonade or sweet ice tea. However; today is National Have a Coke Day. I just love it when I can make stuff up – don’t you? National Coke Day and Friday, week 5 of the Easter Season, got me to thinking. What goes good with coke? Rum of course. And that’s when the light came on.

Welcome to National Have a Coke Day everyone!

Coca-Cola Marinated Grilled Shrimp
1 lb (16 count) large Shrimp
8 oz Coca-Cola or RC Cola
2 oz Rum
Black Pepper to taste
Cocktail Sauce for serving

Peel and devein shrimp. Remove tails if desired. Place shrimp in a gallon sealable bag, set aside.

Measure soda in a glass measuring cup. Add a couple of shots of rum and a pinch of pepper. Pour over shrimp. Remove as much air as possible from the bag, refrigerate and let marinate for a few hours.

While the shrimp marinade, soak bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. When shrimp is ready to grill, thread onto skewers. Season with pepper.

Heat grill to medium heat, oil grate well to prevent sticking. Grill shrimp for 3 minutes, turn and grill another 3 minutes or until cooked through.

Serve with cocktail sauce. Deliciously fancy with Rice Pilaf or serve with fries to dress things down. Then sit back, listen to the ice cracking in a glass of Rum and Coke and savor this beautiful night.

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My heart is steadfast, O God; my heart is steadfast;
I will sing and chant praise.
Awake, O my soul; awake, lyre and harp!
I will wake the dawn.