Spicy Marinated Shrimp

Many of us during the holidays have parties, a simple family get together or just have good friends over to the watch a football game. This is a great recipe that you can make ahead.

1 green onion finely chopped
2 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 teaspoon finely chopped chives
1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
1 clove minced garlic
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
2 lbs medium shrimp cooked, pealed and de-veined. I get ones that have already been done by my fish guy at the grocery store.

Mix everything together, including the shrimp, in a bowl, cover and refrigerate for at least 4 to 6 hours before serving.  The longer, the better!

Lentil & Chicken Sausage Stew

Some of us will be having a house full during the holidays. Here is a no-fuss crock-pot stew.
Once you get everything in the crock-pot you can simply forget about it. It is a great one to make for those of you die-hard shoppers that are going all out this holiday season.

1 carton (32oz) reduced sodium chicken stock
1 can 28oz diced tomatoes, not strained
3 fully cooked spicy chicken sausage links, I cut these into about 1 inch slices
1 cup dried lentils
1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium carrot, chopped
1 celery rib, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon thyme

In a 4-5 quart slow cooker combine all ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or until lentils are tender.