Hello fellow Rachael Ray fans! My name is Chrissy Kapusi and I am from Brecksville, Ohio (a suburb of Cleveland). I grew up in Eastlake, Ohio. I am a certified real-estate appraiser and mother of two really cool kids. In my house it is like a diner and I am always on call. My children and I love carbs, however my significant other doesn't. That makes dinnertime pretty chaotic in my house. I love to cook and try new ingredients and spices. When my friends have parties or events, I am the first one they call to help out with the food. I have never entered a contest in my life before this. A dear friend of mine "forced" me to enter this one. One Italian meatloaf and a DVD later and here I am. Very surreal!

Week 1

Sweet & Savory Shrimp

Ingredients






• 8 medium shrimp, peeled and deveined, tail on
• 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 4 slices pound cake (about 1/4" thick), cut in half lengthwise and toasted
• 8 scallions, dark green part only



Directions

In a medium size mixing bowl, toss the shrimp with the Cajun seasoning and set aside.

Place a medium skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the garlic to the pan and cook for about 1 minute. Add the seasoned shrimp and sauté until the shrimp are cooked through, 4-5 minutes.

To serve, place each shrimp on a piece of toasted pound cake. Working carefully so as not to rip the scallion, tie it around the shrimp and toast, knotting it at the top for a decorative touch.

Serves 4-6.

Fresh Yogurt Dips

Ingredients




• 3/4 cup plain yogurt
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 3 fresh limes, juiced
• Salt and ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Sliced vegetables (such as cucumber, bell pepper, celery, or cherry tomato) for dipping



Directions

In a medium mixing bowl combine the yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, salt, ground black pepper and paprika. Serve with sliced veggies for dipping.

Serves 4-6

Cinnamon Apple Pound Cake Squares

Ingredients




• 1 granny smith apple, cored and thinly sliced
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 4 slices pound cake (about 1/4" thick), cut in half lengthwise



Directions

Preheat oven to 350ºF.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine apple slices, lemon juice, cinnamon and sugar. Mix thoroughly, making sure to coat the apple slices evenly. Scatter the apple slices on a baking sheet and bake in the oven until softened, about 15 minutes.

To serve, top each slice of pound cake with a baked apple slice.

Serves 4-6