Shrimp Scampi With a Touch of Kentucky

I love finding new products to try from local businesses here in the Bluegrass State. I can’t stress enough, but SHOP LOCAL. Something that you may not know about me is that I love to cook. However, if you follow me on instagram, then I know you know that I love to eat hahaha! I love to experiment in the kitchen and try new foods. Over the past couple of years, I have turned from a picky eater into a way more adventurous eater.

I’m a huge fan of pasta, so I figured that I would make shrimp scampi. Usually when I make pasta, I make cheese sauces, so by making this shrimp scampi, it was one of the first wine sauces that I have made. Since it uses wine in the sauce, it was the perfect opportunity to hit up Liquor Barn (the mecca of all things alcohol) and pick up a wine from one of the local wineries. Kentucky may be known for its bourbon, but it has plenty of wineries too! The wine I chose was Kentucky Lady from Old 502 Winery. Kentucky Lady is a white wine.

Here’s what Old 502 had to say about it: “Made from all Kentucky fruit, it’s a refreshing sweet white to share on the porch with friends. Weep no more, my Lady! Welcome to the taste of Louisville.”

Old 502 Winery is a winery located in Louisville, Kentucky. What’s unique about them is that there is no vineyard, but you can take a tour on most Saturdays and Sundays to see the place in action. You can also do tastings there as well!

• Hours: Monday through Friday 3pm to 8pm, Saturday from 12pm to 8pm, and Sunday 12pm to 5pm.
• Last tasting will begin a half hour before close Thursday through Sunday
• Cost: $10 (plus tax) per person
• Will last approximately 30 minutes, and you have your choice of six wines to taste
• Contact Info: (502) 540-5650 or email us at cassie@old502.com.

Old 502 Winery has several different wines to choose from. One thing that I first noticed about their wines was the packaging. When you see it on the shelf, you can’t help but be drawn to it!

The Wines:

• Bach’s Wine: Music to Your Lips (sweet red wine)
• Kentucky Lady: Hit With the Misses (sweet white wine)
• Reeseling: Sounds Good to Us (riesling)
• Boredough: Spelled Accordingly (bordeaux)
• Bourbon Barrel Red: Worth a Shot (semi-dry red wine)
• White Noise: Turn It Up (white wine – light and refreshing with a tart, dry style and a tropical fruit nose)
• Shar-Duh-Day: Tastes Like Wine (chardonnay)
• After Choc: Melts in Your Mouth, Not In Your Glass (chocolate-flavored wine)
• Holidaylicious: Spice Up the Season (spicy and festive red wine)

 

Now, I’m going to get a little fancy on y’all!

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces linguine or fettuccine
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined (frozen can work as well too, but we sure to not overcook it!)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (but you can also use lemon juice!)
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or more, to taste (cayenne pepper will work too – I prefer using close to 1/2 teaspoon)
• 1/4 cup white wine of your choice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves (you can also use the ones in a container)
• 1/4 cup freshly grated (the more the better!)

Directions:

• In a large pot of boiling water (salt the water), cook the pasta according to package instructions
• Make sure you drain it well.
• Melt the butter in a skillet over medium high heat.
• Add in the shrimp, garlic and red pepper flakes.
• Cook, stirring occasionally, until pink, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to overcook it. The shrimp doesn’t need very long!
• Stir in wine and lemon juice and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
• Bring to a simmer, and then remove from heat and stir in pasta.
• Garnish with parsley on top.
• Serve immediately, garnished with Parmesan, if desired.

 

Make this dish, and I’m sure you will feel all bougie and fancy!