Shrimp Martini with Sesame Vinaigrette with chef Lorena Garcia

October 28, 7:56 PMAtlanta Ethnic Foods ExaminerBeth Robinette

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Shrimp Martini with Sesame Vinaigrette

Courtesy of Lorena Garcia and staff

Lorena Garcia, celebrity chef, is classically trained, and has traveled the world learning the great dishes of Europe, Asia and South America. Still she comes back to her Latina roots when she shares her food. “Cooking is a vehicle to communicate. Your love comes through the dish. Nothing is more personal, more important, than nourishing someone.” She clearly has a passion for cooking. “When you come from love, everything works!

It is amazing that Lorena even became a chef because she started out in law, earning a paralegal degree. “But I was drawn to cooking, and began taking classes at a culinary school.” Her family was surprised at first, but once they saw here passion in the kitchen, they supported her completely. “I’m intense when I cook. I get lost in the kitchen!”

Lorena says her favorite thing to cook is seafood, something she got a lot of in her native Venezuela. Chef Lorena Garcia recently demonstrated this shrimp appetizer at the Mall of Georgia’s Belk’s store, which carries her signature line of home products.

Shrimp Martini with Sesame Vinaigrette

2 lbs cooked shrimp, without tails
3 cups baby greens
1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
1 cup heart of palm, pieces
1 cup orange segments
1 bunch fresh cilantro, garnish

Sesame Vinaigrette:
1 cup red onion, diced small
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
2 tbsp water
1 tbsp sugar
1 pinch salt
1 tsp dried mustard powder
1/4 cup sesame oil
1/4 cup vegetable oil

Start with the vinaigrette. Combine all ingredients except oils. Whisk in a bowl until well combined and sugar is dissolved. Finish by adding oils and whisking vinaigrette together.

To prepare the shrimp: On a cutting board, cut the shrimp in half. In 4 chilled martini glasses place baby greens top with hearts of palm, cherry tomatoes, orange segments and shrimp. Finish by drizzling sesame vinaigrette and a sprig of cilantro.

Lorena’s Serving Suggestion: Serve in a large martini glass for a beautiful presentation. Serves 4.