Scampi with Cherry Tomatoes

This was yummy just with the crusty bread and no pasta --another perfect summer meal. The recipe came from Rachael Ray Magazine. This is truly a quick recipe to whip together so have all your prep done and everything measured before you start cooking!

• 1/4 cup EVOO

• 2 large shallots, finely chopped

• 4 large cloves garlic, thinly sliced

• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon fennel seed

• 1/4 cup brandy or sherry (used dry sherry)

• 3/4 cup dry white wine

• 1/2 cup chicken or seafood stock

• 1 1/2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes, halved

• 2 pounds jumbo shrimp -- peeled, deveined, with tails left on

• Salt and pepper

• A handful flat-leaf parsley, chopped (about 2 tbsp.)

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• Ciabatta bread slices, grilled or broiled, for mopping

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1. In a large skillet with a tight-fitting lid, heat the EVOO, four turns of the pan, over medium-high. Add the shallots, garlic, crushed red pepper and fennel seed. Cook, stirring, until the vegetables soften, about 2 minutes. Add the brandy and, using a long kitchen match or a barbecue lighter, ignite the alcohol. Turn offthe heat and let the flame subside. (If you're using sherry, just stir it in.) Add the wine and simmer until reduced by half, about 3 minutes.

1. Add the stock and tomatoes; cook until the tomatoes are heated through, about 2 minutes. Add the shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cover the pan and simmer, shaking pan occasionally, until the shrimp are opaque in the center, about 3 minutes. Stir in the parsley and lemon juice. Serve with the bread