8.28.2009

Georgia Shrimp Done Three Ways

As shrimp season comes to and end, it seems appropriate to reminisce over my three favorite ways to enjoy Georgia coastal shrimp. The first, a classic Low Country Boil, it simple and so fun to serve.
You will need:
2 pounds red potatoes
4-6 ears of corn
Sausage of your choice
1 pound of fresh shrimp- leave peel on
Old Bay

Boil 2 pounds of red potatoes in a large pot of water and full bottle of Old Bay
Add fresh corn and sausage
Boil another 5-6 minutes
Drop in shrimp and cook until just pink *3 minutes-ish
Pour out onto a table covered in newspaper
Equip table with stick of butter
With true southern style, use your hands to devour the boil.

While a shrimp boil is light (minus the corn and potatoes rolled in butter), the next dish is creamy, rich and decadent.

Vera's Shrimp and Grits


This recipe is very adaptable but this jist is....

Saute 1/4 stick butter, 1 onion and 3 red peppers until soft
Add a couple garlic cloves, salt and pepper, red pepper flakes
Cook for a few more minutes
Add 1/3 bottle of white wine and some (around 4) fresh tomatoes
Simmer on low until the liquid reduces and the tomatoes break down


Add 1 pound of medium shrimp and cook until just pink


For decadent grits:
Boil together...
1 cup coarse ground grits
1 stick butter
4 cups whole milk

Serve shrimp over grits.
Garnish with 1/2 lemon and parsley

I can't take credit for preparing the final shrimp feast (colleen made it for me)but I did eat every bite. Inspired by one of my favorite Atlanta sandwiches, this shrimp PO-boy will knock your socks off.

Shrimp Po-Boy with Pesto Pea Salad



Coat small shrimp with panko and s&p
Fry in a pan filled 1 inch with oil
Serve on a soft bun with fresh heirloom tomato, mayo and spinach.

For the salad:
Toss spinach with store bought pesto, toasted pine nuts and fresh peas.

Enjoy outside with great friends on a late summer night.

8.27.2009

Rain and Cheese

A cloudy beach day creates a perfect excuse to test comfort food recipes. I have been dreaming of ways to ramp up traditional pimento cheese. I desired too add a kick of spice, find a not too fine/not too large cheese grate size and to try the addition of cream cheese. I am
still perfecting the proportions but the ingredient list includes:

extra sharp cheddar cheese
cream cheese
mayonnaise
Vidalia onion
cayenne pepper
salt
pepper
pimentos


Stay tuned for the final recipe.

While the pimento cheese was melding in the fridge, I enjoyed a lunch that I can't take credit for but it was yummy enough to document. The richest, spiciest and most well-balanced bloody Mary ever paired with a 4 cheese grilled cheese.

Spread whole grain mustard on fresh bread
Layer four favorite cheeses
Add a tomato
Grill with butter
Slice and Sip on a Bloody Mary