Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Bubba Gump's Shrimpin' Dippin' Broth


  • This is not the original recipe.   I, of course, have slightly modified it.   I have made this several times and it is always a big hit.   It's quite spicy, so if you want, you may want to reduce or eliminate the cajun seasoning used on the shrimp.   The broth will be spicy enough.

    Always serve this in a bowl over a 1/2 cup of white rice and with a 2-3 inch piece of a fresh baguette!   The fresh bread makes this soup, so don't skip it!

    INGREDIENTS FOR THE BROTH:

    1/2 tablespoon butter
    1 teaspoon minced garlic
    1/2 teaspoon Tony Cachere's Cajun Seasoning
    1/2 teaspoon pepper
    1 can of Cento White Clam Sauce
    2 cups of water
    1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
    1 chicken bouillon cube
    1/4 teaspoon sugar

    Sauté pepper, Cajun seasoning, and garlic in butter for approximately 5 minutes over medium heat.  Add remaining ingredients and bring to boil.   Allow broth to simmer approx 15 minutes.  Cook shrimp while broth simmers.

    INGREDIENTS FOR SHRIMP:

    1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined (frozen is okay, should be thawed)
    2 tablespoons butter
    1/2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
    1 teaspoon black pepper
    1 teaspoon Tony Cachere's Cajun Seasoning
    1/2 tablespoon minced garlic
    lemon wedge (optional)
    1 cup cooked white rice
    1 fresh baguette

    Melt butter in pan.   Add shrimp, Worcestershire, black pepper, cajun seasoning and garlic.   Cook until half done.   (Shrimp will finish cooking in broth.)

    Reduce broth to low and add shrimp.  Turn off heat.   Allow shrimp to finish cooking in hot broth (approx 3-4 mins).   Serve immediately.   Add 1/2 cup of rice to bowl.  Ladle shrimp broth over rice.  Serve with fresh baguette. 


  • Scalloped Potatoes

    Ingredients:

    4 cups thinly sliced potatoes
    3 tablespoons butter
    3 tablespoons flour
    1 1/2 cups milk
    1 teaspoon salt
    1 small pinch of cayenne pepper
    6 slices of american cheese
    1/2 cup grated cheese, to sprinkle on top
    paprika

    Directions:

    Preheat oven to 375F.  In a small sauce pan, melt butter and blend in flour.  Cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes to a light blonde.  While CONSTANTLY WHISKING, add all of cold milk in small increments.   Season with salt and cayenne.  Cook sauce on low until smooth stirring frequently.   Stir in cheese.   Continue to cook while stirring/whisking frequently until cheese is completely melted and incorporated.  Layer half of sliced potatoes in a lightly greased one quart casserole.  Pour half of cheese sauce over potatoes.   Repeat with second layer of potatoes and cheese sauce.  Bake at 375F for 45 mins.  Top with 1/2 cup of shredded cheese and a dash of paprika.  Return to oven and bake until cheesy is bubbly and slightly browned.Original Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

    Spicy Boiled Peanuts


    Ingredients

    1 pound raw peanuts, in shells
    1 (3 ounce) package dry crab boil (such as Zatarain's® Crab and Shrimp Boil)
    2 jalapeno peppers
    1 tablespoon garlic powder
    1/2 cup salt
    2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
    2 tablespoons red pepper flakes      

    Directions

    Place peanuts, crab boil, jalapenos, garlic powder, salt, Cajun seasoning, and red pepper flakes into a slow cooker. Pour in water to cover the peanuts and stir to combine. Cover and cook on Low until peanuts are soft, at least 24 hours. Stir occasionally, and add water as needed to keep peanuts covered. Allow peanuts to completely cool in cooking liquid.  Drain; serve hot or cold.



    Link to Original Boiled Peanut Recipe



    Saturday, August 20, 2011

    Chicken Nuggets

    I made these nuggets last night for the boys.   It made plenty to feed three boys with VERY healthy appetites.  The nuggets remind me of Chick-Fil-A.   They have about the same amount of breading and a similar taste.   Maybe a little less sweet.  Juicy and DELISH!  (Sorry no pic... Will take one next time I make these.)

    4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
    1 1/2 Tbsp of Lawry's Season Salt
    1/4 tsp white pepper, finely ground
    1 cup of AP flour
    1/2 cup of plain bread crumbs
    Enough oil for frying (I used canola)

    Rinse and pat dry the chicken.  Dice into 1" cubes.   Season with Lawry's and white pepper.   Toss to get even distribution of the seasoning.

    Heat oil over medium-medium high heat.   (I have an electric stove and on a scale of 1-10, used 6 or 7.)  **Fabulous Tip**  When heating oil for pan frying, use a wooden spoon to test when the oil is hot enough.   Insert the tip of the handle in the oil, if it bubbles, you are ready to cook!


    In a shallow dish, mix flour and breadcrumbs well.

    Coat a small batch of nuggets in the flour mixture then fry.   Fry over medium heat until golden brown.   Turning as needed.   Probably 3-4 minutes total cooking time per batch.  Do not over crowd the pan.   Repeat coating and frying until you're done.   If you're like me, you won't be able to stay out of them while you are cooking.  ;)  Enjoy!