Guys, gonna cook up a big pot this weekend. Because of the $ involved...it is for sure a "holiday" treat.But when you make it...and hopefully Bill will attest....it is the most popular dish at the party. And that makes it all the more worthwhile, serving family and friends.
Fellas, been holding this one back on ya I always make a big pot as an appetizer at Thanksgiving. I think you and your friends and fam will agree...its GOOD stuff. Don't feel bad about taking donations...its a bit pricey to make...but they'll gobble it up Recipe adapted from original, Broussard's of New OrleansServes twelve:1/2 lb bacon1 large Vidalia onion4 ribs celery (optional)1 large green pepperbutter"3 bay leaves1 quart half and half1 quart chicken stock3/4 cup flour1 bag shredded hash browns (fresh, available in the egg section)1 lb. crab meat1 lb shrimp, cut in small chunksscallops, chunked1 can clams with clam juice, or fresh clam bitschunked fresh white fish...grouper, flounder, snapper, etc (optional)bottled spring watersea salt, fresh ground pepper, cajun seasoning, dash or three cayenne pepperfresh cilantro, fresh parsley, paprikaIn large fry pan, fry bacon, remove, set aside. Add butter to bacon grease, saute finely chopped veggies 5-7 minutes till tender. Add additional butter if necessary to prevent sticking. Set all aside.In jumbo dutch oven, make roux with butter and flour. Do not burn, stir constantly. When roux is medium brown (12 minutes) add chicken stock, veggies and bacon bits from above. Add clams and juice. Cover. Simmer on medium low thirty minutes, stir often. Add spring water as needed. Do not scald.Add half and half, hash browns, spices, simmer 20 to 30 minutes, stir often, render fat from sides as necessary. Add picked crab, simmer 5-10 minutes. (add spring water as necessary if bisque thickens too much.)Add fish if used, then scallops, then shrimp. Do not allow fish chunks to break down, lift lightly.Taste, add more spices to taste. Simmer 5-10 minutes more. Depending on personal taste, add fresh cilantro. DO NOT overcook your pricey fresh seafood here... SERVE.Ladle to bowls, top with fresh parsley and paprika, additional cilantro on the side. Serve.Ooooo Baby