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Our Recipes

Every week in our newsletter, we share a “recipe” either from the Cress Menu, a Cooking Class, or just something that we hope you will enjoy, try, and most importantly, make your own. Sometimes, the recipe will be without measurements, rather only ingredients. Sometimes, we will try to include suggested amounts to accomplish the desired flavour profile. But we must be clear that those measurements aren't meant to be taken too seriously (except in the case of vinaigrettes, classical sauces, or desserts). Please feel free to drop us a line as we will enjoy reading your feedback should you decide to try them, so please do not hesitate to let me know. Click on the links on the right to view the recipes.

SHRIMP 'N GRITS
A staple of the Southern states of North America, versions of this venerable dish are as diverse as say "barbecue". From Charleston to Key West, this rustic and soulfull dish brings joy and comfort to many. Here is my version of it. We've been told by many that our version "does not suck"!

Variations: For individuals who don't eat meat, the sausage can be easily left out.
INGREDIENTS

fresh large shrimp, cleaned and deveined
onions, diced
celery, diced
green and red bell peppers, diced
freshly minced garlic
fresh thyme
fresh rosemary
creole or blackening seasoning blend
Old Bay seasoning
bay leaves
Andouille or other smoked sausage
cayenne pepper
kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper
flat leaf parsely, chopped finely
roasted or high-quality canned crushed tomatoes
heavy cream (as preferred)
cooked grits (see link to recipe below or on the right)

PROCEDURE

Marinate the cleaned shrimp in minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and your favourite blend of creole spices (many store bought blends are high in sodium, so control the amount) for about an hour. Over medium heat, saute the sausage in some extra virgin olive oil until the oil is flavoured by the spices in the sausage. Add the onions, celery, and bell peppers and saute until they are soft and slightly caramelized. Add a bit of salt and pepper to extract the flavours. Next, add the fresh thyme, rosemary and minced garlic. Stir briefly for about a minute being careful that the garlic doesn't not burn. Next add the creole blend of spices, Old Bay seasoning, ground cayenne pepper, and the bay leaves. Stir for a few seconds. Add the roasted (or high quality crushed tomatoes) and some water (or stock). Re-season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 30 minutes. Finish with chopped fresh flat leaf parsely.

In a sauce pan, saute the marinated shrimp for about 30 seconds. Add as much of the "creole" sauce as you wish as well as some heavy cream. Simmer gently until the shrimp are just cooked. Finish with fresh parsley. Serve over grits (see our recipe for exotic mushrooms and thyme grits) and garnish with some sweet potato chips and perhaps, a wedge of lemon.

Hari's Recipes