Let the good times roll! Shrimp gumbo, shrimp creole, fried shrimp, steamed shrimp, the list is endless of dishes you can create using this versatile seafood product. For this episode of Fl. Seafood at your Fingertips LIVE, Chris Verlinde will prepare Fat Tuesday Shrimp and Dorothy Lee will prepare Cajun Grits. Mardi Gras is a special season along the northern Gulf Coast! You can make this recipe to add to your Mardi Gras festivities or anytime during the year! View this video of how to prepare this seafood dish and many others on the Florida Sea Grant Seafood at Your Fingertips LIVE website.

Shrimp is a good choice if you are looking for a high-quality protein that is quick and easy to prepare. Shrimp is low in fat, carbohydrates and calories. Eating shrimp may reduce the risk of heart disease as it is a source of omega-3 fatty acids. Shrimp is easy to find in your local grocery store or your local seafood market. For more shrimp recipes and information on Florida seafood, check out the Fl. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Seafood Products website!

Recipes:

Fat Tuesday Shrimp:

Ingredients:

4 tablespoons of butter

3-4 tablespoons of flour

3 chopped, green, yellow, orange or red bell peppers

1 large chopped onion

8 oz. chopped fresh mushrooms

4 chopped cloves of garlic

16 oz. beer

16 oz. vegetable, seafood or chicken broth

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning or to taste

1 tablespoon of garlic powder or to taste

1 teaspoon salt/pepper or to taste

2 pounds of peeled shrimp

Melt butter in large pan over medium heat, add 3-4 tablespoons of flour, stir over medium to low heat for about 20-30 minutes, until mixture turns the color of a copper penny. Add Cajun seasoning, garlic cloves, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Continue to stir for about 5 more minutes. Add chopped peppers and onion. Sautee for about 10 minutes and add the mushrooms. Add beer and broth, simmer vegetables over medium heat for an hour, or until vegetables are cooked, stir as needed, add more flour if the broth is thin.

Add the shrimp and cook until done, about 15 minutes. Makes 8 servings.

Cajun Grits:

Ingredients:

4 Cups of water

2 tablespoons of butter

1 Cup of Instant Grits

1/4 Cup of half and half

salt

Cajun seasoning

1 Cup of shredded cheese

Bring water to a boil in large pan, add butter and let melt, add grits and cook for 5 minutes until they start to thicken. Add the half and half and stir constantly to keep the grits from clumping. Be careful the mixture does not over boil, lower the heat if this happens. Add Cajun seasoning, salt, stir, add shredded cheese, stir and serve with Fat Tuesday Shrimp. Makes 6 servings.

Cajun Seasoning:

2 teaspoons of garlic powder

2 teaspoons of salt

2 1/2 teaspoons of paprika

1 teaspoon of black pepper

1 teaspoon of onion powder

1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon of oregano

1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes

Mix all ingredients and store in a cool dry place.

Enjoy!!