Dear Cornbread Diaries...

I'm really missing a crab or shrimp shack in our area. However just because we don't have one in the Central or Northwest Arkansas parts of the state (or any other part, as well) doesn't mean me and #3 go without. In fact, tonight is the night for my favorite Shrimp Boil with Corn, New Potatoes, and Homemade Tartar Sauce. And, of course you know what the final compliment to this meal is...Di's Famous Hushpuppies! An easy way to have this seafood feast in less than and hour is as follows:

Shrimp Boil with Corn, New Potatoes, Homemade Tartar Sauce and Di's Famous Hushpuppies:
Serves: 2-4/Prep Time 10 Minutes/Cook Time 30 Minutes
For Shrimp Boil:
4 qts water
3 Tbs salt
1 Tbs Old Bay Seasoning
1 Tbs Zatarain's  Concentrated Shrimp & Crab Boil
8 new potatoes, whole
3 fresh or frozen ears of corn, cut into halves
16 oz jumbo shrimp, EZ peel kind is great

1. In a 6 qt pot bring the water, salt, Old Bay, and Zatarain's to a boil on high heat. Cover and it boils faster.
2. When it boils add the potatoes and cook for about 8 minutes.
3. Then add the corn and cook all for another 8 minutes.

4. Lastly, add the shrimp and cook all for another 5-7 minutes or until the shrimp are slightly pink.
5. Drain and spread onto some newspaper for easy grabbing.

Homemade Tartar Sauce:
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup dill relish
 Juice of one lemon
Salt and pepper to taste

1. Mix all together and chill till ready to serve.

Di's Famous Hushpuppies:
1 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
3 Tbs sugar
1 tsp salt
3 Tbs onion, chopped
3 Tbs jalapeño pepper, chopped
1 egg, slightly beaten
Buttermilk to thicken
Fresh oil for frying, heated to 350 degrees

1. Mix cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar and salt.
2. Add the onion and pepper.
3. Make a well or hole in the middle of ingredients and add the egg and buttermilk to thicken. The batter should be thick enough to drop into the oil without all running away from you.
4. Drop by tablespoonfuls or small ice cream scoopfuls into the prepared oil. Turn and fry till golden brown. Keep oil temp correct for perfect frying and don't take out too early or they will be gooey in the middle!

I never met a hushpuppie I didn't love...Love, Di