Jean Lafitte Salad Recipes

CATFISH LAFITTE

Steps:

• Combine eggs and milk in mixing bowl; stir until thoroughly blended.
• Combine flour, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper in shallow dish, stirring well to mix. (I would suggest using 1/4 teaspoons red pepper if you're a wimp and 3/4 teaspoons if you're very bold. :) ).
• Pour enough oil into a Dutch oven or electric skillet to reach a depth of 3 inches; heat to 360 degrees F.
• Rinse catfish fillets; pat dry with paper towels.
• Dredge fillets in flour mixture; dip in milk mixture to coat thoroughly; dredge in flour mixture a second time.
• When oil reaches correct temperature, add catfish; deep-fry approximately 6 minutes, until golden-brown. (If done, fish should flake easily when scraped with the tines of a fork.).
• Drain catfish on paper towels to absorb excess grease; keep warm (microwave is good).
• Meanwhile, melt butter in large skillet over medium heat.
• Add shrimp and garlic; cook, stirring often, approximately 3 to 5 minutes, until shrimp are pink and done.
• Remove shrimp and set aside; add vermouth to drippings in skillet.
• Stir well to incorporate vermouth; bring to a boil; allow mixture to boil for 1 minute.
• Add whipping cream, 2 tablespoons sliced green onions, lemon juice, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and remaining red pepper (again, add or subtract depending on how spicy you like your food); cook, stirring frequently, until sauce thickens (approx. 12-15 minutes).
• To assemble, place one fried catfish fillet on each plate; drizzle with equal amounts of Cajun cream sauce; top with cooked shrimp and strips of ham; sprinkle with remaining sliced green onion; garnish with lemon wedges to squeeze on top.

JEAN LAFITTE'S BAYOU GUMBO

Steps:

• Trim excess fat from chicken breast.
• Place in a sauce pan with water and cover.
• Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and cook chicken from the bone.
• Chop meat and set aside.
• Saute onion, green pepper and garlic with 1 tsp water.
• Add flour and cook for one minute, stirring constantly.
• Add 3 1/2 cups water, chicken and remaining ingredients, except crab meat and shrimp. Cook until boiling.
• Reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes. Stirring in crab meat and shrimp.