Doing The Big Easy

With hot summer days approaching, it's time to start thinking of ways to cool down and nip the heat in the bud. Having significant experience in dealing with warmer climates, I have a great combination for you to try - straight from the Big Easy!

The key to thriving in hot surroundings is to immerse yourself in a cooler environment and fill yourself with invigorating food and beverage! First, a cold soothing drink! I highly recommend a Mint Julep to start.


Ingredients:
* 6 to 8 mint leaves
* 1 tablespoon sugar
* Crushed ice
* 2 1/2 ounces bourbon
* Splash Simple Syrup (recipe follows)
* Sprig mint, for garnish

Directions Put the mint leaves and the sugar in the bottom of a tall glass. With the handle of a wooden spoon, crush and mash the leaves to extract the flavor. Fill the glass with crushed (not cubed) ice. Pour in the bourbon. Top with a splash of simple syrup. With a long-handled spoon, jiggle (not stir) to chill and mix. Garnish with a sprig of mint. Sip. OK, guzzle if you prefer.

Simple Syrup:
* 1 cup sugar
* 1 cup water

Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook until sugar is dissolved, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and cool completely. Yield: About 1 1/2 cups simple syrup.

Now onto the Classic Fried Shrimp Po' Boys ...


Ingredients:
* Vegetable oil, for frying
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 2 tablespoons of Creole Seasoning (Tony Chaschere's or Zatarain's both can be found at your local market)
* 3 eggs
* 1/2 cup hot sauce (I recommend Tabasco)
* 12 - 14 medium shrimp, peeled
* 1 loaf of French bread cut in 4 pieces and then slice in half lengthwise.
* Cajun Mayo, (recipe follows)
* Shredded cabbage
* Sliced tomato
* Salt & Pepper to taste

Directions:

Heat the oil in a pan to 375 degrees F.

Place flour in a bowl and add Cajun Seasoning. In another bowl, beat the eggs and add the hot sauce. Dredge shrimp in egg mixture then the flour mixture and drop into hot oil 1 at a time. Fry until light brown (do not over cook). Drain on paper towels.

To assemble sandwich, spread both insides of bread with Cajun mayo. On the bottom piece, place shredded cabbage and sliced tomato. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Place the fried shrimp on top of tomato. Top with the other half of bread and a toothpick to hold the sandwich together.

Cajun Mayo:
* 1 cup of mayo
* 1/2 tablespoon of hot sauce
* 1 teaspoon of creole seasoning

Mix the ingredients together in a bowl and store in the remainder in the fridge.

Follow this divine meal with a cool shower or lukewarm bath using one of many Glama Ray's Mint Julep fragrance bath and body products while listening to a little Billie Holiday or Louis Armstrong.

After lolling in your bath with all your Mint Julep goodness, top your wonderful evening off by watching a Southern Tennessee William classic, "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof".

Enjoy Darlin'!