Cornmeal Crusted Oyster Sandwich Food

OYSTER PO' BOYS

Steps:

• Make chipotle mayonnaise:
• Whisk together mayonnaise, chipotle, and lemon juice and chill mixture, its surface covered with plastic wrap.
• Fry oysters:
• Heat oil in a deep heavy pot (preferably a cast-iron Dutch oven) over high heat until it registers 375°F on deep-fat thermometer, about 12 minutes.
• While oil is heating, whisk together egg, milk, and 1 teaspoon salt in a bowl. Shake cornmeal, remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and pepper in a plastic or paper bag until combined well. Working in batches, add oysters to egg mixture, then lift out, letting excess drip off, and transfer to cornmeal in bag, shaking to coat well.
• Carefully transfer to oil, knocking off excess coating, and fry, turning occasionally, until golden and just cooked through, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain. Coat and fry remaining oysters in same manner, returning oil to 375°F for each batch.
• Assemble sandwich:
• Halve loaf crosswise and horizontally, cutting all the way through, and spread one cut side of each piece with mayonnaise. Sandwich oysters and lettuce between bread, pressing gently.

CORNMEAL-CRUSTED OYSTER SANDWICH

Steps:

• If using fresh oysters, shuck them. Drain jarred oysters thoroughly in a strainer and set aside.
• In three separate bowls, place the flour, eggs, and 2 tablespoons of the cornmeal. Add 1/4 teaspoon of the salt and 1/4 teaspoon of the pepper to the eggs and beat well. Stir the Old Bay, remaining teaspoon salt, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon pepper into the flour.
• Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter and olive oil and stir until the butter has melted.
• Dip 1 oyster first in the flour, then the eggs, and then the cornmeal, coating it evenly. (The cornmeal may begin to clump as you bread the oysters. About every five oysters, add 1 more tablespoon of cornmeal to the cornmeal bowl, or, if necessary, scoop the clumped cornmeal out of the bowl or start a fresh bowl of cornmeal.)
• Add the oysters to the skillet and cook them for 1 minute on each side, or until the crust turns golden brown. Transfer the oysters to a plate lined with paper towels.
• To assemble the sandwiches, spread 1/2 tablespoon of the mayonnaise on each slice of bread. Layer 5 oysters and some lettuce on top of 4 slices. Place the remaining 4 slices bread on top of the lettuce. Serve immediately.

PAN FRIED FLOUNDER IN CORNMEAL WITH SMOKED OYSTER-ARTICHOKE RELISH

Steps:

• Combine the yogurt, thyme, and salt and pepper. Spread the yogurt mixture on both sides of the flounder fillets. Season the cornmeal with creole spice. Dredge the flounder in the cornmeal. Heat 1/4 cup of oil in a skillet. Place the crusted flounder into the hot oil. Cook for 3 minutes on each side Drain the fish on a paper towel. Serve the flounder on a plate, topped with the oyster relish. Garnish with parsley.
• Combine, season, and set aside.

CORNMEAL CRUST

Steps:

• Whisk cornmeal with 1 1/2 cups cold water.
• In a medium saucepan, bring 2 1/2 cups water, salt, and pepper to a boil.
• Gradually stir in cornmeal mixture. Reduce heat; simmer, stirring often, until very thick, 4 to 5 minutes.
• Remove from heat; stir in butter until melted.