Magnolias Spicy Shrimp Sausage And Tasso Gravy Over Creamy White Grits Food

SHRIMP AND TASSO GRAVY OVER YELLOW GRITS

Steps:

• For the grits: Bring the milk, salt, butter and 6 cups water to a boil over medium heat in a heavy-bottomed pot. Slowly pour in the grits, stirring constantly. Reduce the heat and continue to stir for several minutes to make sure the grits do not scorch. Continue to cook the grits for about 20 to 25 minutes, stirring frequently. Keep warm until ready to serve. If they become too thick, add warm water or milk to thin.
• For the tasso gravy: Cook the leeks in 1 tablespoon butter in a medium saucepan until soft. Add the chili powder, paprika, basil, oregano, black pepper, seasoning salt, thyme, garlic and seafood seasoning, stirring to release the flavors. Add the clam juice and tomato juice and simmer for 10 minutes. Add the half-and-half and simmer for 10 minutes. Make a roux with the flour and the 3 tablespoons melted butter in a small bowl. Slowly add it to the gravy mixture, stirring vigorously. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and add ham.
• For the shrimp: Saute the shrimp in the butter in a large saute pan until they start to turn pink. Add the tasso gravy and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes.
• To serve: Top each plate with some grits and spoon the shrimp and tasso gravy over the top. Serve immediately.

CAJUN SHRIMP AND SAUSAGE GRAVY OVER BISCUITS

Steps:

• Sausage -- In a large saute pan cook the diced andouille on medium heat until cooked through. Don't cook it at too high of a temperature. You want to slowly saute it. Once it is done, remove to a plate lined with a paper towel to drain.
• Sauce -- In the same pan, pour out the drippings from the andouille (no need to clean the pan out, the flavor is fine, you just don't want all the oil) and add the fresh olive oil and bring to medium high heat. Add in the onion, celery, red pepper and garlic and saute 3-4 minutes.
• Deglaze -- Originally I used chicken broth because that is all I had. Now, I like to deglaze with white wine just to get all the bits up off the pan. Add the wine and scrape up the bits from the pan and cook just a minute, then remove from the heat and slowly add in the cream, hot sauce (to taste) and the cajun seasoning and return to the heat on medium low cook until it reduces about 20-30 minutes. The cream will naturally thicken on it's own.
• Shrimp and Sausage -- After the sauce has thickened, add the sausage back in as well as the shrimp and cook on medium heat until the shrimp begin to curl and turn pink. Add salt and pepper if needed according to your taste.
• Biscuits -- Now I just used a canned biscuit, so I baked them according to directions, but if you want to make your own, by all means please do.
• Serving -- Right before serving, add in the scallions and serve this decadent sauce over sliced biscuits.
• Cook up some of your favorite eggs and serve with some Bloody Mary's for a perfect brunch. This also would make a great lunch or dinner.

QUICK, EASY AND SPICY SAUSAGE GRAVY OVER GRITS OR BISCUITS

Steps:

• Sausage -- In a medium sauce pan, saute the sausage, breaking it up as it cooks, on medium heat until cooked through. Make sure to drain the sausage well before making the rest of the sauce. I use hot breakfast sausage, but use what you like best).
• Once the sausage is drained well, return to the sauce pan and add the green chilies, scallions, cream, red pepper flakes, cumin and oregano. Mix well to combine and taste for any additional seasoning (salt or pepper). Let it simmer on medium to medium low for 4-5 minutes. The cream will help it thicken naturally.
• After the gravy cooks 4-5 minutes, stir in the cheese and heat through just to melt the cheese. This should be done just a few minutes before serving.
• Prepare the Base -- As I said, you can really use anything. Grits were excellent, croissants would be wonderful too. I happen to use Pillsbury (or a canned) biscuit, or you could certainly make your own too. I cooked the biscuits according to package directions. But NOTE, I brushed the biscuits (before baking) with a mix of butter, chili powder, and cumin for a little extra flavor.
• Serve -- Simply serve the gravy over your choice of the bottom layer. Garnish with extra cheese if you want and the extra scallion. A poached egg would be great, or even some scrambled eggs on the side. Just ENJOY!