We’ll be leaving the beach today, Tuesday.  It’s never easy to let go of those last few moments of sand and surf.  One of my favorite times is early morning, just at dawn, when I go outside either to the deck or to be beach and enjoy that first cup of coffee all by myself.  This morning there was a shower brewing, one of those brief beach showers that cools things down but is gone in a moment or two.  I got to enjoy it in the peaceful quiet of the early day.  What a gift.



Thanks for joining me for What’s On the Menu Wednesday.  I haven’t had a chance to work on the badge since we have been away.  Playing with the Perfect Ones has been more of a priority.  I’m sure you can understand that:)  Be sure to sign up with Mister Linky below.  I look forward to what you have to say.

Today’s offering is sooooooo good.  It’s perfectly suited for this time of the year when you can get those fresh green tomatoes, that is if you have the heart to pull them off of the vine.  Tomatoes are probably my favorite summer treat.  I’m anxious to see how mine have done without my multiple daily inspections.

I’ve never been to Fire Restaurant in Atmore, Alabama, but I have heard some really good things about their food.  I have made this dish, however, and I highly recommend that you give it a try.

WKRG.com Video


Fried Green Tomatoes with a Tasso-Crawfish Cream Sauce

Serves 4

Green Tomatoes:

*4 each Green Tomatoes

*2 cups Seasoned Self Rising Flour

*2 cups Buttermilk

*2 cups Seasoned Self Rising Yellow Corn Meal

*¼ cup Plus 1 Teaspoon Creole Seasoning

*Salt and Fresh Cracked Black Pepper to Taste

*3 cups of Canola Oil for Frying

Method:

Place oil in a heavy bottomed pan and preheat to 350 Degrees F. Slice each tomato into 4 equal slices. In three separate pans add flour, corn meal, and buttermilk. Take the ¼ cup of Creole seasoning and divide equally in the flour and corn meal, mixing thoroughly, also adding a pinch of Salt and Fresh Cracked Black Pepper to taste. Dredge the tomatoes in the flour coating evenly while shaking off the excess. Then dip tomatoes in buttermilk. Finally, dredge in corn meal treating the same as flour shaking off excess. Lastly, place in heated oil to begin frying. Do not crowd the pan, only frying about six slices at a time. Tomatoes should take approximately 2 minutes per side. Fry until nice golden color is achieved. Once the tomatoes are ready, reserve on a paper towel to absorb any oil, and season with remaining Creole Seasoning.

Tasso-Crawfish Cream Sauce:

*1 Tablespoon of Canola Oil

*2 ounces of diced Tasso Ham

*4 ounces of fresh crawfish tails

*2 Tablespoons of finely diced Red Onion

*1 Tablespoon of finely diced Red Sweet Pepper

*1 Tablespoon of finely diced Green Sweet Pepper

*1 Tablespoon of finely diced Yellow Sweet Pepper

*1 Teaspoon of minced Garlic

*2 Tablespoons of white wine 

*2 cups of Heavy Cream

*1 Tablespoon of Fresh Chopped Parsley, reserve a pinch or two for garnishing

*1 Teaspoon of Creole Seasoning

*Salt and Fresh Cracked Black Pepper to Taste

Method:

Using high heat, get a medium to large sauté pan hot and add canola oil. Add the diced Tasso and begin to render the ham to release flavor for about 20-30 seconds. Add onions, peppers, and garlic to the pan and keep the pan moving to keep from burning. Sauté for about 30 seconds and add the wine. Let the wine cook and reduce for another 30 seconds. Add crawfish and heavy cream, bring to a boil and reduce heat to medium. Let cook for about a minute or until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Turn off heat and add parsley, Creole seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. 

Finished plate:

Place enough sauce down to cover the plate. Lay the tomatoes on top of the sauce and add more sauce if desired. Use remaining parsley to sprinkle over the top.





ENJOY!!!




Fried Green Tomatoes with a Tasso-Crawfish Cream Sauce