Page 6 of Roux the Day

• 6 ears fresh corn, halved

• 1 whole lemon, halved

• 6 garlic cloves, smashed

• 6 garlic cloves, smashed

• ½ cup Old Bay seasoning

• 3 Tbsp Cajun seasoning

• ¼ cup butter for tossing

• Crystal hot sauce for serving

• Newspapers for table (essential!)

METHOD

1. Fill large pot with 4–5 gallons of water. Bring to a boil.

2. Add Old Bay™, Cajun seasoning, lemon, garlic.

3. Add potatoes — boil 10 min.

4. Add sausage — boil 5 more min.

5. Add corn — boil 5 more min.

6. Add shrimp LAST — cook just until pink, 2–3 min!

7. Drain; toss with butter. Spread newspaper; dump it out. Dig in!

Timing is everything — shrimp go in last, always. Two extra minutes and they're rubber. Watch the pot, cher!

Excerpt from GERARD:

Gerard and Bernie…

“You really know how to sweep a girl off her feet, don’t you?”

He bent and swung her up into his arms. “I might not know much about animals and farm life, but I can sweep you up in my arms.”

She giggled. “I give you an A for effort and style. Now, you can put me down before you strain something. I’m not a petite little thing like most women.”

“No, you’re not,” he said. “And that’s a good thing. I usually look like a dirty old man with a little girl when I date petite women. You’re the perfect height and weight. I don’t feel like I’ll break you if I bump against you accidentally.”

Her brow twisted. “Thank you, I think.”

“Yes, that was my awkward attempt at a compliment.” He carried her to the truck.

PENELOPE’S SMOTHERED PORK CHOPS

"SMOTHERED MEANS DROWNED IN GRAVY — IN LOUISIANA, THAT'S THE HIGHEST PRAISE!"

DURATION

1.5 hours