A low country boil makes for a low maintenance, filling and inexpensive way to entertain your family or guests and make a memorable experience out of an ordinary day. With some simple layering and timing, crusty bread for dipping and a green salad, the table can be set for a hands on, fun filled social occasion not soon forgotten.
When the meal is done, you can either serve in large trays or drain and pour contents out onto a picnic or large table onto some newspaper, with the juice as a dipping sauce! This was a dinner prepared while on vacation at Occoneechee State Park to accompany some gorgeous Catch of the Day Catfish, the crew caught while fishing at Buggs Island Lake. I also found some frogs' legs at the local supermarket for a splurge-fest of goodies, as I hadn't had them in about one year.
Dinner was amazing, especially with good wine, great food and the best family, the twins and my brother in law, who came down also, we got together several times during the week. Everyone had a role to play as we prepared the meal, making it a breeze. We all cleaned the fish together, scaling, fileting and butterflying , depending on their sizes. Every hand wheeled a knife, pliers or gadget, making light work of a potentially time consuming endeavor, considering we had about 30. Together we're better, indeed. Our haul included both catfish and crappie. Some of the fish were soaked and packed in Ziplocs, then frozen to make the trip home and be enjoyed at a later date, while some was fried up nice and golden for dinner as pictured below. A good salty, briny soak is essential for fresh fish to eliminate any 'fresh out of water' taste and also rid the fillets of a bit of the excess water it holds, which can prevent the crust from adhering to the protein while frying.
The whole pageantry of it all was soothing. The dance of the fishing, preparing and sharing, the communion and the preserving, for moments like this, when we return home to the rest of the family. Memorable. One day at a time and being thankful for fellowship another day is Priceless.
Recipe":
3 lb. potatoes, I used Russet, cut into manageable even sized pieces
2 lb. Polska Kielbasa or favorite smoked sausage, cut into 2 inch pieces
3 lb. 31-40 count shrimp, raw
4 ears of corn, cut into quarters
1 stick butter
Seafood Seasoning
Fresh Lemon Slices and Lemon Wedges for serving
Fresh Parsley for Garnish, optional
Olive oil for drizzling
SPST (Salt and Pepper to Suit Taste)
In a large pot, bring about 1 1/2 quarts of seafood and lemon seasoned water.
Once water comes to a boil over medium high heat. add potatoes.
Drizzle with olive oil.
Cover with lid.
Reduce heat to Medium, so that the water is a simmering boil.
After about 15 minutes, add Kielbasa pieces.
After another 5 minutes add corn nubbins.
After another 3 minutes, add shrimp. Sprinkle, Drizzle and SPST.
Continue to cook until all shrimp are pink and translucent.
Place pats of butter across top of contents and cover to melt.
Sprinkle with Seafood Seasoning as desired.
Serve with lemon wedges, cocktail sauce, crusty bread for dipping, beer, wine, friends and family.
Serves 8 to 10 comfortably with extras and a side of happy!
