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Artichokes (steamed & de-choked)
Shallot-Chive Dipping Sauce
Caper-Anchovy Homemade Mayonnaise
Shrimp Sauté on Creamy Corn with Tomatoes, Arugula, Feta, and Fresh Herbs
Pan Roast of Green Beans and Garlic
Individual Chocolate Souffles with Melty Ice Cream Sauce
About the Class
I won’t promote this menu as post-holiday diet food, but it IS all seafood and vegetables and relatively light in the bigger scheme of things. For those of you who eat gluten-free, it is that as well. On the other hand, if you’re a gluten fan (as I am) I promise you won’t notice its absence. This is a delicious menu unless you really, REALLY don’t like shrimp.
I’ve always found the process of dechoking an artichoke before steaming utterly daunting. A few months ago, I realized I could steam the artichokes whole and remove the chokes AFTER cooking. An epiphany as it is child's play and takes two seconds. And it's so pleasant for guests to be served the vegetable-hot, warm or room temperature--minus the messy, discardable insides. The thick vinaigrette-like sauce is heavy on shallots and fresh herbs while a pinch of mild curry powder provides a subtle surprise. And I'm throwing in a great homemade mayonnaise just so you have an option when serving and another sauce for your repertoire.
Think of the main dish as a lighter, Mediterranean-ish take on shrimp and grits. Though great in the summer using fresh corn, this particular recipe (which you partially puree anyway) tastes about the same using frozen. Scatter arugula or baby greens on a platter and top with the chunky corn-feta-fresh herb combo. Layer saucy shrimp, tomatoes and aromatics on the corn and finish with more basil and cilantro and more feta. I’m pretty sure this is my favorite version of shrimp and corn to date.
Green beans and garlic, roasted till crispy, complement the dish nicely.
For dessert we’ll make individual chocolate souffles as people continue to ask for them. But FYI, frozen lemon bombe or a lemon curd pavlova or even a lemon tart would be a nice finale here too. As would key lime pie or even sorbet and cookies if you’re not up for baking.