Nothing screams beach vacation like a Low Country Boil, also known as Frogmore Stew. We have a lot of family who pack into a big beach house with a lot of different needs and personalities. One thing that helps us to keep a semblance of peace is having meals planned and NOT going to a crowded restaurant for a table of 14. I also don’t mind offering to make a meal on vacation when the dish is simple, everyone loves it and clean up is easy too. This year I will be packing my cooler with all my ingredients. After driving in the car for 5 hours, the last thing I want to do is go the grocery store. And, I will pack my big pot just in case there isn’t one at our rental. Another little bit of advice- I get a four pound bag of large, beautiful deveined, partially peeled, shrimp from Costco for $37 located with the scallops and lobsters tails. They are frozen, perfect for adding to the cooler in route, thawed and ready to cook when you arrive. Now, of course you can get your shrimp fresh from the boats off the gulf if you’re lucky enough but I don’t gamble with that.
Here are the ingredients
1 cup Old bay seasoning
2 lemons halved
1 head of garlic cut in half
3 onions cut in quarters
4 pounds small red potatoes
4 pounds Turkey or chicken andouille sausage
12 ears of fresh corn on the cob
4 pounds large unpeeled shrimp
Directions
In your large pot, fill with water about half way – about 3 quarts. Add lemon, old bay, garlic and onion. Bring to a boil. Add potatoes and sausage, cover and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 20 min. Add corn, cook another 5 min. Lastly, add shrimp, cover, boil for about 30 seconds and turn off the heat. Allow to sit for about 3-5 min before opening and checking to see if shrimp are pink through. You may need to stir around to immerse shrimp into broth for a couple more minutes but turning off the heat helps to keep the shrimp from over cooking. Serve on a large platter or in individual bowls. And if you have an outdoor picnic table, carefully pour it directly onto the clean table with out burning yourself or anyone else. You can melt butter and add cocktail sauce in bowls for dipping or drizzling and more lemon wedges. Enjoy!