Page 16 of Roux the Day

5. Sauté bell pepper and garlic 2 min.

6. Season shrimp with Cajun spice; cook 2 min per side.

7. Deglaze with broth; return bacon and shrimp. Pour over grits.

Stone-ground grits are NON-NEGOTIABLE. Instant grits are an insult to Louisiana. Low and slow stirring = silky texture!

Excerpt from SIMON:

Fresh out of the houseboat shower, bodyguard Simon offers — with mock chivalry — to keep guarding Holly even in the shower. She fires right back.

He frowned. “Maybe I should wait and ask one of the guys to spell me so you’re not compromised while I’m in the shower.”

Holly laughed. “Don’t be ridiculous. I’ll stand guard on my bodyguard, if it makes you feel better.”

He shook his head with a smile. “Or you could join me in the shower. That way, I’ll be with you should you be attacked.”

Her face flushed a pretty pink. “Nice try,” she said, her voice breathy, like she couldn’t quite get enough air in her lungs.

“Either way, I’m leaving the bathroom door open,” he said.

J.D. LADUE’S RED BEANS & RICE

"MONDAY IS RED BEANS DAY, CHER — THAT'S NOT A SUGGESTION, THAT'S THE LAW!"

DURATION

3 hours

SERVING SIZE

6 people

INGREDIENTS

• 1 lb dried red kidney beans (soak overnight!)

• 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced

• 1 large onion, diced

• 4 celery stalks, chopped

• 1 green bell pepper, diced

• 6 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 Tbsp fresh thyme

• 1 Tbsp Cajun seasoning

• Cayenne & black pepper

• Ham hock (optional but encouraged)

• Long-grain white rice to serve