Page 4 of Roux the Day

4. Stir in crushed and diced tomatoes, all seasonings, bay leaves.

5. Simmer sauce uncovered 25–30 min until thickened.

6. Season shrimp with Cajun spice. Add to sauce.

7. Cook 5–6 min until shrimp are just pink. Serve over rice.

The tomato sauce must be cooked down and concentrated before the shrimp go in — raw tomato flavor is the enemy of great Shrimp Creole!

Excerpt from RAFAEL:

Gisele tries to “vamp” Rafael, struts off like a runway model — and trips flat on her face, with Johnny the macaw supplying the punchline.

Gisele glanced over her shoulder to gauge Rafael’s reaction to her version of vamping.

His gaze was on her. In time to see her trip over her own feet and land in a graceless heap. The mango half flew from her hand, rolling to a stop beneath Johnny’s cage.

You break it, you buy it, asshole, the bird said.

A burst of laughter rang out behind her as Rafael reached her. “Sorry. Sometimes, I forget Johnny’s a bird. He has a comedian’s timing.” He dropped to his haunches. “Are you hurt?”

Her lips twisted. “Yes.”

“Here?” His fingers skimmed up her arms, tickling the soft undersides.

She giggled and squirmed. “No.”

“Then where?” he demanded, his hands traveling down her sides, tickling her relentlessly.

Gisele squealed and tried to wiggle her way free. “Stop...” she gasped. “Not fair...”

MITCH & JOYCE’S BLACKENED CATFISH

"IF IT AIN'T BLACKENED, IT AIN'T CAJUN — WE LIKE OUR FISH WITH PERSONALITY!"

DURATION

20 minutes

SERVING SIZE

4 people

INGREDIENTS

• 4 catfish fillets (6 oz each)

• 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted

BLACKENING SPICE MIX:

• 2 Tbsp paprika

• 1 Tbsp garlic powder

• 1 Tbsp onion powder

• 1 tsp cayenne pepper