SHRIMP AU GRATIN RECIPES

Steps:

• Remove shells and tails from shrimp.
• Cook onion in butter until tender; stir in flour and seasonings.
• Add milk gradually and cook until thick, stirring constantly.
• Add 3/4 cup cheese and heat until melted.
• Stir in shrimp and mix well.
• Pour into 4 to 6 individual well-greased ramekins.
• Combine melted butter, bread crumbs and remaining 1/4 cup of cheese; sprinkle over top of each ramekin.
• Bake in a 400 degree oven for 10-12 minutes or until bubbly and brown.

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and lightly grease 8 (6 or 8-ounce) shallow ramekins or gratin dishes.
• In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of the butter over high heat until hot. Season the shrimp with the Essence, 1/2 teaspoon of the salt and 1/2 teaspoon of the pepper and add them to the hot pan. Cook quickly, turning once, until lightly golden on both sides, 30 seconds to 1 minute per side. Divide the shrimp evenly among the ramekins and set aside.
• In a small saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of the remaining butter over medium-high heat. Add the shallots and garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the flour, whisk to combine, and cook, stirring, for 2 to 3 minutes or until fragrant -- do not allow flour to brown. While whisking constantly, add the milk and heavy cream in a thin, steady stream, until mixture is very smooth. Cook, stirring, until sauce comes to a gentle boil, thickens and any floury taste is gone, 5 to 6 minutes. Add the lemon juice, 1 cup shredded cheese, chives, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Remove from the heat and spoon the sauce evenly over the shrimp in the ramekins.
• In another small saucepan melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Remove from the heat and add the butter to the bread crumbs. Toss to thoroughly combine. Sprinkle 1/2 cup shredded cheese evenly among the tops of the ramekins and then divide the buttered crumbs evenly among the tops of the ramekins.
• Place the ramekins on a large baking sheet and bake until golden brown and bubbly, 15 to 18 minutes.
• Combine all ingredients thoroughly.
• Recipe from "New New Orleans Cooking", by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch
• Published by William Morrow, 1993.