Well it is raining here today. We sure do need some rain on the Gulf. Speaking of the Gulf ,(see how I eased into that) we are in the middle of shrimp season. We buy shrimp off the boats in the harbor in Pass Christian. However, most of you rely on the shrimp at your local grocery. There is a question everyone asks, "How do you know it is fresh!"? There is a way you can test it at the store. Do this while the clerk's back is turned; its like squeezing the tomatoes! Pick up one of the shrimp from the tail. If it remains firmly curled, keep it. If it goes limp and looses most of its curl, put it back on the ice. Another way is to smell the shrimp. Yes they are suppose to smell like fish but not fishy. If the fishy smell is too strong, back on ice it goes! When you do get the shrimp home, cooking is another matter. Like pasta, use briskly boiling water. Season the water with a whole crab/shrimp season boil package. Available in most gulf area stores or at our General Store. Try our boil recipe in the recipe section and happy shrimping!

Thanks...........Chef Johnny

July 30, 2000