Hey everyone! I just got back from a great weekend in Charleston with friends and am inspired to try a little Lowcountry cuisine for Labor Day. A Lowcountry Boil is what's on my mind. It's the end of the summer so I want my party food to be really simple. What could be easier than putting everything in one pot to cook and serve? No labor for this Labor Day party! I love it!
A good boil starts with the freshest seafood. I think you can put just about any kind of shellfish in your pot---- so go to the market and get what is the freshest but traditionally it is made with shrimp and clams. And here in the South- Old Bay Seasoning is a must with shrimp. You can usually find it at the grocery or ask the guy at the fish counter. You can cook your boil on the stove, on the grill or over a fire.
One Pot Lowcountry Boil
5 pounds whole fresh shrimp (in the shell)
3 dozen small clams in shell-optional (make sure the shells are closed when you purchase!)
3 pounds smoked sausage (I like Hilshire Farms Smoked Beef Sausage or Hot Chipotle Smoked Sausage)
3 pounds small red potatoes, skin on-- cut them in half if they are large
3 large white onions, cut in quarters
5 pounds of fresh corn-on-the-cob cut into 4 inch pieces
1/2 stick butter
2 lemons, sliced
6 cloves garlic, finely minced
Old Bay seasoning to taste (add a little at a time)
1 bottle of your favorite beer (optional)
Salt & Pepper to taste
Put the potatoes and onion along with all of the seasonings (garlic, butter, lemon, too) in a huge stockpot with enough water to cover and add the beer. Put the lid on and simmer until almost done. Add corn and sausage and simmer until the corn is almost done. Add the shrimp and clams. Cook until the clams just open and the shrimp turns pink. Don't keep cooking once your seafood is done--- it will get tough.
For patriotic decorations and backyard party games- check out this blog post from Memorial Day!
You can get tons of great party decorations from Oriental Trading Company and they can still get them to you in time for your Labor Day bash!