Add a New Cajun Twist on Grilling
(ARA) - As more Americans
look for bold flavors and spices to please their palate, Jimmy Bannos,
chef/owner of Heaven on Seven restaurants, is helping grillers turn up
the heat. Bannos offers grillers tips on how to use unique seasoning
blends and fresh ingredients to create Cajun-inspired specialties.
Bannos, author of "The Heaven on Seven Cookbook: Where It's Mardi Gras
All The Time!" and "Big Easy Cocktails, Jazzy Drinks and Savory Bites
from New Orleans," can attest to the new flare of popular Cajun dishes.
As a third-generation restaurateur, Bannos' many creations have been
inspired by the Creole and Cajun cuisines from New Orleans.
"There's just something about Cajun flavors that draws people in and
makes them want to try them on all types of food. Simply adding
flavorful seasonings or marinades can bring just right amount of zest to
any grilled creation," claims Bannos.
According to Bannos, Cajun soul food creations are taking over the open
flame. Try these tricks of the trade to create mouth-watering Cajun
cuisine:
* Feeling hot, hot, hot! Cut a habanera chili pepper and rub it on meat,
fish or veggies prior to grilling for added heat.
* Louisiana loving. Try grilling traditional Louisiana foods like sweet
potatoes. Grill for about 8 minutes, turning them often, until they are
charred. Brush with maple syrup and add a dash of hot sauce for a savory
flavor.
* Avoid a dry spell. Marinades are used to add flavor and to tenderize
before cooking. However, they often have a lot of salt, causing whatever
you're grilling to dry out. Try Mrs. Dash 10-Minute Marinades, which are
salt-free with no MSG, to help maintain the flavor and moisture.
Visit www.mrsdash.com to find hundreds of delicious, low-salt recipes.
Try the following recipe from Bannos when you're firing up the grill
this season:
Bayou Shrimp and Veggies with Creole Mustard Sauce
(Serves 4)
Creole Mustard Sauce
Ingredients:
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup half and half cream
2 Tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 capful Mrs. Dash Extra Spicy Seasoning Blend
Creole Mustard Sauce Directions
Combine ingredients in a small sauté pan and simmer over high heat 2 to
3 minutes until thick. Set aside.
Ingredients:
8 skewers
16 large shrimp, peeled and de-veined
1 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/2-inch slices
1 medium yellow squash, sliced into 1/2 inch slices
1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 Tablespoon Mrs. Dash Extra Spicy Seasoning Blend
1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Directions:
1. Soak skewers to prevent charring.
2. Alternately thread two shrimp with zucchini, yellow squash, and bell
pepper onto skewers.
3. Brush vegetables with olive oil. Season shrimp and vegetables with
Mrs. Dash Extra Spicy Seasoning Blend.
4. Grill over high heat on a preheated grill, turning occasionally to
ensure even cooking, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove vegetables and shrimp
from skewers and drizzle with Creole Mustard Sauce. Courtesy of ARA Content
Cajun Burgers
Ingredients:
• 1 lb ground chuck
• 3 tbsp. Garlic Onion Medley
• 3 tbsp.
Cajun Spiced Mustard
Directions:
Combine all ingredients and let sit in refrigerator one hour prior to
cooking to allow the seasoning to hydrate to full flavor. Form patties.
Grill to perfection!
