Celebrating Shrimp Season

One of my favorite ways to spend a summer night is to stroll down the Shem Creek boardwalk at sunset and take in the scenery of dolphins, pelicans and shrimp boats. Inevitably, my husband quotes the movie Forrest Gump.

“Anyway, like I was sayin’, shrimp is the fruit of the sea. You can barbecue it, boil it, broil it, bake it, saute it. Dey’s uh, shrimp-kabobs, shrimp creole, shrimp gumbo. Pan fried, deep fried, stir-fried. There’s pineapple shrimp, lemon shrimp, coconut shrimp, pepper shrimp, shrimp soup, shrimp stew, shrimp salad, shrimp and potatoes, shrimp burger, shrimp sandwich. That- that’s about it.” 

Yesterday marked the official start to shrimp season here in the Charleston area. It usually kicks off in May but cold water delayed the spawning needed to sustain the shrimp crop, according the the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

To celebrate, I’m sharing three low country recipes starring my favorite crustacean.

Magnolia’s Spicy Shrimp, Sausage, and Tasso Gravy Over Creamy White Grits – If you’re ever in town, put Magnolia on your dining to-do list. Tasso gravy frequently appears on menus here. Tasso is a spicy cured pork often used in Cajun cooking.

Spiced Pickled Shrimp – Straight from the Charleston Junior League cook book, this is a cocktail party favorite. Serve it over ice with toothpicks and you’ve got a simple yet elegant app.

Shrimp Pie – Another recipe, or “receipt” from the Charleston Junior League cookbook. If you collect antique cookbooks, you’ve probably come across this use of the word. Both were used in the 18th century for the same meaning and both derive from the Latin word recipere (to give or take), according to World Wide Words. Prior to that, receipts referred to medical prescriptions. But back to the chow. Shrimp pies or casseroles were commonly served at a summer Sunday supper in the low country during the 19th century. It was a simple dish the cook, who traditionally had Sunday afternoons off, could leave for the lady of the house to heat and serve.