1640. BACON-WRAPPED CRAB-STUFFED SHRIMP with LEMON BASIL CREAM

yields four servings


1 pound lump crabmeat, picked clean
1/2 butter crackers, crushed (recommended: Ritz)
3 scallions, tops and whites finely chopped
1/2 red bell pepper, finely chopped
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 lemon, juiced
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon table salt
pinch cayenne pepper
16 large shrimp, peeled
16 slices bacon

Pesto:
2 lightly packed cups fresh basil
1 cup walnuts
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
1 cup olive oil
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

Roux:
1 cup all-purpose flour
8 tablespoons butter

Lemon Basil Cream:
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon minced onion
1 teaspoon minced fresh garlic
1/4 cup dry white wine
1 cup heavy cream
3 tablespoons pesto (see recipe above)
1 teaspoon roux (see recipe above)

Preheat the oven for 350 degrees F.

To make the crab stuffing: Combine the crab, crackers, scallions, pepper, mayonnaise, egg, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, lemon, and garlic. Season the stuffing with salt and pepper and mix well. Set the stuffing aside.

Using a paring knife, slice the shrimp down the backs and remove and discard the 'veins'. Deepen the incisions if necessary, then spoon stuffing into each shrimp. Wrap each stuffed shrimp with bacon and arrange them in a large baking dish.

To make the pesto: pulse the basil, walnuts, cheese, and garlic together in a food processor (or grind in a mortar) then gradually incorporate the oil. Adjust the seasoning with lemon juice and set aside.

To make the roux: Heat the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour, and cook, stirring, until the mixture, although still pale, looks dryer and no longer smells raw, about 5 minutes. Remove the roux from the heat.

Transfer the shrimp to the oven and roast until the bacon begins to render and brown, about 10 minutes. Flip the shrimp and roast on the second side until the shrimp are opaque, 5 to 10 minutes more.

Meanwhile make the lemon basil cream: Heat the oil and butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture is fragrant and golden, about 7 minutes. Add the wine and simmer for 5 minutes then add the cream. Simmer until the sauce has reduced by half. Add the lemon juice and pesto, then whisk in the roux a tablespoon at a time (use just enough to thicken the sauce). Keep the sauce warm over very low heat.

Arrange the shrimp on 4 warm plates and serve with lemon basil cream sauce on the side.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Chef Jacob Warner, The Lady & Sons, 102 West Congress Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401, 912.233.2600