Terrific cookbook from Running Press featuring sophisticated Southern recipes. Also includes a pretty nice source guide in the back pages. Be sure to visit this wonderful restaurant the next time you’re in the Birmingham, AL area.
From Publishers Weekly
SHRIMP AND CORN FRITTERS with Chive Aïoli
SEAFOOD FRITTERS WERE ALWAYS SERVED AT THE BEACH WHEN CHRIS WAS A CHILD. FRITTERS HAVE LONG BEEN AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE SOUTHERN DIET AND HE GREW UP EATING THEM FOR LUNCH ALONG WITH SLICED TOMATOES AND SUCCOTASH. HIS GRANDMOTHER LOVED TO SERVE THEM WITH A DOLLOP OF HOMEMADE MAYONNAISE. TODAY WE SERVE THESE FRITTERS AS HORS D’OEUVRES FOR COCKTAIL RECEPTIONS OR SNACKS AT THE BEACH WITH CHIVE AÏOLI INSTEAD OF THE MAYONNAISE. FOR A DIFFERENT TWIST, TRY SUBSTITUTING FRESH CLAMS OR LUMP CRABMEAT FOR THE SHRIMP.
Y I E L D : A B O U T 5 0 F R I T T E R S
1 POUND FRESH, PEELED MEDIUM (25 TO 30 COUNT)
SHRIMP, DEVEINED AND CUT INTO 1/2–INCH PIECES
1 ½ CUPS FRESH CORN KERNELS, ABOUT 2 EARS
½ CUP FINELY DICED RED BELL PEPPER
½ CUP FINELY DICED YELLOW BELL PEPPER
½ CUP FINELY DICED POBLANO PEPPER
¾ CUP CHOPPED GREEN ONIONS (GREEN PART ONLY)
1 ½ TEASPOONS KOSHER SALT
¾ TEASPOON FRESHLY GROUND BLACK PEPPER
¼ TEASPOON CAYENNE PEPPER
½ CUP ALL–PURPOSE FLOUR
1 TEASPOON BAKING POWDER
2 QUARTS PEANUT OIL, FOR FRYING
3 LARGE EGG WHITES
1 CUP CHIVE AÏOLI, FOR SERVING
Combine the diced shrimp, corn, peppers, and green onions in a large bowl; cover and refrigerate for 1 hour. Once chilled, season the shrimp mixture with the salt, pepper, and cayenne, stirring until well seasoned. In a separate bowl, combine the flour and baking powder. Add the flour mixture to the shrimp and vegetables and toss until the vegetables and shrimp are well coated with the flour. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Pour the oil into a deep-sided skillet to a depth of 3 inches. (Alternately, a deep fryer can be filled with peanut oil.) Preheat the oil to 350°F.
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until medium-stiff peaks form. Gently fold one-third of the whipped egg whites into the shrimp and vegetable mixture. Repeat with the remaining egg whites, making sure the egg whites are incorporated before adding the next third. (At this point, the fritter batter can be used immediately or chilled for up to 2 hours before serving.)
Carefully drop rounded tablespoon-size scoops of the fritter batter into the preheated oil and fry for about 2 minutes or until golden brown. Remove the fritters with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel–lined plate. Season the fritters with additional salt, if needed. Serve the fritters in towel–lined baskets or on platters alongside a small bowl of chive aïoli.
