Cajun-inspired Grilling Specialties

April 13, 2006 - The Mrs. Dash brand has teamed with Jimmy Bannos, chef/owner of Heaven on Seven restaurants, to suggest a combination of unique seasoning blends and fresh ingredients to create Cajun-inspired grilling specialties.

Jimmy Bannos has written "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" inspired by the Creole and Cajun cuisines from New Orleans. His new Bayou Shrimp and Veggies with Creole Mustard Sauce is an interesting example:

Bayou Shrimp and Veggies with Creole Mustard Sauce

Serves 4

Creole Mustard Sauce
Ingredients

• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 half and half cream
• 2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
• 1 capful Mrs. Dash® Extra Spicy Seasoning Blend

Creole Mustard Sauce Directions
Combine all ingredients in a small sauteŽ pan and simmer over high heat 2-3 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 Tbsp. Mrs. Dash® Extra Spicy Seasoning Blend
• 1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

Directions
Soak skewers to prevent charring.
Alternately thread two shrimp with zucchini, yellow squash, and bell pepper onto skewers.
Brush vegetables with olive oil. Season shrimp and vegetables with Mrs. Dash® Extra Spicy Seasoning Blend.
Grill over high heat on a preheated grill, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking, about 4-5 minutes.
Remove vegetables and shrimp from skewers and drizzle with Creole Mustard Sauce.

Get Fired Up

Jimmy Bannos also offers the following Cajun cuisine 'tricks of the trade'

• Feeling hot, hot, hot! Cut a habanera chili pepper and rub it on meat, fish or veggies prior to grilling for added heat.
• Spice it up Add zest to traditional dishes with just the right seasonings. Try sprinkling Mrs. Dash Extra Spicy or Southwest Chipotle Seasoning Blend on food five minutes before grilling to create a fiery crust.
• 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.