Gulf Shrimp and Sweet Potato Fritter

One day in advance – preheat oven to 400°F and bake sweet potatoes until soft, about 2 hours. Allow to cool, peel and mash until relatively smooth. Season with brown sugar, butter, salt, white pepper, cinnamon and allspice. Refrigerate overnight.

Season shrimp with 2 teaspoons of Essence, refrigerate and reserve.

Season flour with 1 tablespoon of Essence. Combine egg, milk and season with 1 teaspoon of Essence. Combine pecans and bread crumbs and remaining 3 tablespoons of Essence. Shape sweet potatoes into small cakes, forming 4 cakes that are about 2 inches in diameter. Bread three ways: first coat with flour, second coat with egg wash, third coat with crushed pecans and bread crumb mixture. Refrigerate for at least an hour before use. Fill large pot or electric fryer halfway with vegetable oil. Heat oil until smoking hot, 360°F and fry until golden brown, about 3 minutes.

In a small sauté pan cook andouille until it browns and releases some fat, about 3 minutes. Add mirlitons and shrimp and cook until shrimp are barely pink, about 1 minute. Next, add 2 tablespoons Creole tomato glaze and sauté for 1 more minute.

To serve, place 3 tablespoons Creole Meuniere Sauce on base of plate and set 2 sweet potato fritters in center. Divide shrimp and andouille mixture on top of fritters and garnish with a drizzle of Creole Tomato Glaze.

Yield : 2 servings