Before last night, I would’ve told you that it doesn’t get any more Charleston than shrimp and grits. But now, I might tell you that it doesn’t get any more Charleston than shrimp and grits made from local ingredients.
I adapted this Shrimp and Gravy recipe to fit some ingredients that I had or had just purchased from Stono Market on John’s Island. Of my ingredients, the primary flavor grabbers-the grits (Geechie Boy Mill from Edisto Island), shrimp, and onion and carrots (grown by Farmer Pete on Ambrose Family Farm)-were all local. But I also used tomato (a Florida native, but purchased from Stono Market), green pepper, butter, chicken stock, flour, and salt and pepper.
This dinner was so delicious. Julia happily declared it, “The best dinner I ever eat,” huge compliments coming from the mouth of my picky two year old. We all loved it and cleaned our plates. Everything tasted fresh. And maybe it is knowing that it’s a local meal, but it was easily the best shrimp and grits I’ve ever made. This was an amazing kick off to Eat Local Month, and a meal that deserves repeating.
Good heavens this looks good. And way to go with the local goods!
Oh. It was so good. I'm ready to make it again already! I keep thinking I need to share the goodness and have some kind of a dinner party with all local ingredients. How fun would that be?
That would be awesome! My sister, who's still in Mt.P has a monthly “Girls Night” where they all get together and cook (or bring potluck style if time is short). No hubs or kids allowed, just a chance for moms to kick back and relax together. I think that's also called “Pizza Night” for the husbands and kids…
A Girls Night Out sounds like a wonderful thing to have as a regular calendar date. Mine are too few and far between, but your sister certainly has the right idea.