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Fun and Easy Low Country Boil

Outdoor cooking and eating are two of the finest features of summertime. But we can all get a bit tired of cookouts -- hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, even steaks. The Low Country Boil is a marvelous alternative, sure to invigorate tired palates. This hearty one-pot dish is always a crowd-pleaser.

Born and bred in South Carolina, the Low Country Boil features relatively inexpensive and generally available ingredients and just needs a big ol' pot and a table big enough to hold everything. Also known as Frogmore Stew, Beaufort Stew, or a tidewater boil, the meal was first cooked in the 1960s by Richard Gay, whose family owns Gay Fish Company in Frogmore, South Carolina. "I was on weekend duty in the National Guard," he says, "and I'd sometimes get a lot of shrimp, put it in a pot with sausage and corn, and boil it up. Within an hour, we could have a complete meal for 100 people. The boys teased me that since I was from Frogmore, we'd name it Frogmore Stew."

A classic boil is done using shrimp, corn on the cob, smoked sausage and potatoes. Other seafood like crab legs, crawfish or other shellfish can be put in for good measure, but the basics are in those four ingredients. Seasoning is usually provided by Zatarain's or Old Bay, or both, depending on the preference for spicy or milder flavor. Other spices or hot sauce can be added to taste.

Most agree that the potatoes should be small to medium in size and either a new potato or a red potato. The corn should be on the cob, but cut in half or into thirds for ease of eating. For the sausage, many go with a smoked sausage or kielbasa style and the shrimp should be of the jumbo variety (21-25 per pound) and de-veined, but not peeled.

Chad Rose, co-owner of Big Daddy's BBQ and More says, "The most important step is making sure you don't overcook the shrimp," Rose said. "It doesn't take long - just until the shells come off a little bit. Probably about four minutes." After that, simply strain the pot and dump your Low Country Boil on a picnic or folding table covered in newspaper and start eating. "And don't forget the melted butter!" adds Rose, "It's not a boil until you've got butter running down your elbows."

The Low Country Boil is meant to be just that casual. It's the perfect dinner for a large group and doesn't take as much time as grilling a dozen steaks to order or two dozen burgers and dogs for family and friends. Just get to boiling and dump it out. Iced tea, rolls and watermelon make perfect accompaniments.

There are dozens of recipes for the Low Country Boil. Here's Paula Deen's from foodnetwork.com.

Yield: 6 servings

Prep: 20 min

Cook: 43 min

Total: 1 hr 3 min

Ingredients

• Crab boil (seasoning), 2 teaspoons per quart of water

• 12 red new potatoes

• 6 (4-inch) smoked sausage link sausage

• 6 ears corn

• 3 pounds fresh shrimp, unpeeled

Directions

• Fill a large pot with enough water to cover all of the ingredients. Adjust the crab boil to suit your taste.

• Add the crab boil and bring to a boil.

• When the water boils, add the potatoes and sausage. Cook on medium heat for 20 minutes.

• Add corn and cook for an additional 10 minutes.

• Add shrimp and cook for no more than 3 minutes.

• Drain and serve with warm bread.

Now, get to boiling, y'all!

PSG Construction is a custom home builder and renovation specialist. In business in Central Florida since 1987, brothers and co-owners Paul and Stephen Gidus have gone back to their traditional method of personally overseeing every project. Beginning with the initial phone call to preparing the plans and project specifications and then building the project, Paul and Stephen are personally involved.

PSG understands building a home is one of the largest and most important investments you'll ever make. PSG is sensitive to the commitment you are making-to yourself and your family. Whether building a custom home, renovating or adding to an existing home, PSG's commitment to you is to provide peace of mind and a positive experience. Their PSG Process© will help you reach your desired goals in a thoroughly planned, more cost effective method. You will enjoy maximum value and an enhanced lifestyle from your custom built project.

Contact Stephen Gidus at 407 628-9660x103 to discuss your project or you can visit the PSG website at www.psgconstruction.com to learn more about PSG Construction.