I'm Just a Po' Boy, Nobody Loves Me

I find myself wishing I had a little more access to quality ingredients. I have a better chance of spotting Sasquatch than I do of finding fresh herbs or even arugula where I live. Arugula? The produce man seemed a bit confused when I asked if they would ever get any more in stock. On my last shopping trip I was lucky enough to find some fresh basil (the last pack) and have been using it like a crazy person. I cant seem to find enough recipes to use it in. So yesterday I made some spicy mayo! It was the perfect accompaniment to some shrimp po' boys I had made. I chose to not fry my shrimp and used a sourdough sub roll rather than just white or wheat. Add some muenster cheese, sliced tomatoes and lettuce and you have a yummy lunch. I really think that I will fry my shrimp next time to add a little crunch. But overall I was pleased. Enjoy!

Spicy Mayonnaise

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
6 cloves garlic, chopped
2 serrano chili pepper, thinly sliced (I like it spicy)
1/2 cup basil leaves, torn in smaller pieces
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 lemon, juiced
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Add 1/4 cup olive oil to a large saute pan over high heat. Add the garlic and fry until just starting to turn golden brown, add the chili peppers to soften them a bit. Add the basil leaves and stand back, the basil will crack and pop. Let the basil get crispy. Pour the mixture onto a plate and put in the refrigerator to cool. Meanwhile mix the mayonnaise together with the lemon juice. When the basil/chili mixture has cooled, fold it into the mayonnaise Season with salt and pepper, to taste, and return mayonnaise to the refrigerator.

You could smell the spicyness!

The Constructed Po' Boy

Source: Michael Chiarello

Listening To:

Glycerine-Bush
Every Day Is Exactly The Same-Nine Inch Nails
Possum Kingdom-The Toadies
No One Knows-Queens of the Stone Age