Chicken-Fried Shrimp

For the shrimp:

1. Fill a saucepan halfway with vegetable oil; over medium-high, heat to 350° F.
2. Spear two shrimp on skewers until all shrimp are used. Spread flour in one shallow dish. Beat eggs with milk in another dish. Season shrimp with salt and pepper.
3. Dredge in flour, dusting off any excess. Coat with egg mixture and back in flour. Repeat until all of the shrimp are coated.
4. Cook 2 skewers at a time in hot oil until the shrimp is golden brown.   Remove and drain on paper towels. While the shrimp is still hot, season with salt and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Serve while hot.

Tips + Tricks:

• This is a basic recipe with so many options: try adding your favorite  seasoning to the flour mixture, mustard to the wet mixture, or even substituting cornmeal for the flour.
• Serve this simply as suggested, or serve the shrimp with Green Onion Gravy and a side of fresh Watermelon-Jalapeño Salad.

For the gravy:

1. Thinly slice the green onions, separating the green from the white part.
2. Add butter and the white part of the onions to a small saucepan and bring to medium-high heat. Cook until the onions are tender and start to caramelize.
3. Add the flour; stir until the butter is absorbed and cook the roux about 2 minutes. When it starts to turn golden brown, slowly add milk while continually whisking. Reduce the heat to medium and keep whisking until thickened. Remove from the heat, season with salt and pepper. Stir in remaining green onions just before serving.

Tips + Tricks:

• This is a delicious, flavorful substitution for classic sausage gravy. Perfect over anything country-fried, and homemade biscuits too.

Watermelon-Jalapeno Salad

1. In a mixing bowl combine the jalapeño, feta and watermelon. Squeeze with fresh lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Toss together and marinate for 30 minutes before serving.

Tips + Tricks:

• Try adding chopped fresh mint or basil for added flavor and color. 

Nutrition information calculated with ½ cup vegetable oil, 1% lactose-free milk and salt and pepper "to taste"