PAPA'S PEPPER PHIRE-CRACKER SHRIMP ALFREDO


Papa's Pepper Phire-Cracker Shrimp Alfredo
(Courtesy of Spencer from @spencerthecook from Instagram ... )
When I think of indulgent comfort food my brain automatically goes to Shrimp Alfredo.  I mean, it really has everything you could ask for.  It has the sweet, savory, meaty shrimp.  The luxurious, silky, rich Alfredo sauce over perfectly al-dente fettuccine.  If you are lucky, it also brings the heat and a little acid.  After all, you need something to cut through all that rich savory flavor to create the perfect bite!  Well, you're in luck because here is the recipe!

2lbs. Fettuccine (can be gluten-free) cooked according to package directions.

2lbs. Peeled, deveined, tail-off shrimp

1 onion, minced

3T Cornstarch

8oz. (About 3C) smoked Gouda, shredded

4C Shredded parmesan

1lb. Bacon, diced.

2 egg yolks, beaten

2t Old Bay seasoning

1t Granulated garlic

1t mustard powder

1\4t White pepper

4C Half/Half (you can use heavy cream)

1C 2% milk

1T Papa's Pepper premium spice blend

1 lemon

Scallions for garnish

Salt and pepper to taste (use lots of pepper, White sauces need pepper!)

Pour half/half and milk into sauce pan and warm over medium heat.

Cook diced bacon until crispy.  Remove to a paper towel lined plate, reserve bacon grease.

In a dutch oven over med-high heat add 3T bacon grease and minced onion.  Cook until onion is translucent, about 4 minutes.  Add cornstarch and cook until it just starts to turn tan.

Pour milk mixture into dutch oven while whisking.  Whisk until mixture comes to a simmer, add dry spices except Old Bay.  Once spices are combined add egg yolks while whisking.  Once egg yolks are included remove from heat and fold in shredded cheeses.  Taste, adjust salt/pepper as needed.

Add 3-4T bacon grease to large saute pan over med-high heat.  Pat shrimp dry and add to saute pan once pan is hot.  Cook shrimp 3 minutes per side, do not over cook.  Remove from heat, add Old Bay over shrimp.

"Bird's nest" fettuccine on a plate, laddle Alfredo sauce over noodles, place shrimp in center of "bird's nest" noodles.  Zest lemon over noodles shrimp along with the juice from 1\4 of lemon.  Garnish with scallions and crispy diced bacon.  Serve and make someone VERY happy!