Chef Ray’s Recipe of the Month: Shrimp Hot Dish
November 22, 2009
Chef Ray was recently challenged to create a hot dish using shrimp by Channel 5’s Twin Cities Live. He competed with other chefs in the twin cities area to create the best new hot dish. Unfortunately, Ray didn’t win the competition, but he did create a fabulous gourmet hot dish that Minnesotans are sure to enjoy. His shrimp hot dish is our recipe of the month.
See Chef Ray make his Shrimp Hot Dish on Channel 5’s Twin Cities Live!
Shrimp Hot Dish
Chef Ray Wyatt of the Rivertown Inn probably had the biggest challenge in this contest because he didn’t even know what a hot dish was! Ray cooked up this Shrimp Hot Dish using the inspiration from the classic British “Fish Pie”.
Ingredients:
1 ½ lb Wild caught shrimp, preferably raw (51-60 count size), tails removed and kept
2 Large Shallots, roughly chopped
1 Bottle dry white wine
2TBS light olive oil
1 TBS unsalted butter
2 TBS Unsalted butter and 2 TBS Light olive oil (for step 2)
4 Medium shallots or 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
3 Cloves Garlic, peeled and finely chopped
1 Medium leek, washed and cut into small pieces
2 Medium carrots, peeled, cut into small dice and blanched until almost tender
9 OZ Fresh or Frozen green peas (not canned)
5-6 OZ Pearl Onions, Peeled (this is about 8 OZ unpeeled)
1 Bunch of Asparagus cut into 1 inch pieces down to the woody part of the stem
1 Quart Chicken, fish or vegetable stock
½ Quart Heavy whipping Cream
3 OZ Cold, diced unsalted butter
8 OZ freshly grated Parmesan
For the potatoes
3 ½ Lbs Yukon Golds, Peeled and diced
6 OZ diced, unsalted butter
4 Egg Yolks
Salt and Pepper
Method:
This first step is optional but I like to extract as much of the shellfish flavor.
Step 1: In a large saucepan, heat the 2 TBS of oil and 1 TBS of butter.
Once melted and hot, add the 2 roughly chopped shallots and the shrimp shells/tails (not the actual shrimp).
Cook over a high heat for 2 minutes and then add the white wine.
Simmer for 4 minutes and turn off.
Step 2:
In a large, deep saucepan over a high heat, add the 2 TBS butter and the 2 TBS of oil and melt the butter. Once nice and hot, add the shallots/onion and garlic.
Cook for about 2 minutes trying not to brown the vegetables.
Now add the leeks and carrots and cook for 2 more minutes.
Now Strain the wine mixture onto the vegetables though a sieve or fine strainer, bring to a boil and reduce by 2/3rds.
Add the stock and reduce by boiling by 2/3rds again.
Add the cream and reduce by ½.
Now add the asparagus, peas, shrimp, pearl onions and simmer over a medium heat for 2 minutes. Stir in the 3 OZ cold, diced butter and stir until incorporated.
Turn heat and add the dill, check the seasoning with salt and pepper.
For the mashed potatoes, cover the diced potatoes with cold water and bring to a boil. Cook until soft and then strain.
Mash the potatoes well or pass them through a rice press or sieve. (Note, if you are going to pipe the potatoes, they must be passed through a rice press or sieve)
Stir in the 6 OZ butter and the 4 egg yolks, season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3:
In your choice of dish or casserole, pour in the shrimp mixture, top with the grated Parmesan and the top it off with the mashed potato by piping it or spreading it on.
Step 4:
Bake in an oven set at 375 Degrees until golden brown on top, about 20-30 minutes.
Serve!
As an added topping, top with crispy onions and/or sautéed or fried green beans.
Christmas Fare from Around the World
November 13, 2009
Please join us on Thursday, December 10th for our festive holiday wine dinner, Christmas Fare from Around the World. Our five-course course dinners feature the finest in gourmet cuisine, freshest seasonal ingredients, and exquisite wines expertly paired to each course.
Our Thursday night wine tasting dinners are limited to a maximum of twenty-four guests to ensure an intimate and memorable dining experience. Aperitif and tours of the Inn are offered one half hour before dinner. First course served at 6:30pm.
Aperitif and tours of the Inn offered
one half hour before dinner.
First course served at 6:30pm.
$80.00 per person, plus tax and gratuity.
In addition, you may also choose to stay at the Inn
on the evening of our Wine Dinners.
Enjoy our gourmet wine dinner, then experience a luxurious
overnight stay in one of our Carriage House Grand Suites or
main house Suites and Bedchambers. The following morning
brings a sumptuous three-course gourmet breakfast.
Our wine dinner and overnight stay is specially priced at
$499 for our Carriage House Grand Suites and
$399 for main house Suites and Bedchambers.
Price includes all taxes and gratuities.
Reserve early. Space is limited and rooms will fill quickly.
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR RESERVATIONS
CALL RIVERTOWN INN AT (651) 430-2955.
Specials and Events!
November 12, 2009
We want to give you an update on the specials and events happening here at the Rivertown Inn. We are now in our Quiet Season, open only Thursday-Sunday and we are offering a great special, along with some fantastic events for those willing to venture out this winter to visit us! Here are the details:
EVENTS
Availability for December 12th Cooking Classes
Due to a recent cancellation, we now have two seats available for our December 12th cooking class, Christmas Fare from Around the World. Cook some Christmas classics from across the globe with Chef Ray Wyatt! Who knows, we may even add a new tradition to your table.
Call Rivertown Inn now to reserve your seat at (651)430-2955.
SPECIALS
Quiet Season Weekday Special: Buy One Night, Get Second Night for $95!
Quiet Season Only: November – April
Valid Sunday – Thursday
This special can be used with any of our rooms with the exception of the Agatha Christie and the Oscar Wilde Suites. Not valid with any other offers, coupons, or certificates.
Not valid for a Friday or Saturday night.
This offer excludes New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s Day, and Easter.
If you have any questions or concerns about this special,
please call Rivertown Inn at (651) 430-2955.
Win a One-Night Stay at Rivertown Inn!
Help Rivertown Inn reach 200 fans on Facebook and be entered into a drawing to win a certificate for a one-night stay at Rivertown Inn! Once we reach 200 fans, all Rivertown Inn Facebook Fans will be entered into a drawing to win a certificate for a one-night stay. A value of up to $300! Expires one year to date of drawing.
The winner’s name will be posted on our Facebook Page. Check our Facebook Page regularly to see if you are a winner! Become a fan of Rivertown Inn and encourage your friends to become fans. Help us reach our goal and be entered to win!
This one-night certificate excludes New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day.
Not valid for a Friday or Saturday night. Not valid in the Agatha Christie or Oscar Wild Suites.
To become a Fan of Rivertown Inn on Facebook, Click Here or Text “fan rivertowninn” to FBOOK (32665) from your mobile phone and you will be added as a fan instantly. Standard charges may apply.
Room Highlight: Lewis Carroll Studio Bedchamber
November 8, 2009
Our Room Highlight for this month is our Lewis Carroll Studio Bedchamber. This bedchamber was just recently remodeled in the last few months, and I am afraid this photo is a little outdated. Romantically tucked under the eaves on the third floor, this charming studio bedchamber now provides an enchanting get-away with a king-sized bed featuring a gold leaf Rococo headboard inset with aubergine ultra-suede.
For added allure, the bed is crowned with a canopy wall cornice flowing with elegant curtains. Plump floor cushions, a corner fireplace, and a Jacuzzi tub with underwater lights and waterfall faucet complete the magical setting. Though Lewis Carroll is the smallest room in the house it warm and cozy, not cramped, and is the perfect place to relax and unwind while enjoying your loved one’s company.
To Check Availability of Our Lewis Carroll Studio Bedchamber, Please Click Here
To see the other Suites and Bedchambers we offer here at Rivertown Inn, Please Visit Our Website at www.rivertowninn.com
Video of Rivertown Inn
November 4, 2009
Rivertown Inn recently worked with Innvideos.tv to create a video tour of the Inn for our future guests to enjoy. View the gardens, dining areas, and tour the rooms as you meet the staff and owners of Rivertown Inn. Please take a look at the video below and let us know what you think!
