Shrimp Creole with Blue Cheese, Apple and Celery Slaw

If you're ever in the mood for a spicy and sweet New Orleans-style dinner, this is the perfect meal! The Shrimp Creole has all of the flavors of New Orleans- succulent shrimp, slow simmered veggies, caramelized cayenne pepper and soul-food comfort. The Blue Cheese, Apple and Celery Slaw is a perfect accompaniment to the spicy entree with it's creamy dressing, sweet apples, crunchy celery and salty blue cheese. I'm warning you now- you may eat the whole bowl! This meal is so satisfying because of all of the complimentary flavors, and it is also interesting and exciting. But the best (and most unbelieveable) part? It's healthy! The Shrimp Creole is bursting with good-for-you veggies and low-fat shrimp, and the Slaw is made healthy with light mayo and buttermilk (which is low in fat). The meal is also very easy to make- you only need one pot for the Shrimp Creole, and while it simmers you can make the slaw. You'll even have time to enjoy a big glass of white wine! Cheers to the cook!

Shrimp Creole
Flavorful New Orleans ingredients in a healthy one-pot meal!

Serves 4 to 6

2 T olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 large onions, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 tsp. cayenne pepper
2 cups seafood or shrimp stock
1 (28-ounce) can whole tomatoes in thick puree
Dash Worcestershire sauce
Dash hot sauce
2 bay leaves
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1.5-2 pounds medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 T. green onions, sliced
1 c. white or jasmine rice, prepared

Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add oil. Cook garlic, onions, celery and green bell peppers. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in cayenne and let caramelize. Add the stock, tomatoes, Worcestershire, hot sauce and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 35 minutes. Add the shrimp and cook about 4 more minutes, until they are bright pink and cooked through. Garnish with green onions. Serve in a large bowl with a scoop of rice on top.

Recipe adapted from Food Network

Blue Cheese, Apple and Celery Slaw
Crunchy, creamy and salty- the perfect cool down side dish!
Serves 4-6

4 ounces blue cheese
1/2 cup light mayo
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 tsp sugar
4 granny smith apples, thinly sliced
2 stalks celery, thinly sliced

In a small bowl, using a fork, combine the blue cheese, mayo and buttermilk until thick and lumpy. Combine the apples with the dressing, stir in celery, and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Recipe adapted from Rachael Ray