Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine

By Betha Merit

On the backside of summer, we aren’t quite ready for comfort food with its payload of creams, cheeses and calories. So, what are we going to do with our haul of Texas shellfish? Make a one-pot spicy broth meal with all of it. Served with crusty bread and herbed butter, of course.

And are you still thirsty from the high heat? Let’s get creative with rum. Colorful drinks are a great, celebratory aperitif. For sure you can offer a simple rum punch of fruit juices and regular Bacardi. And for fun, try a layered drink with raspberry rum for a nod to the “red, white and blue.”

Oysters, Crab & Shrimp in a Spicy Broth

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1 (28 oz.) can diced tomatoes
• 1 lb. cooked crab meat
• 1 lb. shrimp peeled/deveined
• 1/2 lb. shucked oysters
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves

Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add garlic, bay leaf, and crushed red pepper. Sauté about 1 minute. Add the wine and bring to a boil. Add the tomatoes. Bring to a simmer. Cook for 10 to 20 minutes. Stir in all the shellfish and basil, cooking for about 2-3 minutes. Serve immediately in bowls, with warm crusty bread and herbed butter.

Herbed Butter for Bread

Soften 1 stick of butter at room temperature. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil, thyme, or tarragon. Also, add 1/4 teaspoon of dried garlic powder. Tastes better if made ahead of time for flavors to deepen.

Rum Punch

For the minimalist! Fill glass with crushed ice. Add 2 ounces orange juice, 2 ounces pineapple juice and 2 ounces rum (plain, flavored, or spiced). Stir. Repeat as frequently as you dare.

Bacardi Bomb Pop

Fill glass with ice. Pour a splash of grenadine over ice. Add 1-2 shots of Bacardi Raspberry slowly over ice, then 2 shots lemonade, then 2 shots Blue Curacao. Slow pouring keeps the layers separate, which mimics your old time 3 layer popsicle. It’s tricky.