"How to Make a Seafood Boil " by Hazel K

Food has always been an integral part of my upbringing. Every holiday members of my family come together and celebrate with laughter and a good meal. This year I was given the task of making the first meal of the new year. This may seem like an intimidating task but I have never been one to fold when faced with a challenge. Don’t get me wrong I was a bit worried because my family is made up of some of the toughest critics I know but, I was excited to get started. Since I was the one cooking I got to decide what to prepare and I decided to make a seafood boil. This being my first time preparing a boil I did make a few mistakes but altogether it turned out pretty good if I do say so myself. Here is a loose translation of what I did. 

What you will need: 20-quart pan
Skillet
16 cups of water
3 King crabs legs
2lbs of snow crab
1lb of tiger shrimp
1lb of shrimp (any kind) 1lb of scallops
1 pack of corn
1 bag of small red potatoes
8 lime
butter Garlic cloves
I large onion
1 Zatarain bag
1 bottle Zatarian seasoning
Lemon pepper seasoning
Seasoning salt
Cajun seasoning
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Old bay

Instructions:
Begin by filling the pan with 16 cups of water once filled turn on the stove to medium-high heat while the water is boiling begin rinsing the seafood. When cleaning the seafood use cold water and thoroughly clean items be sure to use special care with shrimp. Once you are finished washing the seafood check on your water if it is boiling proceed if not continue waiting. Once the water begins boiling, add the seasonings. Start by cutting 6 limes and 1 large onion add this to the pot once done with this add 1 Zatarain package and 2 caps of Zatarain seasoning. After you have added these items close the pot and let it sit for a few minutes.Open the pot and begin to season the broth. (I have added a few seasoning I use above but feel free to use your own) As you are seasoning be sure to continue tasting the broth, this is very important. When you have finished adding all spices and the broth is to your liking, it is time to add the corn and potatoes. They should be the first things added to the broth because they take the most time when

cooking. After giving the potatoes and corn an appropriate amount to cook, it is now time to add the seafood. This may seem like the easiest part but if done incorrectly you can be left with a giant mess. Start by slowly adding the king crab legs to the broth followed by the snow crab, lastly add the shrimp do not overflow the pot remember you can always make a second batch. Once you have added all the seafood to the pot place the lid on top and let it sit for about ten minutes, check on the boil periodically to make sure it does not overcook. While that is cooking get a skillet out because it is time to prepare your scallops. Turn the fire to medium-low heat add the slice of butter to your pan, let it melt, Place the scallops in the pan. Add your seasoning onto the scallops allow it time to cook flip the scallops and allow her to cook on the other side. Place the scallops into the boil. By this time the boil should be done cooking, give it a quick stir and remove it from the pot. 

Garlic Butter Sauce
After you have made this amazing seafood you might just want to call it a day and enjoy the meal you’ve just slaved over, but if you're anything like me you will enjoy the meal 10 times better with a nice sauce to go along with it.

What you will need:
1 saucepan
2sticks of unsalted butter
2.5 tablespoons Garlic powder
1.5 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoons parsley
.5 tablespoons Cayenne pepper
1 lime

Add the butter in the pan and place it on low heat to allow the butter to melt, as it is melting begin adding your spices. Once the butter is completely melted and the spices are fully incorporated squeeze your lime and it is ready to be served. In my experience this quick and easy recipe is worth the time. Hope you enjoy it!