Happy Mardi Gras!

Today is the day to celebrate all things Louisiana! As a former resident of the state of Louisiana, I'd like to share a deliciously easy recipe for a New Orleans staple: The Shrimp Po'Boy. The sandwich is traditionally stuffed with fried shrimp, but this version is fresh and flavorful and keeps it on the lighter side...

You'll need -

Loaf of fresh French bread (Publix does a nice job with theirs) 1 lb Fresh shrimp (peeled and deveined) Olive oil spray (like Pam) Lettuce Sliced tomatoes Dill pickle slices Light mayo Salt Pepper Chopped garlic Fresh parsley Cajun Seasoning Lemon

Preheat oven to 350. Slice bread into 6 servings and then slice in half, leaving one side unsliced (so it opens like a book). Lightly spray the inside of the bread with olive oil and place on a cookie sheet in the oven for about 4 minutes to toast. While your bread is toasting, toss shrimp with salt, pepper, garlic, parsley and cajun spice and add to a hot skillet. Squeeze a lemon over the shrimp and cook to a pretty pink.

To serve, be sure to "dress" the sandwich like a local New Orlenian: Slather bread with mayo and pile on lettuce, tomatoes, pickles and shrimp. Lassiez le bon temps rouler!