Monday, December 24, 2012

Cheesy Crawfish Potatoes

Always a good way to use crawfish leftovers from a boil. A real crowd-pleaser

5 lbs small red potatoes, washed and sliced (peel on) into quarters -- boil in salted water until just done --  not mushy.
1 lb package of mexican velveeta
1lb sharp cheddar grated
8 oz mild cheddar grated (for topping)
1 pint half and half
1 package (usually a pound sometimes 12 oz) of frozen crawfish tails -- Louisiana are better but Chinese will work
Optional -- for more seafood flavor -- add a can of crab meat or package of frozen crab when you add the cheese in later.
1 stick of  butter
1/2 cup flour
1 onion chopped
2 cloves garlic chopped or 1 tsp garlic powder of salt

In a large pan or pot -- melt butter -- sautee onions until translucent -- add garlic and sautee one minute more (or add garlic powder).  Add crawfish tails.  Sautee for a minute.  Add flour and mix until all crawfish are coated and the butter has been absorbed.  Pour in half and half -- use a wisk and mix it well.  This will form a somewhat thick sauce.  You may need to add milk to loosen it -- it should be the consistency of a thick gravy.  Next, add cubed velveeta - and stir until melted.  Add sharp cheese until melted.  Season with Tony Chachere's or season-all to taste.  Again, if the sauce is too thick, add milk to thin it to a thick gravy consistency.
Drain Potatoes and put in large baking dish.  Pour sauce over potatoes and top with cheese.  Baked until bubbling through and through and the cheese is somewhat browned.