Chef notes

Although the origins of the seafood boil may be questioned by some, and the bragging rights for the best version may be contested among the Gulf Coast, New England, Mid-Atlantic and Lowcountry varieties. There's one thing for certain; a seafood boil is guaranteed to bring a celebration to your table.

When I was growing up, our boils were a community affair. Just like moths to a flame, our neighbors knew it was time to make their way to our house when they caught a whiff of those Cajun spices mingling with the shrimp, crab, crawfish, potatoes and corn. All they needed to do was bring an ingredient to drop in the pot to keep the party going. I'm not suggesting you do the same, but it couldn't hurt!