Do want  to celebrate Labor Day with no labor?  --Then host a Shrimp Boil.  It is an easy and fun party!

A shrimp boil is one of my favorite parties -----no dirty dishes. This is also a completely portable party. My favorite spot is on the beach, but it is great in your backyard. When we have a large crowd, we borrow an extra turkey fryer or two. The following recipe uses 1 large 34 quart turkey fryer with a strainer basket that goes almost to the top of the pot. One pot serves about 10-12 people.

First cover your entire table with freezer paper, shiny side up. Let the cooking begin!

Printable Shopping List and Instructions

Fill turkey fryer about 2/3 full of water. Bring to a boil and add 2 pkgs of Zatarain's Crawfish, Shrimp and Crab Boil in a Bag, 1/4 - 1/2 bottle Zatarain's Shrimp and Crab oil, 1 cup of salt and garlic. Boil for 15 minutes

Add potatoes, boil for 7-8 minutes

Corn goes in next for 5 minutes (if corn is frozen you might need to turn up the heat for a minute to get your water boiling again)

Add kielbasa, cook for 8 minutes

Add onions, and squeeze lemon juice into pot and then toss the lemons into the water, boil 3- 4 minutes (oops picture is wrong - add the garlic at the beginning!)

Add shrimp and cook 5 minutes or just until shrimp turns pink.

Turn off the heat, immediately pull basket from the water and let drain. The original recipe says to turn off the heat, add a large bag (as much as you can add without the pot overflowing) of ice and let sit 15 minutes. The food is allowed to absorb more of the spices this way.  We are usually in a hurry to eat, and the flavor is still good, so we turn off heat and drain. If you want it spicier be sure to try the ice trick.

Pour contents of basket onto your freezer paper covered table.

Serve with sliced baguette sprinkled down the table and bottles of squeeze butter, cocktail sauce and spicy mustard. Remember NO knives, forks, spoons or plates allowed! This is all finger food and condiments are squeezed directly onto the table! When finished just roll up the paper and give everyone a finger wipe! A big thanks to our dear friends Jeff and Cathy for showing us how to have the best party ever!

Put on some Zydeco
(zi-dee-coe) music and have a great time!

....and if you really want to party, we like to serve these awesome Margaritas(for adults only) at our Shrimp Boil

Simple and Delicious Margaritas

1 12 oz. can of frozen limeade
12 oz. 7-UP or Sprite (just fill up limeade can to measure)
12 oz. Tequila (again that limeade can is handy)
1 12 oz. Corona or Tecate Beer

Mix and serve over ice! Oh my these are good!

So if you are looking for a fun party idea for labor day that requires very little labor (no dishes) give a shrimp boil a try!  Have a great weekend!