SHRIMP BOATS AU GRATIN

A winning combination:  shrimp, cheese AND potatoes.   A great side dish for the holidays.  This recipe makes 12 but can be easily halved.  

1.5 pounds shrimp, shelled, chopped coarsely
6 large potatoes, washed
2 tablespoons olive oil
Kosher salt
2 tablespoons margarine
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped finely
6 large garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
6 ounces heavy cream
8 ounces shredded Swiss cheese
1 tablespoon flour
2 tablespoons milk
2/3 cup cracker crumbs
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Slice potatoes long ways into 12 boats
Turn skin side up and brush with olive oil
Sprinkle with Kosher salt
Wrap each boat in tin foil
Bake at 400 degrees for 45 minutes
Meanwhile heat the margarine and olive oil over medium in a pan
Cook the onion and garlic until soft
Add the salt, Old Bay and cream
Add the shrimp and cook until pink
Add the Swiss cheese and stir until melted
In a small bowl mix the flour and milk until smooth
Turn up the heat to med-high to low simmer
Stir in the flour mixture
Let thicken and set aside
When the potatoes are done remove and let cool enough to handle
Unwrap and scoop out about 2/3 of each boat
(Save for another purpose… mash?)
Place the 12 boats in a baking dish
Divide the shrimp mixture between the 12 boats
(about 1/3 cup each)
Top with cracker crumbs and shredded cheddar
Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes
Let cool slightly and set up before serving

Makes 12