Anna A. Simpkins

Aventura, Florida

Dear Sid,

Congratulations on this notable birthday! Along with the good wishes I extend my thanks for your support and encouragement over the years—can it really be almost 25? I remember well that meeting at Hopkins and the correspondence about my research. It was so great to see you again in Florida. I finally had the pleasure of being in your class!

Most of all, I am grateful for the inspiration of your scholarship. Continue to enjoy life, friends and food! I hope you will try this breakfast favorite from my home. All the best—

Sincerely,

Anna

BREAKFAST SHRIMP

I often think of your work about fishing in New World societies and have early memories of the shrimp-men and their chants on the old streets of Charleston:

"Lady, git yo' dishpan—
"Yuh come de swimp-man!
"Swimpee! Swimpee! "Raw, raw swi-i-imp!

1 1/2 cups small, peeled raw shrimp*
2 tablespoons chopped onions
2 teaspoons chopped green pepper
3 tablespoons bacon grease
1 cup water(approx)
(Chicken broth may be used if shrimp are frozen—God forbid!)

Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon tomato catsup
1 1/2 tablespoons flour

Fry onion and green pepper in bacon grease.
When onion is golden, add shrimp; turn these several times with onion and pepper.
Add enough water to make a sauce—about one cup. Do not cover shrimp with water.
Simmer 2 or 3 minutes and thicken with flour and a little water made into a paste. (Or you may add flour with onions for a browner sauce.)
Add seasoning, Worcestershire sauce and catsup.
Cook slowly until sauce thickens.
Serve with hominy ('grits' elsewhere!).
Serves 4.
ENJOY!

*Note: The very small shrimp caught in the creeks and inlets abounding in the Carolina Low Country are most delicious. Perhaps they are available in and around Maryland. The usual menu with the above would include sliced tomatoes, crisp bacon and perhaps popovers and/or blueberry muffins. Thinly sliced Smithfield ham (or ham biscuits) may be added and, if brunch, asparagus pie with ambrosia as a finish. Of course the preferred beverages would be champagne, orange juice (or mimosas) and coffee!!