PAPPADEAUX SNAPPER PONCHARTRAIN

Steps:

• Combine reserved shrimp shells, chopped vegetables and water in a large stockpot; simmer over medium heat until liquid is reduced to 3 cups, about 30 minutes; strain and set aside.
• Make a roux in a heavy saucepan by melting 4 tablespoons butter until it begins to turn brown.
• Slowly whisk in 4 tablespoons flour until mixture thickens to a paste; cook until it turns a light, golden brown.
• Remove from heat and set aside.
• Melt 1 tablespoon butter in another saucepan.
• Add garlic and onion and saute over medium heat 2 minutes.
• Add crushed bouillon cube, pepper sauce and shrimp stock.
• Stir and let simmer.
• While the stock is simmering, melt 1 stick plus 1 1/3 tablespoons butter in a separate saucepan, stirring, until it turns golden brown; set aside.
• Add roux to stock mixture and stir to incorporate, then simmer 3 to 5 minutes.
• Add brown butter to stock and whisk until incorporated and emulsified.
• Whisk in Madeira until incorporated.
• Set sauce aside and keep warm while the fish fillets are cooking.
• Mix salt, paprika, garlic powder and cayenne into remaining 2 cups flour.
• Dip fish fillets in lemon juice, then into seasoned flour to coat.
• Melt 1 tablespoon butter in large heated skillet over medium heat.
• Place fillets in skillet and cook until golden brown and completely cooked, about 4 minutes per side.
• While the fish is cooking, saute the peeled shrimp in 1 tablespoon butter just until they turn pink (do not overcook).
• Add shrimp and crab to Madeira sauce.
• Spoon 4 shrimp and a couple ounces of heated sauce over fillets and serve.