Sautéed Shrimp, White Cheddar Polenta, and Sweet Soy Agave Nectar

METHOD:

For the Sweet Chili Sauce:

Put the olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Sweat the garlic and finger chilies until soft. Deglaze with the rice wine vinegar and white vinegar. Add the sugar, water, and xanthan gum. Bring the mixture to a simmer, season with salt, and remove from heat when the mixture is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Put the hot liquid in a shallow steel pan and chill.



For the Sweet Soy Agave Nectar:

Combine the garlic chili sauce, soy sauce, and agave nectar in a bowl. Whisk until fully emulsified, put the sauce into squeeze bottles, and reserve.



For the White Cheddar Polenta:

In a large, heavy saucepan, combine the water and chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a boil over a high heat and slowly add the polenta, whisking constantly. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring often with a large wooden spoon, until the polenta thickens, about 25 minutes. Add the butter and bacon fat, and stir until melted. Add the white cheddar and stir well. Adjust seasoning, and keep hot, adding a little milk to loosen if necessary.



For the Sautéed Shrimp:

Combine the paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, celery seeds, and salt. Toss the shrimp with the paprika mixture and olive oil to evenly coat. Add some more olive oil to a sauté pan, or plancha if cooking in bulk. Add the garlic and shallots and sweat until translucent, over a medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, until evenly browned.



To Assemble and Serve:

Spoon warm White Cheddar Polenta into the center of a deep bowl. Top with 4 Sautéed Shrimp. Garnish with the bacon, Sweet Chili Sauce, scallions, and Sweet Soy Agave Nectar.