Blackened Shrimp and Fried Polenta - The Local Palate

Ingredients

• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ beef bouillon cube
• 1 cup polenta
• 1 stick of butter plus two tablespoons (10 tablespoons)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1½ pounds shrimp
• 1 teaspoon Blackening Spice (recipe follows)
• ¼ cup olive oil, divided
• 1 cup diced yellow onion
• ½ cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 quart shrimp stock (may substitute with seafood stock)
• ¼ cup half-and-half
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped green onion
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
• 4 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning