Here is a dish that George Washington could have enjoyed on his birthday! A melange of finely diced vegetables (fennel, tomatoes, onions, garlic, celery, and bell pepper), herbs, and spices (thyme, oregano, bay leaf, saffron, cayenne and salt) are sautéed until tender in a little  oil. A cup of white wine is added and cooked down until the pan is almost dry. A couple of tablespoons of Pernod are then flamed off.  Then add 3-4 tablespoons of heavy cream plus enough clam juice to equal one cup and bring to a simmer. Add shrimp and cook until just pink. Serve over rice. Garnish with fennel fronds.

Happy birthday, George!

Shrimp in a Pernod cream sauce