Shrimp and Mirliton Casserole

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups chopped yellow onions
• 5 pounds (about 8) medium mirlitons (chayotes)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 cup minced garlic
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 pounds medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3/4 pound freshly grated American cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 tablespoons Emeril's Bayou Blast (Essence), recipe follows
• 1/2 cup finely chopped green onions
• 1 teaspoon Emeril's Kick It Up! Red Pepper Sauce, or other hot sauce
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell peppers
• 1 large jalapeno, seeded and minced (about 1/4 cup)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon dried fine bread crumbs