Shrimp with Jalapeno Cheese

Yield: 16 to 18 appetizer servings

Ingredients

• 2 pounds unpeeled large fresh shrimp
• 6 cups water
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 pickled jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 teaspoons cilantro, freshly chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 18 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

1. Peel shrimp, leaving tail and first joint of shell intact; cut a deep slit down the length of the outside curve of each shrimp, and devein.
2. Bring water to a boil; add shrimp, and cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until shrimp turn pink.
3. Drain well; rinse with cold water; chill.
4. Combine cream cheese and remaining ingredients; beat well.
5. Fill a decorating bag fitted with metal tip No. 21 with cream cheese mixture. Pipe filling lengthwise into the slits in the shrimp.