Spiced Shrimp

Yield: 4 to 5 servings

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons pickling spice
• 2 tablespoons seasoned salt
• 1 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup vinegar
• 1 quart water
• 1 pound fresh or frozen shrimp (in shells)

Instructions

1. Add spices, salt and vinegar to water. Let boil for 10 minutes, then add shrimp (if using frozen shrimp, thaw before cooking). Boil 5 to 7 minutes or just until shrimp turn pink.
2. Remove from heat; let stand for 20 minutes, then drain. Cool, shell, de-vein and chill.
3. For a buffet, arrange on a platter of cracked ice or place around a bowl of cocktail sauce.
4. Serve as individual cocktails or use in preparation of other dishes.

Ntoes

Oriental Spiced Shrimp: For the spices above, substitute 6 peppercorns, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon celery seed, 2 teaspoons parsley flakes, 2 bay leaves, 1 teaspoon curry powder and 1 teaspoon oregano leaves.