PICKLED AND SPICED SHRIMP APPETIZER

INGREDIENTS

Ingredients for Pickling Preparation

4 celery ribs, cut 3/4 of an inch in length
2 bay leaves
4 whole peppercorns
2 tsp salt
2 lbs frozen shrimp in shell, unthawed (16 to 20 per lb size)

Pickling Ingredients

2 onions, peeled and thinly sliced
16 to 20 bay leaves
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 tbsp cider vinegar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp dry mustard
2 tsp super fine sugar
Juice of one lemon
1/4 cup pickling spice

DIRECTIONS

1. In a heavy pot with a lid, combine the celery, bay leaves,
peppercorns and salt. Add 2 cups water.

2. Bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer 5 minutes.
Add the shrimp; re-cover pot and bring back to a boil.
Lower heat and simmer 3 minutes or until pink.

3. Remove from heat and uncover. Let shrimp cool in the stock.

4. When cool enough to handle, peel shrimp, returning to the stock
until ready to pickle.

PICKLING INSTRUCTIONS

5. In a large bowl, place a layer of boiled shrimp. On top place 4 bay leaves and one fourth of the onion slices. Continue doing this, layer upon layer until all shrimp are used.

6. Mix remaining ingredients and pour over the shrimp.

7. Cover bowl and set aside, stirring occasionally.

8. After 12 hours, taste shrimp and adjust seasoning.
If too tart add more sugar.

9. Serve arranged on a serving platter or bowl.

Yield: 8 Servings