CACTUS SHRIMP WITH CACTUS-LIME-BUTTER SAUCE

Steps:

• Pulse tunas (cactus fruit) briefly in a food processor or blender; strain.
• Set aside 1 cup puréed tunas, and reserve remaining 1/4 cup for Cactus-Lime-Butter Sauce.
• Combine 1 cup tempura mix and the achiote paste in a blender or food processor, and pulse until smooth.
• Place mixture in a medium-size bowl, add 1 cup puréed tunas, and mix well.
• Chill.
• Dust shrimp with cornstarch.
• Dip each shrimp individually into tempura-tuna batter, and fry in hot oil (375°) until golden brown, frying only 3-4 at a time.
• Drain well.
• For the Cactus-Lime-Butter Sauce: Combine wine, cilantro, and shallot in a heavy 2 quart saucepan.
• Cook over medium heat until wine is almost gone.
• While the wine is reducing, zest the lime; set zest aside.
• Juice the lime; set juice aside.
• When the wine has reduced to almost nothing, add lime zest, lime juice, and heavy cream, stirring constantly with a whisk.
• Lower heat, and simmer for 3-5 minutes.
• Remove from heat for about 5 minutes.
• While the pot is still hot, slowly begin whisking in the butter, a tablespoon at a time, until smooth.
• Strain through a fine sieve.
• Keep sauce warm-if it becomes too cold or too hot, the sauce will separate, and you'll have to begin the process again.
• Fold in the remaining 1/4 cup cactus fruit purée.
• Yield: Enough sauce for Cactus Shrimp.