CLASSIC SHRIMP COCKTAIL

Classic Shrimp Cocktail image

Provided by C P

Time 20m

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 1/2 lb wild shrimp gulf of mexico, 16-20 ct, or shrimp to you desire
2 stalk(s) celery including leaves, cut into thirds
1 1/2 oz mccormick® mixed pickling spice (i use 3/4 of container, no... shrimp won't taste 'pickley', i promise you!)
2 large bay leaves
2 tsp salt

Steps:

1. * Fill a large pot with 4 quarts water; celery, pickling spice bay leaf, and salt. Cover; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 5 minutes.
2. * Return to a boil and add shrimp. Cook, stirring occasionally, until bright pink and opaque, 2 to 2 1/2 minutes for medium shrimp, 3 minutes for large ones. When cooking shrimp, remember the letters "C"; stands for "Cooked" and "O"; stands for "Overcooked". When boiled or steamed, shrimp are cooked when they curl to form the letter C. Shrimp will be firm, turn pink, and slightly opaque when cooked properly. Shrimp are overcooked when they curl to form the letter O. Don't overcook shrimp. Shrimp will be rubbery, chewy, and eraser-like, they are overcooked.
3. * Drain shrimp in a colander, discarding the celery and spices.
4. Place ice over shrimp to quickly shock and stop cooking.
5. Shrimp Cocktail SuceIn a small bowl, combine all ingredients, mixing well. Chill until ready to serve. Ingredients: 12 oz. Heinz Chili sauce Prepared Horseradish, as desired, I add 7 heaping teaspoons Tabasco Sauce, as desired, I add 3 dashes 1 lemon, cut in half, using juice