SHRIMP COCKTAIL EXOTIQUE

Shrimp Cocktail Exotique image

Yield Serves 4

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 navel oranges
1 1/2 pounds medium shrimp (32 total), shelled and deveined
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon minced and mashed garlic
For sauce
1/2 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons ketchup
1 1/2 tablespoons Cognac
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon sugar
a pinch of cayenne
3 firm-ripe California avocados
6 canned hearts of palm, drained, rinsed, patted dry, and cut crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces

Steps:

Make shrimp
With a sharp knife cut a slice from top and bottom of each orange, exposing flesh, and arrange with a cut side down on a cutting board. Cutting from top to bottom, remove peel and pith. Working over a bowl, cut orange sections free from membranes, letting sections drop into bowl, and squeeze in excess juice from membranes.
Into a large saucepan of boiling salted water plunge shrimp and poach at a bare simmer just until firm, 1 to 2 minutes. Drain shrimp in a colander and transfer to a large bowl. While shrimp are still warm add oil, garlic, and 1 tablespoon juice from orange sections, stirring to coat shrimp. Let shrimp cool to room temperature.
Make sauce:
In a small bowl whisk together sauce ingredients until smooth. Sauce may be made 1 day ahead and chilled, covered.
Quarter avocados lengthwise, removing pit and peel, and cut into 1/2-inch dice. Transfer orange sections with a slotted spoon to shrimp mixture and add hearts of palm and avocado, folding ingredients together gently.
Divide salad among 4 plates, mounding it, and spoon sauce over salad.