STUFFED JUMBO SHRIMP

Steps:

• Butterfly shrimp by cutting down through the back most of the way through the shrimp.
• Devein and press to flatten, cut side up, on a cookie sheet or large shallow baking pan.
• Press with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
• Combine muffin crumbs, nuts, and crabmeat in a medium bowl, and set aside.
• Saute onions and garlic in olive oil over medium heat until softened.
• Add parsley, jalapeno peppers, capers, and Worcestershire sauce.
• Reduce heat; add lemon juice, cream cheese, and feta cheese.
• Mix thoroughly, allowing to heat just until cheese is smooth and mixed with vegetables.
• Remove from heat, and add to crumb mixture.
• Toss together gently until thoroughly combined.
• Season to taste with salt and freshly ground pepper.
• Place 2-3 Tbsp of cheese mixture on top of each shrimp, molding and smoothing to cover.
• Place in freezer for about 30 minutes to firm.
• If deep frying battered shrimp, preheat oven to 250 degrees F.
• Make batter by beating together egg and beer, wine, or water; if using beer, beat a little extra to reduce foam.
• Add all remaining ingredients, and mix just until dry ingredients are combined with the liquid.
• Let batter rest about 5-10 minutes.
• Heat about 2" of oil to 375 degrees F in a large saucepan or deep fryer.
• Dip prepared shrimp in batter one at a time, holding by tail, allowing excess batter to drain from shrimp before placing in hot oil.
• Cook 4-6 at a time until browned, turning once.
• Remove to a pan lined with paper towels and keep warm in the oven while cooking remaining shrimp.
• Allow oil to return to 375 degrees F before cooking each batch.
• Serve immediately with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, and/or cocktail sauce if desired.
• If baking breaded shrimp, preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• Lightly oil baking sheet and sprinkle lightly with breadcrumbs.
• If breading, brush tops of prepared shrimp lightly with egg-wash.
• Press breadcrumbs onto surface until they adhere, and place on baking sheet.
• After all shrimp are coated, sprinkle with paprika and drizzle with melted butter.
• Bake for about 25 minutes or until lightly browned.
• Drizzle with fresh lemon juice, if desired.
• If serving naked, sprinkle prepared shrimp lightly with paprika, and bake as above, until lightly browned and bubbly.
• Naked shrimp can also be cooked on the barbecue, over low to medium coals.
• Place on oiled grate, cheese side up.
• Do not turn unless you love the taste and smell of burning cheese.
• Cook, covered for about 10 minutes.
• Drizzle with fresh lemon juice if desired.