Shrimp ‘Cocktail Re-Visited’ Holiday Appetizer

This recipe yields 4-6 appetizer sized portions.

Approximate Prep Time: 30-45 minutes

 

Ingredients:

  • 10 thawed peeled and deveined 16/20 count shrimp
  • 2 quarts chicken stock
  • 2 lemons
  • 6 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 tbsp Old Bay seasoning
  • 8 oz block softened cream cheese
  • 8 oz goat cheese
  • 1 tbsp fresh chopped chives
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 4 oz prepared fig ham (about 1/2 of 1 small glass jar)
  • 1/2 cup Marsala wine or Pinot Noir
  • Cold pressed extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper
  • Extra lemons, chives, crushed pistachios, balsamic glaze and peppadew peppers for decoration

 

Preparation:

  1. Bring the stock, lemons, fresh thyme, and Old Bay seasoning to a low boil.
  2. Add shrimp and cook until shrimp is cooked through and firm (approximately 2-3 minutes).
  3. Remove shrimp from the stock and blanch in ice water, remove from the ice water and set aside on a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
  4. Cream together the goat cheese, softened cream cheese, and chives, season to taste and set aside.
  5. In a small saucepan, add the wine, fig jam, and dried cranberries. Cook over medium heat until mixture is reduced by a 1/3 and or thickened about 10 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and let cool. (This step can be done a day prior to serving).

 

To Serve:

  1. Find a large decorative cutting board or platter.
  2. Smear the softened cheese mixture in a uniform layer across the platter or board.
  3. Add the cooked shrimp and top each shrimp with the cranberry mixture.
  4. Drizzle everything with extra virgin olive oil and a nice twist of cracked black pepper.
  5. Add more fresh lemon slices, fresh chopped chives, chopped pistachios, and peppadew peppers for decoration.