Gamberi nella Barca (Shrimp in a Boat)

Being home in my old room brings back many fond memories of holidays over the past 32 years.  Christmas is our favourite time of year, one of the few times each year that everyone in my immediate family comes together for a gigantic feast.  No one has ever missed a Christmas Eve and the following pictures will give you an idea of why we count the days down each year.  The countdown has started and my mother is just warming up for the big meal on Christmas Eve.  Tonight's menu was incredible.  We had shrimp in a boat, rack of lamb, oven roasted potato wedges, rapini with garlic and chillies and salad with an aged balsamic vinegar.

 

I think this shrimp appetizer is worth sharing because the filling can be made in advance and assembled right before serving.  During a busy holiday dinner party, this appetizer will keep your guests busy eating while you put the final touches on your dinner! 

Gamberi nella Barca  (Shrimp in a Boat)

Serves 8-10 people - one boat per person

1 pound shrimp (medium size shrimp)

2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 tsp hot sauce

2 cloves garlic minced

Salt and pepper

1 tbsp of Chardonnay

Freshly chopped parsley

Juice of 1/2 lemon and 1/2 a lime

Zest of 1/2 a lemon and 1/2 a lime

2 tbsp mayonnaise

8 Belgium Endive for the boats that hold the shrimp

Marinate shrimp for 1/2 hour in garlic, hot sauce, salt pepper, and olive oil. 

Heat pan on high and sauté shrimp for 1 minute per side and  add chardonnay to deglaze the pan.

Remove from stove when done. (About another minute)

Let Cool. 

Chop shrimp into 1/2 inch pieces and place into a bowl.

Add mayonnaise, parsley, lemon juice, lime juice all the zest and mix well. 

Taste to see if additional salt and pepper is needed.

If you are preparing this in advance put shrimp filling in the fridge until needed.

Pile high in the endive boats and serve to your guests when you are ready.

Buon Appetito!