Shrimp in Oil and Lemon

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            FOOD FUNNY
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Thanks to frequent contributor A. J. Allred for this bit of culinary
and sartorial insight:

"It is, of course, entirely possible to cook without using wine. It
is also possible to wear suits and dresses made out of gunny sacks,
but who wants to?"

- Morrison Wood (1949) "With a Jug of Wine"

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            TODAY'S RECIPE
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Whenever I am lacking inspiration in the selection of a theme for our
week of recipes, I look to a hand-written sign I put above my computer.
It looks something like this:

When in doubt, do Italian.

Or Italian.
Or Chinese.
Or French.
Or...

This time I settled on Italian, so here is the lineup for "Italian
Again?" week:

Monday's Starter
Shrimp in Oil and Lemon (Gamberetti all'Olio e Limone)

Tuesday's Soup or Salad
Italian Bean Soup (Zuppa di Cannellini)

Wednesday's Side Dish
Fennel with Butter and Cheese (Finocchio al Burro e Formaggio)

Thursday's Entree
Beef Patties with Tomatoes and Mozzarella (Polpette alla Pizzaiola)

Friday's Dessert
Almond Praline (Croccante)

Use the smallest fresh shrimp you can find for this recipe, and serve
it with lightly toasted slices of crusty bread.

Shrimp in Oil and Lemon (Gamberetti all'Olio e Limone)

1 rib celery, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
2 Tbs (30 ml) red wine vinegar
1 - 1 1/2 lbs (450-675 g) small shrimp in their shells
1/2 cup (125 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup (60 ml) lemon juice
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Place the celery, carrot, and vinegar in a pot with 2 or 3 quarts (2-3
L) of salted water and bring to a boil over high heat. Add the shrimp
and cook for 2 to 3 minutes after the water has returned to the boil.
Drain, peel, and devein (if necessary) and place in a mixing bowl.
Add the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper while the shrimp are
still warm, toss to combine and allow to sit at room temperature for 1
to 1 1/2 hours before serving. You may make this ahead and
refrigerate it, but allow it to come to room temperature before
serving. Serves 4 to 6.
Received on Mon Jan 17 02:32:42 2005