Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp

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             FOOD FUNNY
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Thanks to Rosemary Zwick for this oldie goldie:

The old man placed an order for one hamburger, French fries and a drink.
He unwrapped the plain hamburger and carefully cut it in half, placing
one half in front of his wife. He then carefully counted out the French
fries, dividing them into two piles and neatly placed one pile in front
of his wife. He took a sip of the drink, his wife took a sip and then
set the cup down between them. As he began to eat his few bites of
hamburger, the people around them were looking over and whispering.

Obviously, they were thinking, "That poor old couple - all they can
afford is one meal for the two of them."

As the man began to eat his fries a young man came to the table and
politely offered to buy another meal for the old couple. The old man
said, they were just fine - they were used to sharing everything. People
closer to the table noticed the little old lady hadn't eaten a bite. She
sat there watching her husband eat and occasionally taking turns sipping the drink.

Again, the young man came over and begged them to let him buy another
meal for them. This time the old woman said "No, thank you, we are used
to sharing everything."

Finally, as the old man finished and was wiping his face neatly with the
napkin, the young man again came over to the little old lady who had yet
to eat a single bite of food and asked, "What is it you are waiting for?"

She answered, "The teeth."

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             TODAY'S RECIPE
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Salt and Pepper Shrimp is one of the items I frequently order in Chinese
restaurants, and this simplified version makes a wonderful finger food
for cocktail parties.

Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp

1 1/2 lbs (675 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tsp (10 ml) salt
2 tsp (10 ml) garlic powder
1 tsp (5 ml) freshly ground pepper
2 Tbs (30 ml) cornstarch (cornflour)
3 Tbs (45 ml) vegetable oil

Combine the shrimp, salt, garlic powder, and pepper in a bowl, tossing
to combine well. Marinate refrigerated for 1 to 2 hours. Toss with the
cornstarch. Heat the oil in a large skillet over high heat and fry the
shrimp in small batches until done, about 2 minutes per side. Drain on
paper towels and serve immediately.
Serves 6 to 8.
Received on Mon Jun 23 18:40:27 2008