Mardi Gras Appetizer Recipes - Spicy Cajun Shrimp

Although the origins of Mardi Gras can be traced back to Medieval Europe, the lively and colorful Mardi Gras Carnival that we celebrate today is synonymous with New Orleans and the rich history, vibrant music, food and culture of the Creole people of Louisana.

New Orleans is famous for it's Cajun and Creole food and once you try a few of our Mardi Gras appetzer recipes, you will understand why. Although Cajun and Creole are often interchanged to describe the food of the region, Cajun has actually been described as country cooking whereas Creole is the more refined 'city cooking'.

So without further ado, we bring one of our all time favorite Mardi Gras Appetizer recipes to you courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens, a quick easy appetizer to make for your own Mardi Gras themed party:

Spicy Cajun Shrimp Mardi Gras Appetizers

Ingredients:
1 lb fresh or frozen large shrimp in shells
1/2 cup (250 ml) mayonniase or salad dressing
2 tblsp tomato paste
1 tblsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp bottled minced garlic (1 clove)
1/2 tblsp butter or margarine, melted
4 tsp Cajun seasoning (found in most grocery or speciality stores)

Directions:
1. Thaw shrimp, if frozen. Peel and devein shrimp, leaving tails intact. Rinse shrimp; pat dry with paper towels. In a small bowl stir together mayonnaise, tomato paste, lemon juice, and garlic. Cover and chill until ready to serve.
2. Brush both sides of each shrimp with melted butter. Sprinkle both sides of each shrimp with Cajun seasoning. Place on the unheated rack of a broiler pan.
3. Broil 4 to 5 inches from the heat for 2 minutes. Turn shrimp; broil for 1 to 2 minutes more or until shrimp are opaque. Serve shrimp with mayonnaise mixture.

Makes 8 appetizer servings.

Enjoy!

For more great appetizer ideas, visiit www.appetizersunlimited.com