Shrimp Appetizers - Coconut Shrimp with Basil Pineapple Salsa

Shrimp Appetizers are always the most popular party appetizers at any party, and this trendy version of coconut shrimp appetizers are guaranteed to be the hit at your next get together.

The combination coconut and pineapple give these Shrimp appetizers an island flavor, with the Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese adding a unique twist to create Shrimp Appetizers suitable for any occasion!

Shrimp appetizers recipe courtesy Tre Stella Melt Magazine.

Coconut Shrimp Appetizers with Basil Pineapple Salsa

Salsa
1 cup (250 mL) fresh or canned pineapple, finely diced
3 green onions, sliced
8 basil leaves, julienned
1 jalapeño pepper,seeded and finely chopped
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1 lime, juiced
salt and freshly ground black pepper

Shrimp
1 lb (454 g) medium raw shrimp, peeled,de-veined and dried well on paper towels
1/3 cup (80 mL) cornstarch
1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt
1/2 tsp (2 mL) cayenne pepper
3 egg whites
1 cup (250 mL) flaked unsweetened coconut
3/4 cup (175 mL) Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese, grated

In a medium bowl combine all salsa ingredients, stir, cover and refrigerate until ready to use. Best made a day ahead of serving to allow flavours to blend.

Preheat oven to 400F (200C).
In a medium shallow dish, combine cornstarch, salt and cayenne pepper; set aside.
In another medium shallow dish, combine coconut and grated Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese.
In a medium bowl add egg whites and beat with electric mixer until frothy; approximately 2 minutes.
Coat a large cookie sheet with non-stick cooking spray.
Working with one shrimp at a time: dredge in cornstarch mixture, dip in egg white, then in coconut/cheese mixture, pressing gently with fingers.
Place shrimp on prepared sheet.
Repeat with remaining shrimp.
Bake 20 minutes or until shrimp are done, turning after 10 minutes.
Remove from oven and serve with Basil Pineapple Salsa.
Makes approximately 24 medium shrimp

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Halloween Appetizers - Spicy Shrimp Appetizers

If you think Halloween treats are just sugary-sweet candy for kids, then read on for some fun but sophisticated adult Halloween appetizers for your 'big kid' Halloween parties.

Halloween parties are fun for young and old alike, but with adult parties, your Halloween appetizers selections can make-or-break the party. Our spicy shrimp appetizer is designed to appeal to all age groups. This selection from our tortilla wrap recipes is a sure winner. Baby shrimp are rolled up in tortillas with shrimp cocktail and cream cheese and sliced into bite-sized rounds for the easiest finger appetizers.

Spicy Shrimp Appetizer

Makes 24 rounds
Ingredients
1 cup (250 mL) fresh or frozen cooked baby salad shrimp
1 orange (optional)
1/2 (8 oz) (250-g) block cream cheese, at room temperature
2 tbsp (30 mL) seafood cocktail sauce, preferably spicy
1 green onion, thinly sliced
4 small flour tortillas

1) If using frozen shrimp, place in a sieve and rinse under cold running water until ice crystals melt. Then drain well and pat dry. Finely grate 2 tsp (10 mL) peel from orange. Place cream cheese in a medium-size bowl. Stir until smooth, then stir in orange peel, cocktail sauce and onion.
2) Lay tortillas on counter. Evenly spread each with cheese mixture right to edge. Arrange shrimp along bottom of each tortilla. Roll tightly into logs. Wrap each log in plastic and refrigerate at least 1 hour or overnight. Just before serving, slice into thick rounds and arrange on a large platter. Top with fresh basil leaves, if you wish.

Recipe Courtesy Chatelaine Magazine

For more great shrimp appetizer recipes visit http://www.appetizersunlimited.com/
For more great recipes, Chef's tips and tools visit http://www.amateur-chef.net/

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