I mentioned a while ago that I had never forgotten a shrimp parfait that I had in Falmouth Foreside, Maine. I don't, however, remember the name of the restaurant, which is now doubtless Mexican or Thai or upscale Downeast anyway. The only other thing I remember about the place was that it served haddock ten or twelve ways. Rather daunting, that.
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What I needed was a way to stretch the shrimp, a rich, intense way that didn't involve my having to put my coat back on and walk to the corner. Could I replicate the shrimp parfait? Hell, yes. Are you going to know the difference?
The FF shrimp parfait was lovely, layered, creamy pink, and, yes, rich. I decided against layering, because we don't have parfait glasses, and I don't like to fidget about with food that way anyhow. It was a pretty thing, nonetheless, and if it wasn't exactly right, it was close enough to bring back memories of a lovely evening in Maine. That's quite good enough for me.
Bring a largish pot of water to a boil, salt, squeeze in a lemon wedge, then add the wedge to the water. Add a pound of Maine shrimp. Count slowly to fifteen, and give them a gentle stir. Count to fifteen again, and pour them into a colander. Run cold water over the shrimp to stop them from cooking to mush.Let cool for a couple of minutes.
Peel, by first pulling off the heads, then removing the rather pliable shell. When they are all peeled, give them a rinse to get rid of the remaining eggs, which are not all that appealing. Chill for a while. (The shrimp, not you. You've got more work to do.)
Whip half of a half pint of heavy cream until pretty stiff but not hard. Gently fold in a couple of tablespoons of ketchup, some horseradish, a dash of hot sauce, salt and pepper. The cream will deflate a bit. Fold in the shrimp and spoon into glasses or pudding dishes or whatever tickles your fancy. Top with a bit of lemon zest.
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