Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Pearls, Shrimp, Mushrooms & Capers

Here's another tray I listed in my Etsy Shop the other day. Sorry the pearls aren't included in the sale; I thought they looked nice against the shiny black surface of the vine covered tray. These trays or dishes have so many uses, soap, spoon rest, tea lights or jewelry organizers to name a few.

We purchased shrimp with the heads on from a local fisherman one day. From now on I'll stick with purchasing them without the heads. They tasted the same, but I was a bit squeamish about the removal process.

I tried to tell myself I was brave like Julia of Hen House Pottery about preparing my own food and I didn't even have to dispose of the live creature. It wasn't difficult, a little twist and they were removed.

Anyway the mushrooms and capers are delicious sauteed with the butterflied shrimp.

Be sure and drain the capers before adding them to the mixture towards the end. If you haven't had capers before, give them a try. These capers are pickled. They add a little twang to the dish. I also sauteed the mushrooms beforehand.

A little garlic and some spices tossed in and you have a wonderful dish. For a peak into the past, check out this vibrantly decorated ceramic tray at the End of History blog. I'm working on some new forms this week, more about those later. Thanks for reading and for all  your comments.
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11 comments:

  1. Arkansas Patti2/21/12, 8:40 AM

    Someday I will try capers. The only time I was exposed, I meticilously picked them out of the dish to the amusement of my date.

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  2. Anonymous2/21/12, 8:51 AM

    you give me so many ideas for seafood. I'll definitely try this recipe...

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  3. turquoisemoon2/21/12, 9:17 AM

    I think I love anything with capers in it. I love salmon with a caper sauce, mmmmmm... This recipe is a must try...

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  4. Barbara Rogers2/21/12, 9:23 AM

    Hi and thanks for giving good food inspiration this early in the morning (for me at least). Salmon and capers are a rare treat. But I also love shrimp, and I get some that is headless but still have to shell and take off legs. The question is usually, do I cook it first or after cleaning?

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  5. Michèle Hastings2/21/12, 9:55 AM

    capers make everything special!
    i have bought Maine shrimp with heads on them many times in the past... back in the 80's if we bought in bulk we could get them for as low as 65 cents a pound! we would go in with others and purchase 100lbs. I don't every want to de-head and shell 25-30 lbs of shrimp again! my cat used to go CRAZY when we did it.

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  6. Denise Mulligan2/21/12, 10:39 AM

    Oooh I love capers, taste like miniature olives. I love your pendants and trays from the previous post too.

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  7. Denise Mulligan2/21/12, 10:39 AM

    Oooh I love capers, taste like miniature olives. I love your pendants and trays from the previous post too.

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  8. Elaine2/21/12, 10:45 AM

    I really like that little tray - and it works so well with the pearls! I admit I'm a wimp, shrimp without heads are a must for me.

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  9. Barbara2/21/12, 11:13 AM

    You cook up so many yummy things! I have only torn the heads off shrimp one time in my life...many years ago on a trip to Biloxi. I prefer mine to arrive headless now. The trays are so nice. Yes, good for storing and displaying many things.

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  10. cindy shake2/21/12, 1:18 PM

    ooo I forget about Capers! I love them -also love your TRAY!!

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  11. Linda Starr2/22/12, 12:48 PM

    Hi Patti, thanks, they taste like tiny pickles really, I love them and Gary is always saying, hey are you going to put those little things in there they are really good. Ha.

    Hi Gigi, thanks, there are so many good things to try with cooking to make them palatable and unique.

    Hi Turquoisemoon, thanks, oh yes a caper sauce. I'll have to look that one up sounds delicious, might be something I'll make this week.

    Hi Barbara, thanks, I have heard the shell is supposed to give more flavor, but I don't like eating them with the shell on after cooking. there is a tiki bar near us that cooks them that way and they are delicious.

    Hi Michele, thanks, yes it is a bit disconcerting twisting those heads off. Man what a good price, but cleaning that many ugh. I tried it once and that was enough but I guess if I get any poorer I'll buy them that way.

    Hi Dennis, thanks so much about the pendants and trays, and you think the capers taste like olives, I can't quite put my finger on the flavor but they are good.

    Hi Elaine, thanks, I am so glad these little trays turned out so well I can't wait to make more. Yeah they were kind of slimey to clean. Ugh.

    Hi Barbara, thanks, yeah once was enough for the shrimp. So glad you like the trays.

    Hi Cindy, thanks, yeah sometimes it's easy to forget an unusual ingredient which can make all the difference in the world. I guess these trays are all the rage. I may have to make a luncheon and dinner set of larger ones. I better get busy. Ha.

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I love suggestions, questions, critiques, thanks for your comment

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