It's hot...too hot to cook...or at least I have to keep it to a minimum. Southern California only really has a couple of rough seasons...and at least to me September is the worst. When it's hot like that big beautiful cold shrimp or prawns are a treat, and whether you make a Louie, a Mexican Cocktail, or just eat them straight it all starts the same with a good old fashioned shrimp boil.
I was grilling two kinds of shrimp in a parking lot where Jimmy Buffett was about to play. We had goofy hats, grass skirts, coconuts, squirt guns, and al the accouterments suitable for a tropical daydream. There were a ton of friends there. We laughed, danced, played, ate, did body shots, and had a blast in a parking lot before anything started. What made that parking lot so special?
We all decided to let go. It wasn't the food. It wasn't the goofy outfits. It wasn't the tequila...okay maybe the tequila helped. We were all there for a concert. We were all building up anticipation for an event, but in retrospect, the parking lot was my favorite part. I can think of ten moments that make me smile, laugh, or miss an old friend long before I think of any song that was played.
I've been reliving that day in my head a lot lately as I'm going to see Jimmy Buffet again in a few weeks. When I think about it I can't help but think about the good times we had in that parking lot. I can't help but imagine that parking lot empty, and think it such an unlikely place for a tropical party.
I guess what I'm driving at is how many parking lots are we missing because they just look like parking lots, or drab offices, or maybe even the DMV, rather than what they really are spots full of potential for friends to let go. Spots where you too can make a memory.
Prawns and shrimp what the heck is the difference. If I were a scientist, I would tell you that the prawn species has an extra set of claws, but I am no scientist. I am a food enthusiast, and to me they are 100% interchangeable. They eat exactly like one another. The only thing closer is green onions and scallions.
To prepare the prawns/shrimp start by making sure the shrimp are clean. I like to buy deveined shrimp, but you can do it yourself and save a buck or two. For me I only devein myself if the shrimp is of higher quality. Very large shrimp/prawns can hide a fair amount of dirt so get in there and scrub. Then get a large pot of water boiling.
A quick note on flavoring your boil: I really never do this without lemon and salt, but everything else depends on my mood. Now I know I just made a bunch of Patriots fans yell at the computer, but you don't have to use Old Bay every time. You can add Old Bay, thyme; garlic, onion, wine, beer or whatever else strikes your fancy. The choice is yours, and next time you can try a different way.
Put the shrimp/prawns in the boiling water. Wait until they are completely opaque. Remove them with a slotted spoon. Chill and serve with cocktail sauce, or in your favorite recipe. Oh and stop buying cocktail sauce, mix ketchup, prepared horseradish, and lemon and/or lime together and bam cocktail sauce. Now you have a simple appetizer or ingredient that will help you enjoy that parking lot or wherever you are.