Prawn cocktail was around in the 60's when it was very popular as a starter.
Old fashioned it may be, but I love prawn cocktail, then again, is there much I don't like in the way of food?......Probably not!
Saying that, it is still around now on menus, it's just a bit more fancy that it used to be.
Simple to make, just shred a few lettuce leaves, I use iceberg lettuce for it's crispness. Put some prawns on top. I have never measured the amounts I used to make the dressing - just taste as you go and add a bit more of whatever you feel it needs. Therefore, please note that the amounts in the following are a rough guide.
To make the dressing:
4 tablespoons of Hellmann's mayonnaise
2 tablespoons of Heinz tomato ketchup
1 or 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon of paprika
3 or 4 small gherkins - finely chopped
10 capers - rinsed well and finely chopped
A squirt of fresh lemon juice - to taste
Freshly ground black pepper
Now, just mix the lot together and taste it. It should be a lovely orange colour and taste nice and tangy. Season with some freshly ground black pepper. You may want to add a little more Worcestershire sauce or ketchup.
Serve the sauce on top of the prawns, a little more black pepper and a wedge of lemon.
Great looking prawn cocktail Jan. I can't eat prawns unfortunately. When I first started working as a chef years and years ago,it was as the pastry Chef in the Old Orchard In in Nova Scotia. I was responsible for all the appetizers and desserts. Prawn Cocktail was one of the things I had to make. The Prawns came brined in these huge jars. I used to make the coctail sauce out of ketchup, horseradish and mayo. Not much has changed! I love your addition of chopped gerkins!
ReplyDeleteThe ultimate comfort food - wouldn't be the Christmas season without it! Crispy french bread a neccessity.....
ReplyDeleteOH, did prawn cocktail go out of style? lol
ReplyDeleteI've been eating this starter since you were in the Benny Hill show! ;)
Looks good to me!co
ReplyDeleteThat looks really tasty!
ReplyDeleteLooks wonderful! A great way to start any meal!
ReplyDeleteHi Jan ... I'm getting caught up on all my favorite blogs! I love prawn cocktail, and could eat it on a regular basis! I really like your cocktail sauce ... especially the capers! YUM! Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteA tasty way to enjoy shrimp!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
I love prawn cocktail, and your sauce sounds super.
ReplyDeleteHave a very Happy New Year.
It has been a pleasure to get to know you over the past year Jan. I can't wait for 2009 and all that it will bring..with tasty dishes like this prawn cocktail as well. Have a safe and happy New Year!!
ReplyDeletewould love to have some! :o) HAPPY NEW YEAR and here's to more lovely creations in 2009!
ReplyDeleteHNY Jan. Can't go wrong with shrimp cocktail!
ReplyDeleteLoving the prawn cocktail Jan. It's still a hit with me.
ReplyDeleteLooks and sounds delicious.