Prawn Cocktail

Prawn cocktail is an eternal favourite.  A retro classic and easy to prepare. Since the 1970’s this dinner party treat has adorned many a menu. The prawn cocktail that was 1^st served way back in the 1970’s was not exactly a Michelin starred dish, and indeed is usually frowned upon by most upper class restaurants. My oldest memories of this dish were almost microscopic prawns sloppy leuttice and a sloppy mix of tomato ketchup and mayonnaise! Although a lot of the ingredients from the base of the dish are still served in my prawn cocktail. I hope that I have raised both the standard, the look and the taste of this yummy dish.

Prawn Cocktail on Baby Gem

Prawn cocktail I have to say is a favourite of mine. With a very quick preparation time and an indulgent taste  rates well on my all time list, however I have changed the presentation of prawn cocktail from being served in the dish to a hors d’œuvre. This tasty appetiser that can be served buffet style or to share is still quick and easy to prepare but will make people fall in love with the delicious prawn cocktail all over again.

Prawn cocktail served with white wine

To the basic recipe I add avocado, kiwi fruit the best tomatoes you can get. Double cream to lighten up the sauce and add another dimension to the cocktail thensome chilli powder and paprika spice for heat and smokiness these all come together. These are then served on a baby gem lettuce leaf to the delight of your guests. 

The below recipe will give you 15 or so bite sized nibbles or a nice starter for 2

What you need 

2 baby gem lettuce

80ml double cream

2-3tbs Heinz tomato ketchup

4-5tbs Good quality mayonnaise

Black pepper

Lemon wedges

Paprika

Chilli powder

15 medium sized prawns (shelled and peeled)

1 avocado

1 kiwi fruit

2 large ripe tomatoes

 Enjoy !

1)      whisk double cream to a light peak

2)      remove the skin from tomato and de-seed

3)      chop the kiwi, avocado,  and tomato to small squares

4)      mix the tomato ketchup and mayonnaise

5)      fold in the cream with the mayo and tomato mix

6)      season with a little chilli powder and some black pepper add a squeeze of lemon as well to taste

7)      fold in the chopped kiwi, avocado,  and tomato

8)      Place a generous spoonful on each lettuce leaf. At this point you can top each leaf with a prawn or serve on a plate with the prawns in the centre as I have done in the pictures

eating, Food, Good Food Review, prawn cocktail, prawns, Recipe, tomatoes