Shrimp and Fresh Tomato Tequila Cocktail
Jalapenos are the most popular chile peppers in the US. This is probably due to the availability and versatility of the chile. Jalapenos have a balanced combination of flavor and heat.
The demand for these have caused breeders to develop a broad range of varieties. You can now get jalapenos with various heat level and sizes. These can be used in salsas, stuffed, or eaten straight with cheeseburgers (my personal favorite).
Ingredients:
2 pounds fully ripened fresh Florida tomatoes (about 4 large)
1 jalapeno chile, stemmed, seeded and finely chopped (about 1 Tbsp.)
1 Tbsp. grated lime zest
3/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
2 Tbsp. tequila
2 Tbsp. lime juice
1 Tbsp. Cointreau or other orange flavored liqueur
1-1/2 pounds cooked large or jumbo shrimp, cleaned
Instructions:
Remove the stem ends from the tomatoes and finely chop. In a small bowl, combine the tomatoes, jalapeno, lime zest, salt, pepper, tequila, lime juice and liqueur (if using) until blended. Chill the mixture for a couple of hours, then spoon equal amounts of the tomato salsa into 6 margarita or wine glasses. Surround the glasses with chilled shrimp, dividing evenly.
Yields 6 servings.
Recipe from the Florida Fresh Tomato Committee.