Shrimp Wrapped In peapods

This recipe is from a friend and the first time I had these I couldn't stop eating them and knew they were always going to be a big hit.  If you are heading to a get together and want to bring a hostess gift, pick up two martini glasses and fill them with the Shrimp and Pea Pods; the guests enjoy a yummy appetizer and the hostess has two more gorgeous martini glasses to add to their collection, not to mention the presentation is a WOW!

Shrimp Wrapped in Pea Pods

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds raw shrimp (medium/large - you want them to be bite size)

• 1 Tsp Salt

• 1 Tbsp Peppercorns

• 40 pea pods, ends trimmed

Marinade Ingredients

• 1 bay leaf

• ½ cup olive oil

• 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar

• 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon chopped shallot

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger chopped

• 1 clove garlic minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh dill chopped

• 1 pinch of sugar

• salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Fill a large pot with water, 1 tsp salt and 1 tbsp peppercorns and the shrimp.  Turn the heat on high and cook until the shrimp is opaque/pink in color (the shrimp will be done before the pot starts to boil). Add the cooked shrimp to a bowl filled with cold water and several ice cubes.  This will cool the shrimp down and stop them from continuing to cook. Once cool, remove shells and pat dry with paper towels, set aside.

2. Add the marinade ingredients to a medium size container and mix well. Add the cooked shrimp and stir until all the shrimp is coated well. Cover and leave in the refrigerator overnight. 

3. The morning of, blanch pea pods by bringing a medium size pot of water to a boil. Then add the pea pods for 30 seconds and remove immediately to an ice water bath (same process as the shrimp).  Once cool, dry the pea pods with paper towels. 

4. Wrap pea pods around shrimp and secure with a toothpick.