Shrimp and Lobster Sandwiches

Created “by accident” (along the lines of necessity that yielded the Caesar Salad’s birth in 1924) – this was also a “happy accident”.

Years ago before a party I was faced with a plethora of bar mixes, a ton of shrimp, and a block of cheese – all looking for fresh interpretation. This soon became a much requested favorite and found its way into several church cookbooks that are now long lost in attics (to imagine the kindest of fates).

Bringing the flavor of a spicy Bloody Mary to a blend of seafood and cheeses this makes an excellent hard dip or an elegant sandwich spread that is always better on Day Two. It is easy to adjust the spices to taste – and don’t skimp on the Parm if the consistency is too loose.

(If making the traditional tea sandwich cut – the cook gets the crusts!)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup each Cooked Shrimp and Lobster
• 8 oz. Cream Cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 bunch chopped Scallions
• 1 clove garlic
• 1/4 cup Bloody Mary Mix (a hot – spicy – or Creole version always a plus here)
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• Hot sauce or Horseradish, or Old Bay Seasoning (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sandwich bread (thinly sliced)
• Lemon wedges (garnish)
• Fresh herbs (garnish)

Method

• Soften cream cheese and combine with Parmesan, garlic. Bloody Mary mix, hot sauce, ketchup and salt and pepper.
• Stir well with a hard wooden spoon
• Tear shrimp and lobster into small pieces, pressing out all extra water onto a towel.
• Fold-in cooked shrimp, lobster, and scallions
• Wrap in plastic tightly and store overnight
• Spread on sandwich bread of choice – remove crusts – and garnish with lemons wedges and fresh herbs.

OR

• Roll into a ball and cover with crushed smoked almonds – and serve with crackers (and a knife).

OR

• Spread into fresh savory crepes (perhaps with some sautéed mushrooms) – and warm in the oven to finish.

“You’ll learn more from your accidents than anything that you could ever learn at school.“

 
–  Billy Joel

Musician and poet

“You’re Only Human” – Second Wind – 1985

(Courtesy: inspriringquotes.us – March 17, 2022)