« Pacific Northwest: Taste

Camarones Rellenos Envueltos con Tocino

(Cheese-Stuffed Shrimp Wrapped in Bacon) Serves 6 to 8

1 1/2 cups mayonnaise 3 chilies chipotles en adobo, finely chopped 1 teaspoon of the adobo sauce from the chilies 1 clove garlic, minced 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice 1 tablespoon minced lime zest 12 medium-thick slices lean bacon, cut in half crosswise 24 large shrimp, peeled, deveined and butterflied with tails attached Freshly ground black pepper, to taste 1 1/2 cups shredded Manchego, Monterey jack or other good melting cheese About 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided 1. In a bowl or food processor, combine the mayonnaise, chilies and adobo sauce, garlic, lime juice and lime zest and stir or process to mix well. 2. Lay as many bacon slices as will fit in a single layer in a large, heavy frying pan and cook over medium-low heat until opaque but still soft, about 5 minutes. Press down with a spatula to keep the bacon flat. Transfer to absorbent paper to drain. Wipe out the pan and cook the remaining bacon in the same way. 3. Dry the shrimp with paper towels. Sprinkle with pepper and stuff with cheese. Push the sides together and wrap with cooked bacon slice, covering all the cheese so it wonąt melt out. If necessary, secure with a toothpick. In the same frying pan over medium heat, warm 2 tablespoons of the oil. Add a few of the bacon-wrapped shrimp and fry, turning frequently and adding more oil as needed to prevent sticking, until the bacon is browned and the shrimp are pink, about 10 minutes. Transfer to absorbent paper. Repeat until all shrimp are fried. 4. Serve the shrimp on plates and accompany with the chipotle mayonnaise.