Shrimp Cocktail - Boiled Shrimp and Homemade Cocktail Sauce

Home Made Shrimp Boil

Fill large pot with 6 quarts water.

Add:  1 onion, quartered

2 stalks celery

2 cloves garlic

2 large bay leaves

1/4 cup salt

1 lemon, quartered

Cheesecloth packet containing:

1 teaspoon mustard seed

1/2 teaspoon coriander seed

1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Cover pot and boil for 15 minutes to flavor the water.

Add up to 4 lb fresh or thawed frozen shrimp.  Stir to expose shrimp evenly to the hot water.

Leave shrimp in the water for 3 minutes or until all are pink.  Taste for doneness (do not overcook, a common mistake).  You want the shrimp to be firm.

Drain immediately and either serve hot or chill several hours.

Serve with cocktail sauce.

Cocktail Sauce from Scratch

3/4 cup tomato ketchup

juice of 1/2 lemon

1 tablespoon finely grated fresh horseradish root

1 tablespoon agave nectar

1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce (or to taste)

salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients and chill several hours.  Adjust seasonings to taste.  Serve with boiled shrimp.