SAUTEED SHRIMP WITH SHERRY, DIJON MUSTARD, AND TARRAGON

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SAUTEED SHRIMP WITH SHERRY, DIJON MUSTARD, AND TARRAGON

Ingredients

3 to 4 dozen medium-sized fresh shrimp, shelled and deveined
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
4 tablespoons mild-flavored oil, such as safflower or canola oil
2 medium shallots, minced
1 small bunch fresh tarragon, leaves minced
1/2 cup dry or medium-dry sherry
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 pound unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon minced fresh chives

Directions

Season the shrimp with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
Divide the oil between two large, heavy saute pans. Heat the pans over high heat until the oil flows freely in the pans and shimmers slightly. Divide the shrimp between the pans and saute, stirring frequently, until the shrimp turn uniformly pink and look plump and firm but still slightly translucent, 6 to 7 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer the shrimp to a warm plate, cover with aluminum foil, and set aside.
Divide the minced shallot between the 2 pans and add 1/2 tablespoon of the tarragon to each pan. Saute, stirring continuously, until the shallots begin to turn transparent and just slightly golden, 2 to 3 minutes. Divide the sherry between the pans and stir and scrape with a wooden spoon to deglaze the pan deposits; then, pour the contents of one pan into the other. Stir the cream into the sherry and simmer briskly, stirring frequently, until the sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. A small piece at a time, whisk in the butter. At the last minute, reduce the heat to very low and whisk in the mustard, taking care that the sauce doesn't boil, which would turn the mustard grainy. Adjust the seasonings to taste with a little more salt and pepper.
Arrange the shrimp on serving plates or on top of beds of cooked pasta or steamed rice. Spoon the sauce over and around the shrimp. Garnish with chives and serve immediately.

Serves 6 as an appetizer, 4 as a main course

Mexican Recipes

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