Shrimp Tree

Photo: flickr user mauroguanandi

Ingredients

1 styrofoam cone (18, 20, 22 or 24 inches high)

Toothpicks

Curly lettuce, mustard greens, or Cooked large shrimp tails on

Combination of cherry tomatoes, black

olives,

green olives, pineap

mushrooms, or baby corn - (select 2)

Cocktail sauce for shrimp

Lemon wedges for garnish

Preparation

Cut the center out of lettuce leaves and make long strips of the leaves, about 4 inches wide and as long as possible. Start pinning leaves to the cone with toothpicks until completely covered with green, leaving ruffled edges to stick out between shrimp and other items.

Makes rows of shrimp, tomatoes, pineapple or whatever you choose on the cone securing them with toothpicks. You can leave toothpick handles or push them into the cone so the shrimp, olive or tomato can be picked from the tree with the fingers.

Garnish with lemon wedges. Serve cocktail sauce in a separate bowl.

This recipe yields 4 to 6 servings.

NOTES : Create a festive centerpiece with this Shrimp Appetizer Tree. You can fill it with a variety of savory bites to be enjoyed by your guests.