SALT & PEPPER SHRIMP

1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. black pepper
2 tsp. Szechuan peppercorns (cracked)
1 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. pink peppercorns (cracked)
1⁄4 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 lb. peeled raw jumbo shrimp
2 Tbsp. peanut oil
1 red chili, seeded and finely chopped
1 Tbsp. freshly grated ginger
3 cloves garlic, minced
Scallions, sliced, to garnish

Grind the salt, black pepper, pink and Szechuan peppercorn in coffee grinder. Mix the salt and pepper mixture with the sugar and set aside until required.

Rinse the shrimp under cold running water and pat dry with absorbent paper towels.

Heat the oil in a preheated pan or wok. Add the shrimp, chili, ginger, and garlic and stir-fry for 2 minutes, or until the shrimp is cooked through.

Add the salt and pepper mixture to the wok or pan and stir-fry for 1 minute.

Transfer to warm serving bowls and garnish with the scallions. Serve hot with shrimp crackers.

MACARONI & SHRIMP BAKE

3 cups dried short-cut macaroni
1 Tbsp. olive oil, divided
1 Tsp. salt
6 Tbsp. butter, plus extra for greasing
1 cup chopped fennel
1 cup sliced mushrooms
6 oz. peeled, cooked shrimp
Pinch of cayenne pepper
11⁄4 cups Béchamel Sauce
2⁄3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 large tomato, sliced thin
1 Tbsp. fresh basil
salt and pepper

Add salt to a saucepan of water and bring to a boil. Add the pasta and 1 tablespoon olive oil and cook until tender, but still firm to the bite. Drain and return to the pan. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the pasta. Cover and shake the pan, keep warm.

Melt the remaining butter in a saucepan. Fry the fennel for 3-4 minutes. Stir in the mushrooms and fry for another 2 minutes. Stir in the shrimp, then remove the pan from the heat. Stir the cayenne pepper and Béchamel sauce into the shrimp mixture. Pour into a greased baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle cheese over the mixture and arrange the tomato slices in a ring around the edge. Brush the tomatoes with remaining olive oil and sprinkle oregano over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Serve immediately.