Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Boil

this makes a fantastic appetizer!! lots of taste. adapted from Canadian Living mag. (1999)

• Ready In: 40 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 4  whole cloves
• 2  bay leaves
• 1  cinnamon stick
• 1  tablespoon mustard seeds
• 1  teaspoon celery seed
• 1  teaspoon  coriander seed
• 1  teaspoon black peppercorns
• 1⁄2 teaspoon paprika
• 1⁄2 teaspoon  hot pepper flakes
• 1  lb hot Italian sausage or 1  lb smoked sausage
• 2  lbs  extra  large raw shrimp

Directions

1. In a large saucepan, bring 12 cups water, cloves bay leaves, cinnamon, mustard and celery and coriander seeds, black peppercorns, paprika and hot pepper flakes to boil.
2. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. If using smoked sausage, cut into bite size pieces.
4. Add smoked or Italian sausage to pot; simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, using scissors, cut through shell along back of each shrimp; remove vein.
6. Scatter over pan; cover and cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until shrimp are pink.
7. Drain mixture, reserving 1/2 cup cooking liquid.
8. Cut italian sausage into bite size slices; arrange sausage around edge of platter.
9. Mound shrimp in centre.
10. Drizzle with reserved liquid.