Japanese Shrimp Spread With Sake

In 'From the Ground Up' by James Villas

• Ready In: 55 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 1  lb fresh shrimp
• 1⁄2 lemon
• 3  tablespoons sake
• 1  tablespoon  minced scallion (white part only)
• 2  tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1⁄4 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1⁄8 teaspoon  grated nutmeg
• 8  tablespoons butter, softened
•  salt
•  fresh ground black pepper
•  sesame  cracker

Directions

1. Place the shrimp and lemon half in a large saucepan with enough water to cover; bring to a boil, remove from heat, let stand for 1 minute, and drain.
2. When cool enough to handle, peel, devein, and cut the shrimp in half.
3. In a blender or food processor, combine the shrimp, sake, scallions, lemon juice, mustard, and nutmeg and grind coarsely.
4. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl, add the butter and salt and pepper to taste; mix until well blended.
5. Pack the mixture into a crock, cover with plastic wrap, and chill for about 1 hour before serving with sesame crackers.