For a romantic picnic or special get-together, serve this beautiful appetizer with champagne, crusty French bread, and assorted cheeses.

Marinated Cocktail Shrimp

1 pound fresh or frozen large shrimp in shells 1/4 cup snipped fresh cilantro 1/4 cup olive oil or salad oil 3 tablespoons wine vinegar 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1 fresh jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped OR 1 tablespoon chopped canned jalapeno pepper 2 teaspoons capers, drained 1 clove garlic, minced 1 small lemon, halved lengthwise and sliced 1 small lime, halved lengthwise and sliced 1 small red onion, halved and thinly sliced

In a large saucepan cook fresh or frozen shrimp, uncovered, in lightly salted boiling water for 1 to 3 minutes or until shrimp turn pink. Drain and cool. Peel shrimp, leaving tails intact; devein and set aside.
For marinade, in a screw-top jar combine cilantro, oil, vinegar, lemon juice, jalapeno pepper, capers, and garlic. Cover and shake well to mix. Set aside.
To serve, in a large serving bowl layer sliced lemon, lime, red onion, and the shrimp, repeating until all is used. Drizzle marinade atop. Cover and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.

Makes 4 to 6 servings.

Nutritional facts per serving: calories: calories: 249, total fat: 16g, saturated fat: 2g, cholesterol: 172mg, sodium: 214mg, carbohydrate: 2g, fiber: 0g, protein: 23g, vitamin A: 0%, vitamin C: 15%, calcium: 7%, iron: 17%