Shrimp Rangoons

I wasn't going to post this recipe initially because I considered it quite a failure.  It not only took forever and a million and one dishes, but ultimately, it just wasn't worth the work.  I like to give you recipes that are quick and painless, and this was far from it.  Alas, since this blog is really my exploration through cooking, I felt I should still upload this recipe so that you can learn from the mistakes I made.  Note:  do not attempt to make Rangoons more healthy by baking them.  by the third attempt, and second folding experiment, I gave up and fried them. Only then, did the insides not explode out of the won ton wrapper creating an empty hollow cave filled with nothing but air....



INGREDIENTS: 
12 - 15 Shrimp - peeled and de-veined
** Have your butcher do this, just ask.  I made the mistake of getting shrimp that still had the legs off.... is there anything more gross than having to rip off fifteen shrimps legs?! Blah... **
8 oz. Cream Cheese - softened 
1/2 Small Onion - diced
1 Clove Garlic - minced
1 Tsp. Paprika
Pinch of red pepper flakes
Salt and Pepper to taste

 1) Begin by bringing a pot of water to a boil, and drop the shrimp in.  Cook for 3-5 minutes or until the shrimp are pink.  Take the shrimp immediately from the pot and put it into a bowl of ice water.  Then place into a food processor.

 2) Grind up the shrimp, add in the onion, garlic, and spices.  You can either mix in the cream cheese by hand in a large bowl, or keep everything in the food processor and mix it all together in there.

3) place a 1/2 Tbs. of the shrimp mixture into the center of a won ton wrapper.  Wet two of the edges (as seen in the above picture), fold over and press the edges down firmly.  Do your best to remove all of the air out of the pocket and make sure that the edges are closed all around.

4) prep a large pot or pan with 1-2 inches of oil.  Once ready, drop in two or three Rangoons into the pot and cook until both sides are browned well. Place on a paper towel to soak up excess oil, and immediately sprinkle with salt and pepper.

** test the oil by dropping a piece of bread into it, if it crisps up within a minute it's ready to go!

5) Serve with store bought, Sweet Pepper sauce.  You can find it in the international isle, and Trader Joe's has a great one as well.