Spiced Shrimp

3 tablespoons pickling spice
2 tablespoons seasoned salt
1 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup vinegar
1 quart water
1 pound fresh or frozen shrimp (in shells)

Add spices, salt and vinegar to water. Let boil 10 minutes, then add shrimp (if using frozen shrimp, thaw before cooking). Boil 5 to 7 minutes or just until shrimp turn pink.

Remove from heat; let stand 20 minutes, then drain. Cool, shell, de-vein and chill.

For a buffet, arrange on a platter of cracked ice or place around a bowl of cocktail sauce. Serve as individual cocktails or use in preparation of other dishes. Serves 4 to 5.

Oriental Spiced Shrimp
For the spices above, substitute 6 peppercorns, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon celery seed, 2 teaspoons parsley flakes, 2 bay leaves, 1 teaspoon curry powder and 1 teaspoon oregano leaves.