Magical Shrimp

During the holidays, it’s nice to have a few favorite recipes that come together like magic for those impromptu gatherings.

This shrimp bowl is one of those. It looks impressive, tastes great and is quick to fix. Using low-fat ingredients helps keep it--and you--under control.

Pick up the ingredients in one quick stop; most likely you’ll have some on hand. If I’m in a rush, I buy a bag of frozen cooked shrimp and thaw them.

If you like spicy food, add more cayenne pepper to taste.

Iced Shrimp Bowl With Tarragon Dipping Sauce

Active Work and Total Preparation Time: 10 minutes plus 30 minutes chilling

SAUCE

1 cup low-fat mayonnaise

1/2 cup low-fat sour cream

2 to 3 tablespoons nonfat milk

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

2 tablespoons minced shallots

2 tablespoons minced tarragon

1 1/2 tablespoons tarragon vinegar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

* Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, mustard, shallots, tarragon, vinegar, salt and cayenne pepper. Cover and chill at least 30 minutes. About 1 1/2 cups.

ASSEMBLY

1 pound cooked peeled shrimp

2 lemons, cut into wedges

Radishes, for garnish

Tarragon sprigs, for garnish

* When ready to serve, fill large glass bowl with ice. Set small bowl with tarragon sauce in center. Arrange shrimp on ice around bowl of sauce with lemon wedges, radishes and sprigs of tarragon.

10 appetizer servings. Each serving, with 1 tablespoon sauce: 67 calories; 163 mg sodium; 55 mg cholesterol; 3 grams fat; 2 grams carbohydrates; 8 grams protein; 0.04 gram fiber.