Mozzarella And Asparagus Stuffed Shrimp

Total Time: 42 mins Preparation Time: 30 mins Cook Time: 12 mins

Ingredients

• 30 uncooked jumbo shrimp or 30 uncooked x-large shrimp, cleaned and deveined
• 30 fresh asparagus spears, steamed (canned is okay, but fresh holds up much better)
• 30 slices mozzarella cheese
• 30 slices thin pancetta (italian cured dried ham)
• 3/4 cup butter, melted
• 6 -8 cloves very finely minced fresh garlic (optional)
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup wine
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• black pepper
• 1/3 cup grated romano cheese or 1/3 cup parmesan cheese

Recipe

• 1 set oven to 450 degrees.
• 2 prepared a baking pan (large enough to hold all the shrimp).
• 3 peel, clean and butterfly the shrimp (slice down the center, but not all the way through).
• 4 place one piece of mozzarella cheese, and one piece of asparagus in the shrimp; then wrap with a piece of pancetta (leaving the tail of the shrimp sticking out).
• 5 lay the shrimp carefully and evenly into the prepared baking pan; top with melted butter (mixed with the fresh garlic, if using), wine and lemon juice.
• 6 sprinkle with the bread crumbs, romano cheese and black pepper.
• 7 bake for 12 minutes.
• 8 remove to a platter or serving dish; top with the pan drippings-- delicious!
• 9 note: fresh very finely minced fresh garlic may be added with the melted butter.