Although both of our huge deep freezers are filled to capacity, I still could not resist purchasing 40lbs of shrimp from our usual shrimper. Mr. Ricky always has the prettiest shrimp for the best prices around. Once Mark headed to the dock to pick up the purchase, I proceeded to "make room" in the freezers. It took a bit of ingenuity and a lot of luck but I finally managed to maneuver things around just enough to place the filled bags. Of course, I now have some pumpkin thawing in the refrigerator to be used in muffins come morning. Still! Shrimp!
Since Mark was to be on his way to work, he would not be here for the task of preparing the seafood. He dropped the shrimp off here and headed out immediately leaving the heading, peeling, cleaning and bagging up to Son and me. It was all good since 40lbs is a "drop in the bucket" for us. (Next month, another 60 or so pounds will be bought.) We are used to doing 100lbs at a time so this was a breeze! Yes, we do go through this process each time we get shrimp because, if we fully head and peel the shrimp, it is better all around. One, there are no spines to prick holes in the bags. Leaky shrimp bags can mess up a freezer fast! Two, heading and peeling saves a ton of space! I would never be able to get 40lbs of shrimp to fit in my freezers, otherwise. They stay far too full. Three, by heading and peeling before freezing, mealtime is a breeze! Simply thaw the shrimp and you are good to start cooking.
As odd as it seems, the hours spent preparing the shrimp is sort of a "bonding" time between the two of us. Son and I talk and laugh the whole time we are working. He removes the heads and I peel....we both banter back and forth the entire time. It makes the chore go a lot faster. As tedious as the task is, it is almost enjoyable....and those shrimp will make some mighty fine dishes! A little work...vast rewards. Nothing better.
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