Creole Boiled Shrimp Cocktail - cooking recipe

Ingredients

SHRIMP
2 lbs medium shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails left on
1/4 cup creole seasoning or 1/4 cup Emeril's Original Essence
1 (3 ounce) box zatarain crab boil
1/4 cup salt
3 lemons, 2 halved,1 cut into 6 wedges
1 yellow onion, quartered
3 stalks celery, coarsely chopped
1 head garlic, cut in half horizontally
2 bay leaves
CREOLE SEASONING
2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon cayenne
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried thyme
COCKTAIL SAUCE
1 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons drained prepared horseradish
1 tablespoon grated fresh horseradish
1 tablespoon V8 vegetable juice
1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Preparation

FOR SHRIMP:
In a large bowl toss the shrimp with 2 tablespoons of the creole seasoning or essence.
Coat evenly.
Combine 3 gallons water, the Zatarains boil, salt, remaining 2 tablespoons of creole seasoning, the 2 halved lemons, onion, celery, bay leaves, and garlic in large stockpot.
Bring to a boil and taste.
The salinity of the water should be that of saltwater.
Add the shrimp and cook stirring frequently until pink and cooked through, 3-4 minutes.
drain in colander, transfer to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate about 1 hour.
FOR CREOLE SEASONING:
Combine all ingredients and mix thoroughly.
Store in an airtight container for up to three months.
FOR COCKTAIL SAUCE:
Combine all ingredients and whisk well.
Cover and chill for 2 hours.
Will keep in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Serve shrimp with the remaining lemon cut into wedges and the cocktail sauce.