Spanish-style Garlic Shrimp with Ham

Description
4-8 appetizers



Ingredients

 * 2 lbs large shrimp, shelled,leaving the tail and the first joint of the shell intact,and deveined (about 28)
 * 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
 * 8 cloves garlic, sliced thin lengthwise
 * 1/2 cup olive oil
 * 1/4 lb thick-sliced cooked ham, chopped
 * 1/4 teaspoon dried hot red pepper flakes
 * 1 red bell pepper, chopped
 * 1/3 cup sherry wine
 * minced fresh fresh parsley leaves, if desired (to garnish)
 * crusty bread, as an accompaniment

Directions
Rinse the shrimp and pat them dry. Sprinkle the shrimp on both sides with the salt and let them stand between layers of paper towel for 10 minutes. In a large heavy skillet cook the garlic in the oil over moderate heat, stirring, until it is golden and transfer it with a slotted spoon to a small bowl. Add the ham and the red pepper flakes to the skillet and cook the mixture, stirring, for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the ham deepens in color. Add the bell pepper and cook the mixture, stirring, until the bell pepper is softened. Add the shrimp and sauté the mixture over moderately high heat, turning the shrimp, for 3 minutes. Add the sherry and the garlic and simmer the mixture, stirring and turning the shrimp occasionally, until the shrimp are just cooked through. Transfer the shrimp mixture to a heated serving dish, sprinkle it with the parsley, and serve it with the bread.