Shrimp Dip or Spread

Description
This recipe can easily be halved. It can also be doubled easily. — JJ
 * Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group
 * Makes 6 cups

Ingredients

 * 7½ cups water
 * 2½ pounds unpeeled, medium shrimp
 * ½ green bell pepper, finely chopped
 * ½ large onion, finely chopped
 * 1 clove garlic, minced
 * 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
 * 1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
 * 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
 * 2 tablespoons lemon juice
 * ½ teaspoon salt
 * 1 teaspoon hot sauce, such as Tabasco
 * garnish: cooked, peeled shrimp

Directions

 * 1) Bring water to a boil, add shrimp and cook 3 to 5 minutes or just until shrimp turn pink.
 * 2) Drain and rinse with cold water; peel shrimp, devein and finely chop.
 * 3) Add bell pepper, onion and garlic to shrimp.
 * 4) Beat cream cheese and next 4 ingredients until fluffy.
 * 5) Stir into shrimp mixture.
 * 6) Chill, but remove from refrigerator 30 to 60 minutes before serving.
 * 7) Garnish, if desired, with whole shrimp.
 * 8) Serve with crackers, chips and fresh vegetables or fill small pastry shells or celery sticks with the mixture.