Shrimp Boil with Spicy Butter Sauce

Ingredients

• 4  bay leaves crumbled
• 1.3 teaspoons cayenne 
• 2 cloves garlic smashed
• 0.5  optional: lemon cut into thin slices
• 2 teaspoons juice of lemon 
• 5 tablespoons old bay seasoning 
• 0.5 teaspoon peppercorns 
• 1.5 teaspoons salt 
• 2 pounds shrimp 
• 0.5 pound butter unsalted
• 0.3 cup vinegar 
• 1.5 quarts water 
• 4 teaspoons worcestershire sauce 

Equipment

• bowl
• frying pan
• sauce pan
• pot

Directions

1. In a large pot, combine the water, vinegar, lemon slices, garlic, Old Bay Seasoning, peppercorns, 1/2 teaspoon of the salt, 1/4 teaspoon of the cayenne, and the bay leaves. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
2. Add the shrimp to the pot. Cover and bring back to a boil. Then continue boiling, partially covered, until the shrimp are just done, 1 to 2 minutes.
3. Drain.
4. In a small stainless-steel saucepan, melt the butter.
5. Remove the pan from the heat and add the Worcestershire sauce, the lemon juice, and the remaining 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon cayenne. Divide the sauce among four small bowls.
6. Serve the shrimp with the butter dipping sauce.
7. Wine Recommendation: Pop open a cold beer for this one, or be adventurous and try pairing the spiciness of the shrimp boil with a palate-cleansing, refreshing sparkling wine from California or Australia.