Shrimp and Cucumber Canapes

Name: Shrimp and Cucumber Canapes
Prep time: 25 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 2 dozen.
Ingredients: 1/2 cup ketchup; 4 teaspoons Creole seasoning, divided; 1 tablespoon finely chopped onion; 1 tablespoon finely chopped green pepper; 1 tablespoon finely chopped celery; 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce; 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened; 24 English cucumber slices; 24 peeled and deveined cooked medium shrimp; 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

These cute stacks really stand out in a holiday appetizer buffet. Tasty, cool and crunchy, they come together in a snap. —Ashley Nochlin, Port St. Lucie, Florida

Ingredients

1/2 cup ketchup
4 teaspoons Creole seasoning, divided
1 tablespoon finely chopped onion
1 tablespoon finely chopped green pepper
1 tablespoon finely chopped celery
1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
24 English cucumber slices
24 peeled and deveined cooked medium shrimp
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

Directions

For cocktail sauce, in a small bowl, combine the ketchup, 2 teaspoons Creole seasoning, onion, green pepper, celery and pepper sauce. In another bowl, combine cream cheese and remaining Creole seasoning.
Spread or pipe cream cheese mixture onto cucumber slices. Top each with a shrimp and cocktail sauce. Sprinkle with parsley.

Editor's Note

The following spices may be substituted for 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning: 1/4 teaspoon each salt, garlic powder and paprika; and a pinch each of dried thyme, ground cumin and cayenne pepper.