Gina: This appetizer is a signature dish at beach bars throughout Mexico (where Pat and I often retreat for some serious R & R) and the Caribbean. It tastes like a tropical vacation. Large, sweet shrimp are dipped in coconut, fried until crisp, and then paired with a sweet and spicy peanut sauce. Honey, pass the frozen blender drinks, because I am so there—dipping my feet in the sand.
Chinese five-spice powder has an alluring perfume and spicy sweet flavor that can’t be beat. The traditional spices are cinnamon, star anise, aniseed, ginger, and Sichuan peppercorns, although some blends also include cloves. It is available in the spice section of most supermarkets, or at Asian specialty-food stores.
Japanese panko bread crumbs are made from wheat bread, and they are lighter and crispier than regular bread crumbs.
