INGREDIENTS

12- to 14-day old slices of sandwich bread
SHRIMP PASTE
1/2 pound medium raw shrimp, shelled and deveined
2 walnut-size shallots, coarsely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 egg white, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
1 teaspoon minced lemongrass
1 teaspoon fish sauce
1/2 teaspoon lime juice
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
1/2 teaspoon grated lime peel
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
Cooking oil for deep-frying

COOKING METHOD

GETTING READ

With a star-shaped cookie cutter about 2 1/2 inches across, cut a star from each bread slice; save trimmings for other uses.

Combine shrimp paste ingredients in a food processor. Process until smooth. Transfer to a bowl; stir in cilantro and lime peel.

Spread shrimp paste about a 1/4-inch thick on one side of each bread star. Sprinkle sesame seeds and press gently onto shrimp mixture.

COOKING

In a wok, heat oil for deep-frying to 350 degrees F. Deep-fry stars, a few at a time and shrimp side down for 1 minute; until golden brown. Turn over and fry 30 seconds longer. Drain on paper towels.

SOURCE: Yan Can Cook, Inc. © 2000 / Martin Yan