Picture a summer lunch table where each guest receives their own wide-necked jar, revealing distinct strata of emerald lettuce, ruby tomatoes, and coral-pink seafood. This is prawn cocktail elevated from its 1970s dinner-party reputation into something altogether more refined.
Building the Layers
The secret lies in the construction. We begin with crisp little gem and diced cucumber, followed by sweet cherry tomatoes and a scattering of peppery cress. The seafood medley of brown shrimp and peeled prawns provides the star attraction, nestled atop crispy pancetta breadcrumbs that offer a salty, smoky crunch against the tender shellfish.
The sauce strikes that perfect balance between richness and tang - mayonnaise and yoghurt lightened with lemon, Worcestershire, and a careful dash of Tabasco. A final crown of silky avocado blended with citrus completes the picture.
Prepared entirely in advance and refrigerated until needed, these individual portions allow you to enjoy your company rather than fussing in the kitchen. Simply hand them out and watch guests dig their spoons through the layers.
