2 cloves garlic, smashed
1 lemon, sliced
1 sm. onion, peeled and quartered
Shrimp boil seasoning mix (recipe below)
1 1/2 to 2 lb. medium shrimp

in a 4-6 quart pot, combine 2 quarts water, garlic, lemon, onion and shrimp boil seasoning mix. Cover and bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes. Bring water back to boil; add shrimp. Cover and take off heat. Let stand until shrimp shells are completely pink and shrimp are white in center (about 3 minutes for medium size shrimp). With a slotted spoon, transfer shrimp to a serving platter. Poaching liquid may be strained and store in refrigerator or freezer for use once more.

4 bay leaves
1 tbsp. black peppercorns or coarse pepper
1 tbsp. salt
2 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 tsp. celery seed
1 tsp. whole cloves
1 tsp. mustard seed
1 tbsp. allspice
1 tsp. dry thyme leaves

Combine all ingredients. One recipe will season 2-3 quarts of water; enough to cook 2-3 pounds of shrimp.