3 c. butter (6 sticks)
1/2 c. freshly ground pepper
1/4 c. fresh lemon juice
5 garlic cloves, minced
4 bay leaves, crumbled
4 tsp. minced fresh rosemary or 1 1/4 tsp. dried crumbled
1 tbsp. Hungarian sweet paprika
1 tbsp. minced fresh basil or 1 tsp. dried, crumbled
1 tbsp. minced fresh oregano or 1 tsp. dried, crumbled
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ground red pepper
1 tsp. fresh grated nutmeg
6 lbs. whole fresh shrimp in shells

Melt butter in heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add remaining ingredients except shrimp and cook 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add shrimp and cook until pink.

Ladle shrimp and sauce into bowls and serve with French bread. It is spicy and a a bit messy. Your guests will need plenty of napkins and a big bowl for shells. Serve with slices of French bread. Serves 12.