Gourmet Shrimp Appetizers

1. Remove pie crust from refrigerator and warm to room temperature. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

2. Unfold the pie crust and pinch the folds together. With a 2-inch cutter (round or fluted), cut out as many rounds as possible. Repeat with the second crust. If necessary, re-roll the leftover pieces and cut more rounds.

3. Place each pastry round into mini-muffin tins and press in place, being careful not to tear the dough. Prick the bottoms with a fork. Bake for 5 to 7 minutes, checking often so as not to burn the pastry.

4. In the meantime, mix together the remaining ingredients and adjust the seasoning to taste. Adjust the amount of mayonnaise, more or less, so the filling just holds together.

5. When the pastry cups are cooled, arrange on a serving platter and fill with the shrimp mixture. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs of choice and/or small whole shrimp.

Makes about 18 appetizers.

Cook’s note: If desired, you can buy pastry cups in the frozen food section of your local supermarket. In that case, one carton makes 24 appetizers, but they will be smaller than these ones made in mini-muffin tins.