Shrimp-Stuffed Mirlitons

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Cut mirlitons in half and scoop out the large seed in the middle. Boil in salted water to cover for 25 minutes, or until tender when punctured with the tines of a fork. Be careful not to overcook.

2. Step 2

   Drain and cool for 15 minutes, then scrape out insides into a colander to drain. Leave ¼ inch of flesh inside shell, being careful not to puncture skin.

3. Step 3

   Chop drained mirliton flesh and add to a medium bowl. Mix in butter, lemon juice, parsley, salt, pepper, cayenne, Worcestershire sauce and ½ cup bread crumbs; set aside.

4. Step 4

   Heat oven to 375 degrees. Heat oil in a medium saucepan or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper and celery and sauté until almost translucent. Add garlic, green onion and tomatoes for just about 2 minutes. Add shrimp for 30 seconds to give them a touch of color. Quickly remove pan from heat and let it sit for 3 to 5 minutes to cool slightly. Fold sautéed ingredients into mirliton mixture.

5. Step 5

   Scoop stuffing mixture into each mirliton half. Place mirliton in an oven-safe 1½-inch deep pan. You may need two pans. Dust top of each mirliton evenly with remaining bread crumbs. Pour stock into pans to a half-inch depth, before covering and baking. Cover pans tightly with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until tops are lightly browned.