Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chilled Shrimp & Creamy Tomato Delight?
It is a savory molded spread featuring cooked shrimp, cream cheese, and tomato soup, often served as an appetizer with crackers.
What are the main ingredients for this shrimp spread?
The main ingredients include tomato soup, cream cheese, finely chopped onion and celery, salad dressing, cooked small shrimp, and unflavored gelatin.
How many calories are in a serving of this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 80 calories.
What type of gelatin should I use?
You should use one envelope of unflavored gelatin to ensure the spread sets properly without adding extra sweetness.
How long does the spread need to refrigerate?
The mixture needs to be refrigerated for at least 4 hours, though leaving it overnight provides the best consistency.
Can I substitute Miracle Whip with regular mayonnaise?
The recipe suggests Miracle Whip for its specific tang, but you can use your preferred salad dressing or mayonnaise to taste.
What kind of shrimp works best for this recipe?
Small shrimp that are cooked and then either chopped or broken into pieces are recommended.
How should I prepare the molds?
You should lightly oil the molds, such as small margarine tubs, to ensure the chilled spread releases easily.
What vegetables are included in the mixture?
The recipe includes 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion and 1/2 cup of finely chopped celery for added crunch.
Is the tomato soup used hot or cold?
The tomato soup should be heated over low heat until warm to help dissolve the gelatin, but it should not reach a boil.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are approximately 4.8 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein is in this appetizer?
This dish provides about 6.4 grams of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
There are 3.2 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How should the cream cheese be prepared?
The cream cheese should be softened to room temperature before beating it into the soup mixture to ensure a smooth texture.
Can I serve this as a whole mold or cut it up?
You can serve the mold whole on a platter or cut it into wedges for individual portions.
What is the best way to serve Chilled Shrimp & Creamy Tomato Delight?
It is best served chilled on a platter accompanied by an array of crispy crackers.
Do I need a hand mixer for this recipe?
While a hand mixer is helpful for getting the cream cheese and soup mixture smooth, a sturdy whisk can also be used.
Is there any fiber or sugar listed in the nutrition info?
The provided nutritional data does not specify fiber or sugar content for this recipe.
What size can of tomato soup is required?
The recipe calls for one 10-ounce can of tomato soup.
How many total ingredients are used?
There are 7 primary ingredients in this recipe.
Can I use fresh shrimp?
Yes, as long as the shrimp are cooked and chopped before being folded into the mixture.
Is this dish considered a seafood spread?
Yes, it is classified as a seafood spread, specifically a shrimp-based appetizer.
Should the vegetables be cooked before adding them?
No, the onion and celery should be added raw and finely chopped to provide a fresh crunch.
What is the preparation method for the onion?
The onion should be finely chopped before being folded into the creamy base.
Can I make this recipe in a single large mold?
Yes, while small containers like margarine tubs are suggested, you can use a single large decorative mold if preferred.
How do I ensure the gelatin is fully dissolved?
Stir the gelatin into the warmed tomato soup immediately after removing it from the heat until no granules remain.
What is the primary texture of this dish?
The dish has a creamy, set texture from the cream cheese and gelatin, punctuated by the crunch of celery and onion.
Is this a warm or cold appetizer?
This is a cold appetizer that must be served chilled.
How do I smooth the top of the spread?
Use a spatula to level the mixture after pouring it into the molds before refrigerating.
What category of food does this fall into?
It is categorized as an appetizer or a party spread.