Boiled Shrimp

2 pounds fresh shrimp
4-5 stalks of celery wtih tops
2 tsp allspice
2 tsp mace
1 tsp ground cloves
4 sprigs fresh Thyme
4 sprigs fresh parsley
3 bay leaves
3 tsp crushed red peppers
Cayenne pepper (to taste)
black pepper (to taste)
1 cup salt
4 quarts water

A Regular Guys Recipe

Put salt into the water and bring to a boil (you want it really salty, almost a brine.)  Chop the celery stalks at tops very fine and add to the boiling water.  Add all of the herbs and  spices.  Allow time for all of the flavors to be extracted into the water and then add the shrimp.  Boil the shrimp for about 10 minutes and then remove from heat and allow the shrimp to cool in the water.  The shrimp can now be served on cracked ice with cocktail sauce or used in other recipes.