Dirty Shrimp

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1/4 pound butter or margarine
2 pounds medium shrimp, shelled and deveined
1/2 cup beer (optional)

Combine seasonings in a small bowl.

Melt the butter in a large skillet over high heat, then add seasonings. Cook for 1 minute. Add shrimp and cook 2 to 4 minutes, stirring constantly, until shrimp turn pink. If serving as an appetizer, omit the beer and serve immediately in a chafing dish with wooden picks.

If serving as an entree, add beer and simmer 1 minute. Serve over rice with French bread on the side to dip into the sauce.

Makes 12 appetizer servings or 6 dinner servings.