Mr. B's Shrimp and Ham Melange

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Shell and devein the shrimp and put them in a mixing bowl. Set aside.

2. Step 2

   Drop tomatoes into boiling water and let stand 10 seconds. Drain. Pull away and discard the skin. Cut away and discard the cores. Cut tomatoes in half crosswise and squeeze away most of the seeds.

3. Step 3

   Cut tomato halves into ¼-inch dice. There should be about 1 cup.

4. Step 4

   Cut ham into very small cubes. There should be about ½ cup.

5. Step 5

   To the shrimp add the paprika, salt, pepper, thyme, oregano, garlic, all the chopped white part of a green onion or scallion and ¼ cup of the chopped green part. Blend well with the fingers.

6. Step 6

   Heat butter in a heavy skillet and add shallots and shrimp mixture. Cook, stirring, about 2 minutes or until shrimp lose their raw look. Scoop them out into a warm dish.

7. Step 7

   Add wine, tomatoes, ¼ cup green onions and tarragon. Cook, stirring, about 30 seconds and add cream, salt and pepper. Bring to the boil and stir in mustard. Cook, stirring, about 2 minutes or until thickened lightly and saucelike.

8. Step 8

   Add ham and shrimp and stir until they are coated with sauce.

9. Step 9

   Arrange hard roll halves broiled side up on serving dish and pour shrimp in sauce over all. Sprinkle with remaining ¼ cup green part of onion.