The Book of Household Management by Mrs. Beeton

299. INGREDIENTS.--1/4 lb. salt to each gallon of water.

_Mode_.--Prawns should be very red, and have no spawn under the tail; much depends on their freshness and the way in which they are cooked. Throw them into boiling water, salted as above, and keep them boiling for about 7 or 8 minutes. Shrimps should be done in the same way; but less time must be allowed. It may easily be known when they are done by their changing colour. Care should be taken that they are not over-boiled, as they then become tasteless and indigestible. _Time_.--Prawns, about 8 minutes; shrimps, about 5 minutes. _Average cost_, prawns, 2s. per lb.; shrimps, 6d. per pint. _Seasonable_ all the year. TO DRESS PRAWNS.