SHRIMP SKEWERED ON ROSEMARY BRANCHES

1 1/2 cups olive oil
8 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
48 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
16 long rosemary branches, soaked in water for 1 hour
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

Combine the olive oil and garlic in a large shallow pan or baking dish. Set aside 1/2 cup of the oil-garlic mixture for basting; add shrimp to the pan. Let marinate for 2 hours, no longer.

Preheat a gas or charcoal grill to medium high.

Remove 1 inch of leaves from the bottom of each rosemary branch and with a sharp knife, cut the end of the stem to make a slight point.

Remove the shrimp from the marinade, shaking off any excess (discard the used marinade). Thread 3 shrimps on each rosemary branch. Season with salt and pepper.

Grill until just cooked through, to 3 minutes on each side, basting with the reserved marinade every 30 seconds or so.

To serve, place the e shrimps, still on the rosemary branches, on a large platter. Remove shrimps from branch before eating.

Makes 8 servings.