For an impressive starter, serve these super-simple, spicy shrimp with crusty white bread and plenty of napkins. 

1.  Wearing rubber gloves, deseed and finely slice the chile pepper.

2.  Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.  Add the garlic and chile and cook gently for about 1 minute. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the shrimp in a single layer.  Cook for 2 minutes. Turn over each shrimp and cook for 1 to 2 minutes longer, or until pink and opaque. Season with a pinch of salt and serve immediately.


Variation
To make an herbed version, add 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley to the pan with the garlic and chile pepper.