Shrimp Toast

12 fresh uncooked large shrimp
1 egg
2 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
Pinch pepper
3 slices sandwich bread
1 hard-cooked egg yolk
1 slice cooked ham (about 1 ounce)
1 green onion
2 cups vegetable oil

1. Remove shells from shrimp, leaving tails intact. Remove back veins
from shrimp. Cut down back of shrimp with sharp knife. Gently press
shrimp with fingers to flatten.

2. Beat 1 egg, cornstarch, salt and pepper in a small bowl until blended.
Add shrimp to egg mixture and toss until shrimp are completely coated.

3. Remove crusts from bread. Cut each slice into quarter. Place one
shrimp, cut side down, on each bread piece. Gently press shrimp to
adhere to bread. Brush or rub small amount of egg mixture over each
shrimp.

4. Cut egg yolk and ham into 1/2 inch pieces. Finely chop onion.
Place one piece each of egg yolk and ham and a scant 1/4 teaspoon
chopped onion on each shrimp.

5. Heat oil in wok over medium-high heat until it reaches 375F.
Fry 3 or 4 shrimp-bread pieces at a time in the hot oil until golden,
1 to 2 minutes on each side. Drain on absorbent paper.