5 pounds large shrimp (7 pounds with head on)
1 pound butter
1/2 cup freshly-ground black pepper
Rinse and drain shrimp and place them, unpeeled, in a single layer in a large shallow baking pan. Cut each stick of butter in two to make eight pieces and place on top of the shrimp. Grind peppercorns in a spice grinder or blender to make 1/2 cup and sprinkle the pepper evenly over the shrimp. Bake at 350 degrees F for 45 minutes, turning the shrimp at least twice to absorb the pepper-butter on all sides.
Serves 4 to 8.