Dende oil is Brazilian palm oil, available in Latin American markets. Be sure to get the Brazilian rather than the West African product, which is much heavier. Or use half the amount of the West African palm oil and substitute vegetable oil for the other half. The ground dried shrimp that are used in Brazilian dishes can occasionally be found in WestAfrican markets, but the variety that is widely available in Chinese markets will do nicely. The easiest way to grind them is in a coffee grinder, if you have one which is reserved for grinding spices.