Crab Rangoons

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Crab Rangoons

On the rare occasion that we visit a Chinese buffet, these little guys are probably my favorite item on the menu. They’re savory, while being slightly sweet – and dunked in a sweet chili sauce? Definitely an appetizer worth throwing the calorie count out the window for!

Then Karole, a friend in our book club, bought these to our monthly meeting. She assembled the wontons in advance, then fried them at the meeting. It was so much fun for all of us girls to be chatting, laughing, and munching in the kitchen together! The book for that month had been “The Joy Luck Club“, and we always have a great time planning our menus around the theme of the book. This one was no exception.

Now, let me broach the subject of the imitation crab (or “krab” as I like to call it). You guys know me…I’m fortunate enough to have some form of fresh, locally-caught seafood available to me at all times. Under normal circumstances, I wouldn’t touch krab with a 10-foot pole. However, I’ve tried this recipe with hand-picked blue crab before…as I’d assumed it would be better. But sadly, it wasn’t. The fresh crab was just too delicate – absorbed too much grease and fell apart. The krab holds together much better, and it’s what the Chinese restaurants  use – so I’ll go with it. I would like to try it with Opelios (snow crab) or Dungies, though. I think they’d be a happy medium between the two.

Crab Rangoons

8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
1 Tbsp  + 1 tsp powdered sugar
1/2 tsp kosher salt
3 scallions, thinly sliced
8 ounces imitation crab meat, chopped
24 wonton wrappers
small bowl of water
canola or vegetable oil, for frying

Place about 6 cups of oil in a dutch oven and bring to 350 degrees. Place a cooling rack inside a baking sheet, and top with paper towels – set aside.

In a medium bowl combine the cream cheese, powdered sugar and salt. Add the crab meat and scallions and mix until combined.

To assemble the rangoons – lay a wonton wrapper on a flat surface, with a corner facing towards you. Using the bowl of water, use your finger to wet the edges of the wonton wrapper. Place about 2 tsp filling in the center of the wrapper, and then fold the bottom corner to the top corner to form a triangle. Press on the edges with your fingers to firmly secure.

Fry rangoons in hot oil for about for about 3 minutes, until golden brown. Remove from oil and drain on prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining rangoons.

Source: our family friend Karole

Roasted Tomatillo Salsa

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Roasted Tomatillo Salsa (Salsa Verde)

Ahh, Cinco de Mayo – pretty much my favorite holiday next to Christmas. Where I can drink as many margaritas and eat as much guacamole as I want, and not be chastised for it. It’s funny actually, because a little over 5 years ago I wouldn’t have touched Mexican food with a 10 foot-pole. Can  you believe that? Thank goodness I came around, and things like tomatillos and cilantro are on my shopping list every week. In fact, I’ve started visiting my local Latin produce guy at the flea market every week – just because his produce is superior, and a much better bargain than at Mega Mart. I get all my Mexican staples there – dried beans, limes, corn husks for tamales, poblanos and jalapenos. Heh, it never ceases to amaze me where these roads in my kitchen are leading me everyday!

So, in case you were wondering – like I was 5 years ago – what in the Hell is a tomatillo? And, what do I do with it? I’m here to help! While they look similar to green tomatoes – they’re actually closely related to gooseberries. They have a papery husk on them that must be removed before cooking. They have a bright flavor, with a natural smokiness. When roasted, that flavor is amplified. And when combined with other flavors – like roasted garlic and jalapeno, it’s just out of this world.

I like to serve this salsa whenever I make carnitas, as I think the brightness plays off wonderfully against the richness of the pork. But, it’s good with all kinds of traditional Mexican dishes! And, a change of pace from the traditional red salsa that we all know and love. So step outside of your comfort zone, and try something new for this Cinco de Mayo!

Roasted Tomatillo Salsa

6 medium tomatillos, husked, rinsed, and halved (about 8 ounces)
4 large garlic cloves, peeled
1 jalapeno
about 1/3 cup loosely packed, roughly chopped cilantro
1/2 small white onion, chopped
juice of 1 lime
1/4 cup water
salt

Heat a large, nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.  lay the garlic, tomatillos, and jalapeno in a single layer, laying the tomatillos cut-side down.  Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the tomatillos are well-browned.  Turn everything over and brown the other side (the tomatillos should be very soft).  Remove the tomatillos and garlic and add to a food processor or blender, and cook the jalapeno on all sides before removing to a cutting board.

When the jalapeno is cool enough to handle, peel the shriveled blackened skin, halve, and remove ribs and seeds.  Roughly chop and add to the food processor as well.

Add 1/4 cup of water, onions, and cilantro to the food processor, and blend to a coarse puree.  Pour into a dish and add more water if necessary, to give the salsa the proper consistency.  Add lime juice and salt (about 1/2 tsp) to taste.

Source: adapted from Mexican Everyday by Rick Bayless via Pink Parsley

Truffled Deviled Eggs

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Truffled Deviled Eggs

Well, Easter is upon us again, as well as the ever present question that goes along with it – what do I do with all these eggs? My answers are always pretty simple – egg salad, sliced up and put on top of a salad, or of course everyone’s favorite remedy: deviled eggs.

My friend Jen makes the best deviled eggs, they’re smooth and creamy – with a good amount of tang from Dijon mustard. It’s usually my go-to version for cookouts. But, it’s Easter – so it’s nice to do something a little more special. And,what better to do that with than white truffle oil? It’s expensive, but the stuff is magical. I purchased a bottle a couple of years ago, and I’m still working through it. It’s insanely delicious just drizzled over roasted potatoes or some greens. Such a great ingredient, and worth every penny in my opinion!

Truffled Deviled Eggs

12 eggs; cooked, cooled, and peeled
1/3 cup mayonnaise
2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
1 Tbsp white truffle oil
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
ground paprika, for garnish

Halve the peeled eggs length-wise. Remove the yolks and place in a medium bowl, set the egg whites aside. Using a pastry blender, two forks, or a potato masher – break apart the egg yolks. Add the mayo, Dijon, truffle oil, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Continue to mash until completely smooth, and season to taste with salt and pepper. A food processor works well for this application too!

Using a pastry bag fitted with a large star tip, or a resealable bag with the corner cut off – pipe the yolk mixture into the egg white halves. Garnish with paprika or fresh dill, if desired.

Skillet Asparagus with Grapefruit

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Skillet Asparagus with Grapefruit

Gorgeous asparagus can be found in virtually every small town grocery store this time of year, for a great price. I get so excited when I see those thin, green stalks go on sale – because I know that Spring is finally here!

This recipe comes from the Lee brother’s new cookbook “Charleston Kitchen”. I purchased it in Charleston, and had an opportunity to talk to the brothers for a few minutes. They are just as warm and welcoming as you’d imagine! It was definitely one of the highlights of my trip. I was planning to make shrimp & grits as the first recipe I’d try out of the cookbook – but when I saw that asparagus was on sale this week, and grapefruits too – I couldn’t help but move this recipe to the forefront.

It was so delicious, and so different! The sweet earthiness of the asparagus, paired with the bite and tang from the grapefruit was out of this world. And the vinaigrette? Lord have mercy. I’ve had a batch in the fridge at all times since then. To-die-for on a watercress and arugula salad. And aren’t those grapefruit segments so pretty? I used a standard “red” grapefruit to cut up for the salad, but then sliced into one of the Texas Rio Star’s I’ve been hoarding to see the color difference (I used it in the background so you can see the difference for yourself). Wowza, totally see what all the fuss is about now. So much redder, sweeter, and larger – they were about 3x the size of a standard grapefruit. I’ll have to cut a deal with Shawnda to ship me some next year, because I had a hell of a time finding them up here!

So if you’re looking to put a few fun, fresh twists on your Easter table this year – I’d highly recommend this asparagus. It’s super-duper easy and quick, delicious, and special.  Thanks to the Lee Brothers for another new family favorite in our home!

Skillet Asparagus with Grapefruit

1 grapefruit, preferably a ruby variety
Kosher salt
2 tbsp white wine vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 tsp canola or veggie oil
1 pound medium asparagus, trimmed of any woody ends
Freshly ground black pepper

With a zester, scrape some grapefruit zest from the skin of the fruit for garnish, and reserve. Segment the grapefruit, removing any pith and membranes, catching juice in a bowl. Once you’ve extracted all the citrus segments, squeeze the membranes to release any remaining juice and then discard the membranes. Gently strain the segments, reserving segments and juice in separate bowls. Add ¼ teaspoon salt, the vinegar, 1 tablespoon of water, and the mustard to the bowl with the grapefruit juice and whisk to combine. Pour in the olive oil, whisking to emulsify.

Pour the canola oil into a large skillet over high heat, and when it smokes, add half of the asparagus and ¼ teaspoon salt, and cover. Cook, partly covered, until the asparagus is blackened on one side, 3 to 4 minutes. Turn the asparagus in the pan, cover, and cook until the asparagus is thoroughly blackened, 3 minutes more; transfer to a serving platter. Repeat with the remaining asparagus, adding another teaspoon of oil to the pan (if it’s become too dry) and seasoning with salt.

When all the asparagus is on the platter, scatter the grapefruit segments evenly over the asparagus. If the dressing has broken, whisk to re-emulsify, pour it over the asparagus, and grind some black pepper over the top. Garnish the platter with the reserved zest, and serve.

Source: barely adapted from The Charleston Kitchen by Matt and Ted Lee