Today we clear out the backlog that's been building up, and I've got some interesting dishes today.
To start off, scallion pancakes. Make a dough with 2C flour and 1C boiling water, let rest for an hour or so, and divide into 4 balls. For each ball, roll into a large flat pancake, spread with sesame oil. Roll up the pancake into a long tube, then twist the tube into a cinnamon-roll-looking-thing, then re-roll out into a pancake. Again brush with sesame oil, then sprinkle with green onions. Roll into a long roll, then into the cinnamon roll, then roll out again, then fry in a pan on each side until golden brown. Slice, then dip in equal parts soy sauce and rice vinegar with ginger and sugar to taste. A tasty appetizer that can make an attractive setting. Via http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2011/04/extra-flaky-scallion-pancakes-recipe.html
Next we have an easy sweet potato, bourbon and walnut mash. Combine 4 pounds boiled sweet potatoes, 4T butter, 1/2C milk, 1/4C maple syrup, 4T bourbon, 2t cinnamon, 1t allspice, 1t nutmeg and 1C roasted walnuts. Blend with an immersion blender, and it makes for a fantastic side with tons of flavor. Via http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Bourbon-Walnut-Sweet-Potato-Mash-240406
For an easy dinner with whatever's in the fridge, look no further. On either a pita or tortilla, spread some tomato sauce, then layer whatever you've got in the fridge. I sauteed eggplant and zucchini in olive oil and balsamic and added those. Then, add mozzarella and bake until the cheese is melty and golden brown. Healthy and easy.
A quick casserole that, while not necessarily healthy, will feed a lot of people. Combine 4 cut up chicken breasts, 2C milk, 2C condensed cream of celery soup, 1C cheese (fake, cheddar, whatever!), 2 onions, 4+ cups of pasta and herbs to taste in a casserole dish. Let sit in the freezer overnight, then bake at 350 for an hour. I also added carrots and some random other stuff I had left in the fridge. Via http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/tracis-chicken-noodle-casserole/Detail.aspx
Next up, a decadent treat. Bake bacon on cooling racks at 375 for 8 minutes, then blot well. Flip, then sprinkle with an even mixture of brown sugar, chili powder and black pepper. Bake for another 8 minutes (or until crispy and the sugar has caramelized), then let cool. Finally, brush with nutella. Extremely decedent, unique and has all sorts of flavors going on. I brought it into the office and it was split half loved it, half weren't crazy about it. Via http://www.bellalimento.com/2011/02/05/sweet-spicy-bacon-coated-with-nutella/
Any my attempt at an artistic shot of the ingredients...
And finally, a quick, delicious breakfast. Put a tortilla in a dry pan, add some shredded mozzarella, heat till it melts, then add half an avocado and a scrambled egg. Salt and pepper to taste. Tasty, filling, and delicious!
