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Category: Bento Friendly

Hiyashi Chuka (Cold Noodle Salad)

Hiyashi Chuka (Cold Noodle Salad)

1 serving of ramen noodles

1 egg, beaten

a chunk of cucumber

1 slice of cooked ham

1/2 of a medium tomato

a dash of toasted sesame seeds (optional)

For sauce:

2 Tsp. dashi

1 1/2 Tsp. soy sauce

1 Tsp. rice vinegar

1 tsp. sesame oil

1 tsp. sugar

1 drop of rayu (optional)

 

Cook ramen noodles according to instructions on package. Avoid using instant ramen noodles: I have not tried them myself, but I imagine that their texture won’t be chewy enough. When noodles are done, drain them and cool them with cold running water or ice immediately. Set aside. Heat a nonstick pan over medium low heat. Add egg and spread it out into a thin crepe. Finely slice egg, cucumber, ham, and tomato. Arrange noodles and toppings in a (chilled) bowl. Mix all ingredients for sauce together. Pour sauce over noodles and garnish with sesame seeds (if you want) just before serving.

Scattered Summer Sushi

Scattered Summer Sushi

 

2 C. Japanese rice (around 430g)

6 Tsp. sushi rice vinegar (or check label)

1 Tsp. sake (optional)

1 piece dried konbu (optional)

2 eggs

1 egg yolk

2 tsp cornflour

Large pinch salt

Pinch sugar

Vegetable oil

1 Cucumber

1 Carrot

Handful mange tout (cooked)

4 tofu pouches (optional)

16 large prawns (shrimp)

1/2 C. edamame beans (cooked)

 

Make your sushi rice – I recommend you buy a rice cooker, as it takes all of the guesswork and stress out of cooking rice. Mine cost me about £10 three years ago and is still working fine. Firstly, wash the rice thoroughly and leave it to soak for half an hour. Then, drain and add your sushi rice to the same quantity of water in your rice cooker. Add the sake and konbu if using, then switch on and leave to cook. Once it has finished, leave it to rest for 15 minutes. Turn the rice out into a damp, flat container (like a Pyrex oven dish) and add the sushi rice vinegar. Using a damp wooden spoon, turn the rice gently to coat it in the seasoning. At the same time, fan the rice to cool it and help it to absorb the dressing. Continue until no visible steam rises from the rice, and place it under a damp kitchen towel. Make thin Japanese omelettes by combining the eggs, egg yolk, salt and sugar in a bowl. Add the cornflour dissolved in 4 tsp water. Heat the oil in a frying pan, and add enough oil to coat the base. Thinly cover the pan with the egg, and heat until almost set. Then, turn the omelette over to finish it off. Do not allow it to colour. Continue until all the egg has been cooked, then roll the omelettes up and shred them finely. Prepare the carrot by peeling it and cutting it into thin discs. Then, using a flower-shaped cutter, cut the discs into flower shapes. Use your cucumber to make a pretty garnish. A simple method is to cut the cucumber thinly on a diagonal, cut through it to the middle, and then twirl the ends in opposite directions (see picture). If you’re using them, drain the tofu pouches and shred finely. Cut the mange tout at sharp diagonals. Divide the sushi rice into four bowls. Scatter over the shredded tofu, omelette and edamame beans. Finally, arrange the carrots, cucumber and prawns.

Pig Pirozhki

Pig Pirozhki

 

For Dough:

4 C. Flour

1 tsp. sugar

1 tsp. salt

2 tsp. dried yeast

2 eggs (beaten)

3/4 C. warm milk

4 Tbp. softened butter

For Glazing: 1 egg white

For Filling:

1 C. cubed cooked ham (leftover spiral ham works wonderfully)

1 can artichoke hearts

1 Tsp.. garlic (diced)

1 Tsp.. olive oil

Italian herbs to taste (oregano, etc.)

Dash of salt and pepper

1 C. favorite white cheeses (parmesan, asiago, fontina, etc. work well)

 

 

Make the dough: Mix flour, sugar and salt in a large bowl. Make a well in the middle, add yeast and warm milk, stir. Add softened butter and eggs. Mix until smooth, let rest for 1 hour in a warm (but not hot) place. On top of an oven set to warm (under 200 degrees) works well. Make the filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet, add garlic and herbs. Stir well, do not let garlic brown/burn. Cook for a minute or two, add diced artichokes (well drained) and ham. Salt and pepper to taste. Cook until ham is slightly browned. Add cheese last, heat and stir until cheese is melted. Remove from heat. Finishing: Cover board and hands with dusting of flour. Separate dough into 6 different balls, then break off 1/4 of each ball (for ears/nose/etc) and set aside (so you end up with 6 large and 6 small balls of dough). Keep dough balls covered in a bowl with moistened cloth over it until using them so they don’t dry out (they dry out quickly). Scramble egg white in small bowl, keep near work station (easiest to use with a basting brush for application). Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Form large dough ball into flat circle (like you would for a pizza) about 1/4″ thick. Place 1/6 of filling mixture onto the middle, wrap sides of dough around to form a ball completely around the filling, making a seam only on the bottom side. Use a light brushing of the egg white to seal. Flip seam-down and place on well greased baking pan. Form small ball of dough into snout, tusks, ears, and hooves, attach with egg white. Use whole black peppers pressed into dough for eyes. Glaze finished pig lightly with egg white mixture. Repeat for each of the pigs, bake for 10-20 minutes (check at 10 minutes then every 5) or until golden brown. Check often so the ears don’t crisp too much!

Orange Bunny Rolls

Orange Bunny Rolls

5 1/4 to 5 3/4 C. all-purpose flour

1 package active dry yeast

1 1/4 C. Reduced Fat Milk

1/2 C. butter, margarine, or shortening

1/3 C. sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

2 eggs

2 T. finely shredded orange peel

1/4 C. orange juice

1 recipe Orange Icing (optional)

 

In a large mixing bowl combine 2 C. of the flour and the yeast. Set aside.  In a medium saucepan heat and stir  Milk, butter, sugar, and salt just until warm (120 degrees F to 130 degrees F) and butter almost melts.  Add milk mixture to dry mixture along with eggs. Beat with an electric mixer on low to medium speed 30 seconds, scraping bowl. Beat on high speed 3 minutes. Using a wooden spoon, stir in orange peel, orange juice, and as much of remaining flour as you can. Turn dough out onto a floured surface. Knead in enough remaining flour to make a moderately soft dough that is smooth and elastic (3 to 5 minutes total). Shape dough into a ball. Place dough in a lightly greased bowl; turn once. Cover; let rise in a warm place until double in size (about 1 hour). Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface. Divide in half. Cover and let rest 10 minutes. Lightly grease two baking sheets. (Large bunnies will go on one sheet; the small bunnies will go on the other.)  For large bunnies, divide one half of dough into 4 portions. Roll each portion into a 16-inch long rope. On one of the prepared baking sheets, lap one end of a rope over the other to form a loop; bring the end that’s underneath over the top, letting one end extend on each side to make ears. Pat tips of ears to shape into a point. Repeat with remaining ropes.  For small bunnies, divide remaining half of dough into 12 portions. Roll 10 of the portions into 12-inch ropes. Shape 10 small bunnies as above, using the second baking sheet. With remaining 2 pieces of dough, shape 4 large balls and 10 small balls for the tails. Moisten balls with water and place atop dough at the bottom of the loops. Press tails onto dough. After shaping, cover and let rise until nearly double (30 to 45 minutes). Bake small bunnies in a 375 degree F oven 11 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Bake large bunnies 13 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from baking sheets; cool on wire racks. Frost while warm with Orange Icing, if desired. Makes 4 large bunnies and 10 small bunnies.

 

Orange Icing: In a small bowl combine 1 1/2 C. sifted powdered sugar and 1 tsp. finely shredded orange peel. Stir in enough orange juice (2 to 3 T.) to make of drizzling consistency.

Apple Cheddar Bagel Broil

Apple Cheddar Bagel Broil

 

1 bagel

1/2 apple – sliced

1 tsp. butter

2 thin slices of cheddar cheese (American works too)

1 tsp. sugar

1 tsp. cinnamon

 

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Combine cinnamon and sugar together. Split bagel in half and lightly toast in oven or toaster. Spread a little butter on each half. Top each bagel with apple slices and a sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar. Place cheese slices on top and broil until cheese is bubbly.

Three-Cheese Quiche Bites

Three-Cheese Quiche Bites

 

40 Ritz or similar snack crackers – finely crushed

4 large eggs

2 C. shredded Mozzarella cheese

3/4 C. milk

1/2 C. chopped roasted red peppers

1/2 C. dijon mustard

1/4 C. shredded Parmesan and Romano cheese blend

1/4 C. chopped parsley

3 T. butter or margarine – melted

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, mix the cracker crumbs with the butter or margarine. Lightly coat a 13 by 9 pan with cooking spray. Place crumb mixture in pan and press out to make a crust on the bottom. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes – until golden. Remove from oven and let stand for 5 to 10 minutes. Sprinkle half (1 C.) of the Mozzarella cheese over the crumb layer. Follow that with a layer of red peppers covered with the remaining (1 C.) Mozzarella cheese. In a small bowl, beat the eggs with the milk, mustard and parsley. Pour evenly over the last layer of cheese in the pan. Finally, sprinkle with the Parmesan and Romano cheese blend.  Bake (at 350 still) for 30 to 35 minutes or until set.  Let stand 10 minutes; cut into squares and serve warm. A perfect use for slightly stake crackers

Japanese Spinach with Sesame Dressing

Japanese Spinach with Sesame Dressing

 

3 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

2 teaspoons sugar

1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon sake

1 tablespoon water (more to taste)

1/2 teaspoon dark sesame oil

 

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Fill a bowl with ice water. Blanch the spinach for 10 to 20 seconds in the boiling water and transfer to the ice water using a deep-fry skimmer. Drain and gently squeeze out water. Chop coarsely. Make the dressing. If your sesame seeds have not been toasted, heat a dry skillet over medium heat and add the sesame seeds. Stir and shake the pan constantly, and as soon as the seeds turn golden and smell nutty, transfer to a  mortar and pestle or to a spice mill. Allow to cool. Grind the seeds just until crushed.  Combine the soy sauce and sugar in a small bowl and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Add the sake and water, then stir in the ground sesame seeds. Thin out with water. Toss with the spinach and stir together until the dressing infuses the spinach. Be careful not to bruise the spinach leaves. Divide into four small bunches and place in the middle of four small plates or bowls. Drizzle on a few drops of sesame oil. Serve at room temperature.

Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Roll-ups

Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Roll-ups

 

2 pieces soft lahvosh or flatbread (about 13 by 18 in. each)

1 carton (8 oz.) whipped cream cheese

2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Salt and pepper

12 ounces thin-sliced smoked salmon

1 English cucumber (about 8 oz.), rinsed and very thinly sliced

3/4 cup very thinly sliced red onion (about 4 oz.)

 

Place one piece of lahvosh on a sheet of plastic wrap. With a flexible spatula or a knife, spread about 1/2 cup cream cheese in a thin, even layer over entire surface of bread. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon parsley, then lightly with salt and pepper. Arrange half the smoked salmon slices on top, leaving a 1-inch border along short ends of lahvosh. Arrange half the cucumber and onion slices evenly over salmon. Beginning at a short end, roll lahvosh as tightly as possible, taking care not to push filling forward as you go. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Repeat to fill, roll, and wrap second lahvosh. Chill rolls for at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours. Unwrap rolls and trim off about 1 inch from each end (save to eat later). Cut each roll into eight equal pieces and arrange on a platter

Shrimp Toast (Ha Toe See)

Shrimp Toast (Ha Toe See)

1 tsp. Salt

1/2 lb. Shrimp; fresh; raw

2 T. Sherry

6 sl White sandwich bread

1 sm Egg; lightly beaten

2 Fresh pork fat pieces

2 Green onion stalks; chop

8 Water chestnuts

Sesame seeds

3 T. Cornstarch

Paprika

Leave bread out on a platter for 2 hours to dry. Trim crusts and cut each slice into 4 squares. Shell, devein and clean shrimp. Mince them into a fine, pulp like paste. Chop pork fat and water chestnuts until fine. Then mix with shrimp, green onions, salt, sherry, cornstarch and beaten egg. Mix well and spread mixture on the bread, making a slight mound on each piece. Sprinkle sesame seeds and paprika on the filling and press lightly so they adhere to the mixture. COOKING: Heat 4 cups of oil in the wok. Drop bread, shrimp side down, into oil and fry for 30 seconds. Turn and fry on the other side for another 30 seconds. (This is estimated time, since it depends on how hot the oil is. Use your judgment.) Both sides should be golden. Drain on paper towel and serve hot. DO AHEAD NOTES: Deep fry bread and mixture until it becomes a light beige color, then cool and freeze. To reheat, preheat oven at 350 degrees, place frozen toast in a single layer on a cookie sheet and heat for 12 minutes. If toast already is thawed, reheat for 5 to 6 minutes. The toast will become a deeper brown as its reheated. COMMENTS: Another way to serve this toast is by cutting each piece of bread diagonally into 2 triangles and spread on mixture. Top with a halved prawn in a lemon twist fashion and deep fry as usual. Arrange toast on a round platter, pin wheel fashion. Top with cherry tomatoes or parsley sprigs in the center of the pinwheel.

Steamed Turkey Pearl Balls

Steamed Turkey Pearl Balls

 

1 1/4 C. Glutinous rice

1 lb. Ground turkey

10 Dried Chinese mushrooms, soaked 20 minutes, stems removed and caps finely chopped

1 C. Canned water chestnuts, coarsely chopped

1 3/8 T. Minced fresh ginger

1 T. Minced scallions

3 T. Soy sauce

1 1/2 T. Rice wine or sake

1 1/2 T. Sesame oil

2 T. Cornstarch

Soy sauce for dipping (opt)

 

Using your fingers as a rake, rinse the rice under cold running water until the water runs clear. Drain and transfer to a baking pan. In a bowl mix the turkey, mushrooms, water chestnuts and seasonings. Line steamer trays with parchment or wax paper. Scrape teaspoon of the turkey mixture into balls and roll in the rice until completely covered. Arrange 1″ apart on the steamer trays. Cover and steam 25 minutes, or until cooked through. Serve immediately with soy sauce.

Chinese Deep-Fried Shrimp Balls

Chinese Deep-Fried Shrimp Balls

 

1 pound medium-sized shrimp in shells

3 ounces ground pork

 

Marinade:

¼ teaspoon white pepper

½ teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons minced ginger

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1 tablespoon dry sherry

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 egg white

 

 

¼ cup flour

3 cups cooking oil for deep-frying

 

Honey mustard sauce:

2 teaspoons mustard powder

1 tablespoon soy sauce

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

2 tablespoons plum sauce

¼ cup honey

 

Shell, devein, and rinse shrimp. Drain thoroughly. Add shrimp, pork and marinade to a food processor using the metal blade. Process for a few seconds, until shrimp is pasty. Remove to a bowl. Dust a cookie sheet with flour. Shape shrimp mixture into 1-inch balls. Place them on the cookie sheet.

To Cook: Heat 3 cups oil in a wok to 375 °F. Drop 8 shrimp balls into hot oil carefully, one at a time. Deep-fry for 3 to 5 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Deep-fry the remaining shrimp balls and serve with honey mustard sauce.

Shrimp, Scallop and Pork Shumai

Shrimp, Scallop and Pork Shumai

 

Filling:

1/2 pound medium shrimp, shelled and deveined

1/2 pound bay scallops

1/2 pound ground pork

2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger

2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro leaves

2 tablespoons minced shallots

2 teaspoons rice wine vinegar

1 tablespoon sesame oil

2 egg white, whipped

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 teaspoons cornstarch

1/2 lemon, juiced

1 (10-ounce) package round wonton wrappers (about 40 to 50 wrappers per package)

1 cup frozen peas

 

Canola oil, for brushing the steamer

Savoy cabbage, for lining the steamer, optional

Minced green onions, for garnish

Serving suggestion: soy sauce or dipping sauces of your choice

 

To make the filling: Combine the shrimp, scallops, pork, ginger, cilantro, shallots, vinegar, sesame oil and egg whites in a food processor. Season with salt and pepper, add the corn starch and lemon juice and pulse to combine– I like my fillings to have a little texture. (Alternatively chop the shrimp and scallops finely then add the pork, ginger, cilantro and vinegar and chop together. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and rapidly mix in the vinegar, sesame oil, egg whites, seasoning, corn starch and lemon juice.) To make the shumai: Hold a wonton wrapper in your hand. Spoon 1 tablespoon of the filling into the center of the wrapper (rinse the spoon in cold water so the filling doesn’t stick). Gather the edges of the wrapper up around the filling and squeeze the sides together with your fingers forming a little pleated cup. (The sides will naturally pleat, leaving the filling slightly exposed.) Tap the dumpling on the table so the bottom is flat and it stands upright then set aside on a baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling. Top each shumai with a pea. (You can freeze any leftover filling.) Lightly oil the bottom of a bamboo steamer then line it with the cabbage leaves. Stand the dumplings in the steamer in a single layer taking care that they don’t touch one another. (A 10-inch steamer will accommodate 12 shumai). Bring about 2 inches of water to a boil in a wok. Set the bamboo steamer in the wok, cover it with the bamboo lid and steam until the shumai feel firm, 10 to 12 minutes. Serve the shumai immediately garnished with green onions and accompanied by soy sauce or dipping sauces of your choice.

Steamed Chicken and Shiitake Buns

Steamed Chicken and Shiitake Buns

 

Dim Sum Buns:

3/4 cup warm water

1/8 cup sugar

1/2 tablespoon dry yeast

1/2 tablespoon melted lard

2 1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour

5 tablespoons water

 

Chicken and Shiitake Stuffing:

Canola oil, to cook

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1 tablespoon minced ginger

2 cups sliced shiitake mushrooms

Salt and black pepper

2 cups ground chicken meat

1/3 cup chopped chives

1 tablespoon truffle oil

 

Buns: Mix warm water with sugar to dissolve. Add yeast and let stand for 10 minutes. Mixture should get foamy, or the yeast is dead. Mix in lard. In a food processor, add flour and yeast mixture. While blade is spinning, pour in water until a ball forms. If dough is too sticky, add more flour. If dough appears dry and doesn’t form a ball, add more water. As soon as a ball forms, take dough out and knead by hand on a floured surface. For 10 minutes roll dough into one long log about 2-inches thick. Cut into 2-inch pieces. Filling: In a sauté pan coated with oil, sauté garlic and ginger. Add shiitakes and cook until soft. Season with salt and pepper. Let mixture cool. Assembly: In a bowl, mix shiitakes, chicken, chives, and truffle oil. Season with salt and pepper. Keep filling chilled before stuffing buns. Form thick circles and place about 1 tablespoon of stuffing in the middle of each piece of dough. Encircle stuffing with the dough, but do not seal. Let rest in a warm place for 30 minutes. In a steamer basket, steam buns for 10 to 12 minutes.

Fairy Good Quiche

Fairy Good Quiche

Refrigerated pie crust (or pop-tube crescent rolls)
1/2 cup grated cheese
2 eggs
2 Tbsp cream
Salt and Pepper to taste
(4-6 grape/cherry tomatoes – optional)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Generously spray a minimuffin tin with non-stick spray. Make sure to spray the area connecting each cup together along with the cups themselves. Cut a 2-3 inch flower shape out of the piecrust. (If using the crescent roll option you will need to form a square out of each triangle and pat out slightly before cutting.) Place each flower into a muffin cup, push the center in and against the walls of the pan, and then flatten the petals around the edge of the cup. Place approx 1 tsp grated cheese into the bottom of each shell. In a bowl, combine eggs, salt, pepper and cream. Pour into pastry shell filling almost to the top. (I find using a gravy ladle makes it really easy to fill the cups.) Sprinkle with 1 tsp of grated cheese and bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and slightly puffed. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before removing from pan. Garnish top with grape/cherry tomato slice or leave plain. Makes 10-12 bite size quiches.

Slow Roasted Tomatoes

Slow Roasted Tomatoes

Cherry, grape or small Roma tomatoes

Whole gloves of garlic, unpeeled

Olive oil

Herbs such as thyme or rosemary (optional)

 

Preheat oven to 225°F. Halve each cherry or grape tomato crosswise, or Roma tomato lengthwise and arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet along with the cloves of garlic. Drizzle with olive oil, just enough to make the tomatoes glisten. Sprinkle herbs on, if you are using them, and salt and pepper, though go easily on these because the finished product will be so flavorful you’ll need very little to help it along.  Bake the tomatoes in the oven for about three hours. You want the tomatoes to be shriveled and dry, but with a little juice left inside–this could take more or less time depending on the size of your tomatoes.   Either use them right away or let them cool, cover them with some extra olive oil and keep them in the fridge for the best summer condiment, ever. And for snacking.

Crab (Surimi) Salad

Crab (Surimi) Salad

1 pound imitation crab (surimi)
1 very large red bell pepper, diced
1 carrot, peeled and shredded
1/4 C. sweet red onion, sliced thin and quartered
5 radishes, sliced thin
3 stalks celery, sliced thin
1 head bibb or leaf lettuce
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. fresh cracked black pepper
1/2 C. low-fat mayonnaise
1/4 C. skim milk
lemon wedges and snipped parsley for garnish

Combine crab (slice into mouth-size bites if necessary), red bell pepper, carrot, onion, radishes, celery, salt and black pepper. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour. Combine mayonnaise and skim milk, stirring until smooth and the consistency is liquid enough for pouring. Add 1/4 tsp. of dill or if you like the flavor. (Try it without first – you can enjoy the mild flavors with a less flamboyant dressing!) Refrigerate until ready to serve. Serve mounds of crab salad on torn beds of bibb or leaf lettuce. Drizzle with mayo dressing and serve with lemon wedges and snipped parsley for garnish. (Also great stuffed in a pita pocket sandwich.)

Yield: 8 servings
Calories: 116
Fat: 5g
Fiber: 1g

Shrimp Pad Thai

Shrimp Pad Thai

8 oz. rice-stick noodles
1/4 C. tomato-based chili sauce
1/4 C. fresh lime juice
3 T. soy sauce
2 T. light-brown sugar
1 T. anchovy paste
4 T. vegetable oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 lb. peeled and deveined medium shrimp
3 C. bean sprouts, plus more for garnish
8 scallions, trimmed, halved lengthwise, and cut crosswise into 2-inch pieces
1 large egg, lightly beaten

Assorted garnishes (optional):
1/3 C. chopped dry-roasted peanuts
Pinch of red-pepper flakes
1 C. bean sprouts
1/4 C. fresh cilantro
Lime wedges

Bring a large pot of water to a boil; remove from heat. Stir in noodles; let soak until softened (but still undercooked), 3 minutes. Drain; rinse under cold water until cool. In a small bowl, whisk together chili sauce, lime juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and anchovy paste. In a large nonstick skillet, heat 2 T. oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic, and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add shrimp; cook, tossing often, until just opaque throughout, about 3 minutes. Transfer shrimp to a plate. Return skillet to medium-high heat. Add remaining 2 T. oil along with the noodles and chili-sauce mixture; cook, tossing, until combined, about 1 minute. Add bean sprouts, scallions, and shrimp. Pour in egg; toss until noodles are coated and cooked through, about 2 minutes. Serve, topped with garnishes, if desired.

Yield: 6 servings
Calories: 436
Fat: 16.7g
Fiber: 2.7g

Caterpillar Sandwiches

Caterpillar Sandwiches

1 medium carrot or green pepper or yellow sweet pepper

6 spinach tortillas (7-8 inches)

3/4 C. peanut butter or cream cheese

1/3 C. grape jelly or strawberry jelly

6 cherry tomatoes

1 oz. cheddar cheese, cut into 12 matchstick pieces

Use a vegetable peeler to peel carrots, Use a sharp knife to cut carrot crosswise into fourths. Cut 1-inch matchstick pieces of carrot or pepper (you should have 48 sticks).  Use a table knife to spread each tortilla with 2 T. of the peanut butter or cream cheese and about  1 T. of the jelly. Roll up tortillas to form spirals; press lightly to seal. Put the rolled tortillas on a cutting board. Cut each tortilla crosswise into five pieces.  On each of the six plates, arrange five tortillas pieces side to side, in a wavy line, with cut side down to resemble a caterpillar. To make a caterpillar head put a tomato at the end and insert pieces of cheddar cheese in tomato for antennae. To make legs, arrange four carrot sticks on each side of caterpillar.

Yield: 6 servings

Calories: 328

Fat: 13.8g

Fiber: 2.7g

Nutritional information based on carrot, peanut butter, and normal fiber tortilla.  Obviously you can manipulate those numbers by using (fat free or low fat) cream cheese, a high fiber tortilla, etc.

Alphabet Pasta Salad

Alphabet Pasta Salad

 

4oz. uncooked alphabet pasta (or other small pasta such as stars, orzo)

1 oz. Cheddar cheese (or Gouda, Edam), finely grated

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 tsp mayonnaise

1 tsp olive oil

1/2 tsp sugar

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp ground cumin

1/4 tsp dried thyme or dill

1/8 tsp garlic salt

Pinch of pepper

 

Cook pasta in salted water according to package instructions.  Drain, run under cold water and drain again.  Mix in remaining ingredients. Chill until ready to serve.

 

Yield: 2 Servings

Calories: 310

Fat: 9.8g

Fiber: 1.6g

You can increase the fiber to 5g a serving by switching to a whole wheat pasta.  Tiny peas or finely grated carrot or zucchini may also be added to up the nutrition content.

Char Siu Pork

Char Siu Pork

3 pounds boneless pork (butt, tenderloin, shoulder, etc.)

1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce

1/4 cup oyster sauce

3 tablespoons white wine vinegar

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup brown sugar

2 1/2 teaspoons Chinese 5-Spice powder

2 teaspoons kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

3 drops red food coloring

1/4 cup honey, for brushing over the pork

2 cups rice, cooked according to package directions, for serving

 

Combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, vinegar, white sugar, brown sugar, Chinese 5-Spice powder, salt, and ginger in a bowl and whisk together. Place your pork in a large sealable bag or container, then add in the marinade. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, but overnight is best for the skin to become saturated with the sweet marinade.  Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Line and/or grease a large rimmed pan or dish and place the pork in it. Cover the pan or dish with tinfoil and bake for 25 minutes. Take the pork out of the oven, flip it on its other side, and bake for another 25 minutes.  Take the pork out of the oven and turn the oven’s heat up to 450 degrees F, or your broiler setting. Broil the pork for another 5-8 minutes, until the skin is crispy and shiny. Take the pork out, baste it with some of the juices from the pan, and brush with the honey.  Slice at a 45 degree angle and serve over cooked rice. Serves 2-3.

Lunchbox Peppers Sautéed in Garlic and Olive Oil

Lunchbox Peppers Sautéed in Garlic and Olive Oil

Lunchbox Peppers Sautéed in Garlic and Olive Oil

1 package of Mini Peppers

2 Tbsp. olive oil, and maybe extra

3 garlic cloves, sliced

salt and pepper to taste

 

In a large skillet, heat olive oil on low heat. Add garlic and peppers, and cover with a large splatter screen. Sauté on the lowest heat, turning the peppers every few minutes until they are slightly charred and softened. Add some salt and pepper, to taste. Before removing them, you may drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over them, about 2 teaspoons. Remove and transfer them to a serving platter and serve. Cover with foil wrap to keep them warm until you are ready to serve them.

Cheesy Bread Animals

Cheesy Bread Animals

Cheesy Bread Animals

2 C. Flour

Pinch of Salt

½ T. fast-acting dried Yeast

½ tsp. Honey

Pinch Cayenne Pepper

1 tsp. Dry Mustard

2/3 C. Warm Water

½ C. Grated Cheddar Cheese

2 T. freshly grated Parmesan Cheese

 

Decorations:

1 Egg, beaten

Raisins, Sesame Seeds

Poppy Seeds

Grated Cheddar Cheese

 

Sift flour and salt into a mixing bowl.  Stir in yeast, honey, cayenne and mustard and just enough of the water to form a soft dough.  Transfer to a floured surface and knead lightly about 5 minutes to make a smooth pliable dough.  Gradually knead the grated cheeses into the dough (this will produce a slightly streaky effect).  Shape the dough into six animal figures and transfer to a floured baking sheet.  Cover loosely with a clean towel and leave to rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until doubled in size.  Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Brush with beaten egg and add raisins for eyes, sprinkle the tops with sesame or poppy seeds, or grated cheese.  Transfer to preheated oven and bake 20 minutes, or until golden brown.  Leave on wire rack to cool.

 

from First Meals

Mildly Spiced Vegetable Samosas

Mildly Spiced Vegetable Samosas

Mildly Spiced Vegetable Samosas

1/2 tablespoon vegetable oil

1/2 onion, very finely chopped

1/2 garlic clove, crushed

1/4 teaspoon curry powder

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

1 cup finely chopped mushroom

3/4 cup cauliflower, cut into very small florets

1 carrot, very finely chopped

2 teaspoons superfine sugar

3 teaspoons plain yogurt

salt and pepper 12 phyllo pastry sheets

4 tablespoons butter, melted

 

Heat the oil in a skillet, add the onion and garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Stir in the spices and sauté for 1 minute. Add the vegetables and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the sugar and yogurt. Season and cook for 3-4 minutes. Lay the phyllo pastry out flat and cover with a damp dish towel. Place one sheet of pastry on the work surface and brush with melted butter. Fold the pastry in half lengthwise and brush again with butter. Place a tablespoon of filling on one end of the strip, leaving a 1 inch wide border around it. Fold over the corner to make a triangle, then keep folding the package over on itself, along the length of the pastry. Seal the flap left at the end with melted butter. Repeat with the remaining sheets and filling. Place the samosas on a lightly greased baking sheet and brush with more butter. Bake in a 350 degree F preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until crisp.

 

From First Meals

Sticky BBQ Drumsticks

Sticky BBQ Drumsticks

Sticky BBQ Drumsticks

 

4 Chicken Drumsticks, scored with a knife

½ T. Vegetable Oil

1 small Onion, diced

1/3 C. Dark Brown Sugar

Juice of ½ Lemon

½ T. Worcestershire Sauce

4 T. Catsup

1 T. White Wine Vinegar

 

Heat oil in small frying pan and sauté onions until soft.  Stir in sugar and cook gently for 1-2 minutes.  Add remaining ingredients except chicken and marinate at least 30 minutes and up to 12 hours in the refrigerator.  Pour into non-reactive container and allow to cool.   Add drumsticks, turning to coat.  Preheat broiler to a high heat.  Transfer drumsticks to a baking dish, baste well with marinade, and place under broiler.  Cook for 20 minutes, turning halfway through.  When fully cooked, wrap foil around ends to make an easy handle; serve hot or cold.

 

Good lunch box food

 

From First Meals

Grown Up Mini Muffin Pizzas

Grown Up Mini Muffin Pizzas

Grown Up Mini Muffin Pizzas

 

3 whole wheat English Muffins, halved

2 T. Tomato Paste

2 T. Pesto

1 T. Olive Oil

½ Red Onion, thinly sliced

3 Mushrooms, sliced

½ Zucchini, thinly sliced

2-3 slices ham or 6 slices Salami

scant 1 C. grated Cheddar cheese or 6 slices Mozzarella

 

Mix tomato paste and pesto together in a small bowl and spread equally among the muffin halves.  Heat oil in nonstick skillet and cook onion, mushrooms and zucchini until soft and beginning to brown.  Preheat broiler to high.  Divide vegetables between the muffins, top with the meat, then the cheese.  Cook under broiler 3-4 minutes, until cheese is melted.  Serve hot or cold.  Wrap in waxed paper for a lunch box.

 

From Delicious Lunches

Sticky Drumsticks

Sticky Drumsticks

Sticky Drumsticks

 

3 T. Plum Jam

1 T. Soy Sauce

1 tsp. Lemon Juice

Few drops Tabasco Sauce

1 tsp. Sesame Seeds

4 Chicken Drumsticks, skinned

 

Mix together all ingredients except chicken in a shallow bowl.  Wash drumsticks and pat them dry with paper towels.  Score each one with a knife several times and place in marinade.  Leave for 2 hours to overnight in the refrigerator.  Heat broiler to high.  Place chicken on baking sheet 4-5 inches below heating element and broil for 20 minutes, basting with marinade halfway through and turning occasionally to prevent burning.

 

From Lunch Boxes and Snacks

Maple Ginger Sticky Sausages

Maple Ginger Sticky Sausages

Maple Ginger Sticky Sausages

 

12 skinny Breakfast Sausages

3 T. Maple Syrup

1 T. Soy Sauce

½ tsp. fresh Ginger

 

Preheat oven to 400.  Place sausages in small baking dish, lined with foil for easier cleanup.  Bake 10 minutes.  Meanwhile mix together remaining ingredients.  Spoon off any excess fat and pour the maple syrup mix over sausages.  Bake another 25 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes and keeping a close eye on them in the last 5 minutes.  Transfer to plate and allow to cool 10 minutes before serving.

Steamed Roast Pork Buns

Steamed Roast Pork Buns

2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1 T. baking powder

1 T. lard, softened

1/3 cup lukewarm water

2 cups roasted pork back rib, shredded

2 green onions

1 T. vegetable oil

1/3 cup cold water

1 Tbs. cornstarch

1/4 cup soy sauce

2 tsp. oyster sauce

1 T. granulated sugar

Parchment paper squares

 

In a large bowl, combine flour, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, baking powder and lard. Add 1/3 cup lukewarm water and knead until the dough is smooth and soft; let it stand for 30 minutes in a bowl with a moist towel over it (dough will rise).  In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Add pork and green onions; sauté for 45 seconds. In a small bowl, combine cold water and cornstarch, mixing thoroughly. Add cornstarch mixture to skillet along with soy sauce, oyster sauce and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; simmer until it thickens slightly. Spread onto plate to cool. Roll dough into a long sausage shape and cut into 12 portions. Roll each portion into a ball and flatten with fingers or rolling pin. Place a portion of the filling onto the center of each dough round. With fingers, spread a little water on the edges of each dough round and gently pinch edges together to seal the bun. Set each bun onto a parchment square, seam-side down, and place in a steamer basket. Cover and steam over rapidly boiling water for 10 minutes.

Grapefruit Jicama Salad with Pistachios and Asian Lime Vinaigrette

Grapefruit Jicama Salad with Pistachios and Asian Lime Vinaigrette

Grapefruit Jicama Salad with Pistachios and Asian Lime Vinaigrette

3 Large Grapefruit (Peeled and segmented )

¾ Pound Jicama (Peeled and coarsely shredded)

1 Medium Carrot (About ½ cup; Peeled and grated or finely shredded)

1/3 Cup Fresh Cilantro Leaves (Plus 2 tablespoons)

2 Tablespoons Pistachios (Toasted and crushed)

 

1 Serrano Chile

1 Large Garlic Clove

1 Tablespoon Dark Brown Sugar (Packed)

3 Tablespoon Fresh Lime Juice (About 2 Medium Limes)

1½ Tablespoon Asian Fish Sauce (Preferably Nuoc Mam)

 

For the Vinaigrette: Cut the chile in half, scrape out the seeds, and mince it, being careful to wash your fingers and the knife when you’re done. (You should have about 1 1/2 teaspoons.) In a small bowl, whisk together the chile, garlic, brown sugar, lime juice and fish sauce until the sugar has dissolved.  For the Salad: In a large serving bowl, toss together the grapefruit, jicama, carrot, and 1/3 cup of the cilantro leaves. Add just enough of the vinaigrette to lightly coat the grapefruit and vegetables. Scatter the pistachios over the salad and garnish with the remaining 2 tablespoons cilantro leaves.

Chicken Yakitori with Scallions

Chicken Yakitori with Scallions

Chicken Yakitori with Scallions

Teriyaki sauce:

1/4 C. rice wine vinegar

2 T. brown sugar

1/4 C. soy sauce

1 T. fresh ginger root, coating scraped off with the tip of a spoon and finely minced

2 T. sliced scallions, white and tender green parts only (1 or 2 scallions)

1/4 C. cornstarch dissolved in 1/4 C. water

2 pounds boneless chicken breasts, cut into cubes

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 C. sake

12 bamboo skewers

2 leeks, white parts only, soaked in salt water to remove grit and sliced on the bias into 1-inch lengths

To make the teriyaki sauce, heat the rice wine vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, ginger, and scallions to boiling over medium heat. Let cook for 7 minutes, then whisk in cornstarch slurry and cook for another 3 minutes or so, to allow to thicken. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.  Arrange the chicken cubes in a shallow nonreactive container such as a glass baking dish. Season with salt and pepper and rub into the chicken. Pour the sake over the chicken and then pour in the teriyaki sauce. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.  Begin soaking about 12 bamboo skewers in water so they won’t burn on the grill.  Heat the grill and thread alternate pieces of chicken and leeks on the skewers. Each skewer should have approximately 3 pieces of chicken, and each serving will consist of 3 skewers. Grill over indirect heat until the chicken is tender but not dry, about 5 to 10 minutes.

Shrimp Tempura

Shrimp Tempura

Shrimp Tempura

 

Tempura mix:

1 1/2 C. all-purpose flour

3/4 C. cornstarch

4 1/2 tsp. baking powder

2 tsp. curry powder

12 oz. cold seltzer

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 to 3 liters canola oil (approximately, as needed for deep-frying)

Shrimp:

1 pound (21-30 count) shrimp, deveined and shells removed

Special equipment: Approximately 12 (8-inch) bamboo skewers

 

To make tempura, mix flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and curry powder in a bowl. Dredge the shrimp in this dry mix, shaking any excess back into the bowl, and add seltzer to the tempura in a stream while whisking constantly to make it into batter. Season with salt and pepper.  Heat canola oil to 375 degrees F in a deep-fryer, or according to the manufacturer’s instructions for similar foods.  Thread the dusted shrimp onto skewers, approximately 4 to a skewer. Pour the tempura batter into a glass pie plate, dip each skewer of shrimp into the tempura batter, and add to the deep- fryer basket. Fry until golden brown. Drain on paper toweling and serve warm.

Spiced Pork

Spiced Pork

Spiced Pork

 

1 ½ lb. fresh Ham or Boneless Pork

3 T. Sweet Bean Sauce

3 T. Dark Soy Sauce

1 T. Chinese Rice Wine

1 whole Star Anise

1 C. Boiling Water

¼ C. Rock Sugar

 

Wash pork and wipe dry.  Rub all sides with sweet bean sauce; marinate 2-3 hours in the refrigerator.  Place soy sauce, wine and star anise in a deep pot and bring to a boil; add pork and boiling water.  Simmer over low heat 30 minutes.  Ass rock sugar and simmer 1 hour longer, turning meat frequently.  When sauce has been reduced to ½ C. and is rather thick, remove pot from heat and let meat cool in the pot.  Slice pork and arrange it attractively on the plate.  Pour sauce on top.  Delicious hot or at room temperature.  From:  Dim Sum Made Easy

Ham Negimayaki

Ham Negimayaki

Ham Negimayaki

Scallions

Thinly sliced ham or cured meat of your choice.

 

Cut the green parts of scallions or spring onions into pieces about 5cm / 2 inches long. Put on a plate, cover with plastic wrap and microwave on HIGH for about 2 minutes. (Alternatively you can cook them in a pan covered with just enough hot water, for about 3 minutes.)  Cut the ham into pieces that are just a bit narrower than the length of the green onion pieces. Take small bundles of the onion and wrap the ham tightly around them.  Heat up a non-stick frying pan and add a tiny bit of oil. Put the ham-and-onion rolls with the roll ends down in the hot pan. Leave until the bottom is a golden brown (this also seals the ends). Turn over 2-3 times more to brown the ham all over.  You shouldn’t need any more salt, but if you like you can sprinkle on some allspice, or Chinese 5 spice powder, or chili powder, for a little extra oomph.  You can make as few or as many of these rolls as you require. They freeze very well. Reheat in the microwave or in a frying pan over medium-low heat with the lid on.

Stuffed Muffin Recipe

Stuffed Muffin Recipe

You’ll need some sort of corn muffin mix (you can make your own or I use Jif), plus milk & an egg, whatever it calls for. Combine all that, per directions, then add one of the following:

 

1-1.5 C. of diced cooked chicken w/1 C. of frozen mixed veggies

Chopped pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, and a couple of Tsp. sauce for pizza muffins

Sautéed ground beef and cheddar for cheeseburger muffins

Diced hotdogs (about 3) and cheese of your choice for corndog muffins

Taco seasoned ground beef and quesadilla cheese for taco muffins

Leftover roast beef, cheese of your choice, and a couple of Tsp. of gravy

Ham and swiss (my favorite)

 

Basically, add as much or as little filler as you want. My kids prefer lots of filler so every bite has stuff in it. A T. of the mixture should have a bunch of stuff in it, not just be a T. of corn muffin. Spoon it into muffin pans and bake per package directions, yield about 12 regular muffins. These freeze very well. I bake 2-3 batches at once and toss them in the freezer for emergency meals. I put them in the fridge at night to defrost and they are pretty much done by morning, definitely done by lunchtime.