My favorite food in the world is steamed clams. My Grandma and I used to get them at the Pike Place Market during her yearly visit from the east coast. We also used to do a cracked crab feast. These are some of my favorite memories of summers growing up. Oh, and horse camp. My first kiss was with "Tom from Boston" after the barn dance. Well, that is not really relevant to my story. Oh, well.
These days my favorite food is Pad Thai with Tofu, 3 stars. I'm a little boring to take out to dinner to Thai restaurants. I pretty much order the same thing every time. I also love the veggie burger. My new Attic staple.
Today, I started to think about what if I combined the two? Below find my creation for a Pad Thai Veggie Burger. Truly delicious!
* Ingredients *
2 cups cooke jasmine rice
1/4 block extra firm tofu
1 egg
1 cup panko bread crumbs
1/4 cup chopped peanuts
2 green onions, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoons chili flakes
Juice of 1 Lime
Olive or Peanut Oil
Shredded Carrot
Shredded Cabbage
Lime wedge
Peanut Sauce
* Instructions *
1. Combine first 9 ingredients in food processor.Pulse until well combined.
2. Form mixture into 9 small patties.
3. Heat 2 tablespoons oil into a frying pan. Brown each patty at approximately 3 minutes a side.
4. Serve with carrot, cabbage, lime and spicy peanut sauce.
Happy (almost) Hearts Day! My valentine this year is a little black dog name Zeuggie. I'm pretty sure he is going to get me something small and sparkly tomorrow. Rule for all boys, men and doggies out there - you can never go wrong with small and sparkly for your valentine. Wait I take that back, I'd rather have a new flash for my camera or a new pair of ski boots.
Since most girls love pink, hearts, sparkles and bubbles, I hosted group yesterday for a little crafting and champagne. Ribbons, stamps, fun papers and glitter provided the activity and was an outlet for everyone to express there one "Tarte and Parcel-esque" creativity.
The menu was equally whimsical. Based on the theme: "Love is sweet and a little savory" snacks included:
* My Heart "Beets" for You Hummus
* Shot of Love Shrimp
* Apple of My Eye Ravioli
* Be(ef) Tender to my Loins Bruchetta
* Making Whoopie Pies
* Cupid Cakes
My favorite of the bunch was the"Shot of Love Shrimp" inspired from a Bloody Mary. Here are the instructions!
Shot of Love Shrimp
* Ingredients *
1 lb cooked prawns
1/2 lb cherry tomatoes
1 14 oz can of tomato sauce
1 cup Absolut Pepper Vodka
3 tablespoons Tabasco
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
Pepperoncinis
Celery
Coronichons (I love mini pickles!)
* Instructions *
1. Marinate shrimp and cherry tomatoes in next 5 ingredients overnight.
2. Alternate shrimp and tomatoes on skewers with celery, pepperoncinis and coronichons.
As an aside, the marathon is at long last finally a commitment. I am running the San Diego Rock and Roll Marathon in June. To help with the training I have joined, Team in In Training and raising money for cancer research. If you have a need for dessert or apps for your next shower, luncheon, dinner or party I would be happy to exchange any culinary skills for a donation. Fight cancer and eat well... I'd say it's a double win. :)
