Saturday, May 21, 2011

Sweet Potato Fries




Technically, these little morsels shouldn't be called "fries" because
they're baked, not fried. But 'Sweet Potato Sticks' doesn't sound nearly as
appetizing, now does it.:)

I first saw this recipe on how does she? and was skeptical about how they would turn out so I made traditional baked sweet potatoes (with cinnamon sugar) as well as the experimental fries to go along with our steaks. I should have made them all fries because they were so good! And all three kids ate them too! Yum! We may never have to eat deep fried 'fries' again!

5 star rating because even as full as I was, I couldn't help but finish off
the last of them. This is all that was left by the time I got my hands on my
camera. For better, more appetizing photos click here.
Baked Sweet Potato Fries
2 or 3 good sized red yams
olive oil
grated parmesan, yes the stuff in the green can
(my sweet gammy always called this par-ME-san)

Peel then cut the potatoes into strips, or sticks. Put in a large bowl and toss with a couple tablespoons olive oil and grated parmesan until evenly coated. Spread on foil covered cookie sheet and roast at 425 for 30 minutes, turning every 10-15 minutes. Serve with favorite dipping sauce. I like traditional Utah fry sauce, which is equal parts ketchup and mayonnaise. (Well, I probably favor the ketchup a little)

*Note: images are from different batches. I tried skins on but think I prefer no skins:)

Monday, May 16, 2011

Vermont Maple Blueberry Salad

This salad is so delicious at Cafe Zupas. Could I recreate it? I think I can.
1 head Romaine Lettuce, cleaned and chopped
Fresh Blueberries
1-2 Granny Smith Apples
Crumbled Blue Cheese
Cinnamon sugared Almonds (below)
Maple Vinaigrette (below)

Toss and serve. Yum!

Maple Vinaigrette
(all amounts are approximate. I just poured what I thought might work)
3T White Wine Vinegar
1/4 c sugar, dissolved in the vinegar
1/2 c vegetable oil
1/4 c maple syrup
1/2 tsp dry mustard
dash onion powder


Cinnamon Sugared Almonds
1 c raw almonds (I actually like to chop them a bit before sugaring them, make them bite size)
1/2 c sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/8 c water

Combine sugar with cinnamon then add water. Boil in a saucepan and add almonds, stirring often if not constantly. Cook until moisture has evaporated. Spread on cookie sheet to cool.


Sunday, May 1, 2011

Sushi



Getting a little daring? Maybe.
I don't do the raw fish thing. No thank you I learned enough about the risks of that in college Microbiology. But this, hmmm. Actually kind of tasty, though I'm probably the only one who liked it, which is why I only rated it a 3



California Rolls

Crab legs (I just used imitation)
Avocado, cut into strips
Cucumber, cut into strips
Sushi Rice, prepared according to package directions
Hoshi Nori Sushi Wraps
Sauce for dipping ie Wasabi, Teriyaki


For instructions, I went to youtube where there are several instructional videos on how to. Although most California Rolls have the rice on the outside, I opted to put it on the inside.