The {Page-Turner-Cookbook} featuring
Indonesia
Cuisine is influenced by:- Asian -
Indonesia:7 recipes
Asian-style halibut in parchment
Beef satay
Broiled fillets of salmon with ginger cream
Coriander-pepper pork chops
Nasi goreng
Rambutan fruit smoothie
Thai pasta salad with shrimp and vegetables
Asian:5 recipes
Brown rice and chicken stir fry with edamame and walnuts
Meringues with ginger ice cream and chocolate sauce
Oriental lemon chicken
Spicy peanut chicken
Tomato stack salad
Two foods adored by Indonesians are tempeh – fermented soybeans usually found in block form that are high in protein and fibre – and krupuk, or deep fried crackers, made from prawn, seafood or vegetables, which are eaten at the start of a meal.
With 6,000 islands, there are many regional specialties, but wherever you are in Indonesia, most meals, including breakfast, are based around rice. Literally meaning "fried rice", nasi goreng is considered the national dish . It is a meal of stir-fried rice spiced with kecap manis (sweet soy sauce), shallot, garlic, tamarind and chilli and accompanied by other ingredients, mainly egg, chicken, prawns or salted dried fish.
Some of the intense flavour in Indonesian food comes from very sweet and sour ingredients – such as the thick sweet soy sauce called kecap manis, which is used in countless dishes. The sour notes in the cuisine come from tamarind and lime and the aromatics from shallots, ginger, galangal, pandan, turmeric, lemongrass and lime leaves.
With 6,000 islands, there are many regional specialties, but wherever you are in Indonesia, most meals, including breakfast, are based around rice. Literally meaning "fried rice", nasi goreng is considered the national dish . It is a meal of stir-fried rice spiced with kecap manis (sweet soy sauce), shallot, garlic, tamarind and chilli and accompanied by other ingredients, mainly egg, chicken, prawns or salted dried fish.
Some of the intense flavour in Indonesian food comes from very sweet and sour ingredients – such as the thick sweet soy sauce called kecap manis, which is used in countless dishes. The sour notes in the cuisine come from tamarind and lime and the aromatics from shallots, ginger, galangal, pandan, turmeric, lemongrass and lime leaves.
Asian-style halibut in parchment 
A flavorful simple easy recipe
Serves: 4
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced lengthwise
4 6-ounce halibut fillets
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3 scallions (white and green parts), thinly sliced on a diagonal
zest from 1/2 orange
3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons sesame oil
1 tablespoon grated ginger root
Cooked brown rice
Serves: 4
Preparation time:15 minutes
Cooking time:15 minutes
4 baby bok choy, ends trimmed1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced lengthwise
4 6-ounce halibut fillets
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3 scallions (white and green parts), thinly sliced on a diagonal
zest from 1/2 orange
3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons sesame oil
1 tablespoon grated ginger root
Cooked brown rice
Heat oven to 400° F.
Prepare four 15-inch squares of parchment paper or aluminum foil and arrange on 2 baking sheets.
Cook the bok choy in boiling water for 5-6 minutes.
Cut the bok choy in quarters lengthwise. Divide bok choy and bell pepper evenly among the squares, place the halibut fillets on top, sprinkle with black pepper, and top with the scallions and zest.
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, vinegar, oil, and ginger. Spoon half of the mixture evenly over the halibut.
Top each fillet with another square of parchment or foil and fold the edges over several times to seal. Bake for 15 minutes.
Transfer each packet to a plate. Slit open the package Being careful of the steam that will escape.
Serve with brown rice and remaining sauce.
Prepare four 15-inch squares of parchment paper or aluminum foil and arrange on 2 baking sheets.
Cook the bok choy in boiling water for 5-6 minutes.
Cut the bok choy in quarters lengthwise. Divide bok choy and bell pepper evenly among the squares, place the halibut fillets on top, sprinkle with black pepper, and top with the scallions and zest.
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, vinegar, oil, and ginger. Spoon half of the mixture evenly over the halibut.
Top each fillet with another square of parchment or foil and fold the edges over several times to seal. Bake for 15 minutes.
Transfer each packet to a plate. Slit open the package Being careful of the steam that will escape.
Serve with brown rice and remaining sauce.
Beef satay
Satays, skewers of seasoned meat that are easy to prepare and quick to cook, are ideal for warm-weather dining and out door grilling.
Satays are the Indonesian version of shish kebab that does not have alternate layers of vegetables.
They can be made with almost any meat, poultry or seafood. This seasoned dish is often served with a spicy and sweet sauce made of ground peanuts and peanut butter.
Serves: 4
3 2-inch pieces lemon grass
1 piece lemon rind
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons soy sauce, preferably ketjap manis, a sweet soy sauce
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon shrimp paste (optional)
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
To taste salt
1/2 teaspoon sugar
PEANUT SAUCE FOR SATAYS
2 tablespoons corn or peanut oil
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 tablespoons finely chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon grated ginger
1/4 teaspoon shrimp paste
3 tablespoons tamarind liquid
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
1 cup peanut butter
1 tablespoon lemon or lime juice
1 1/4 cups boiling water
Satays are the Indonesian version of shish kebab that does not have alternate layers of vegetables.
They can be made with almost any meat, poultry or seafood. This seasoned dish is often served with a spicy and sweet sauce made of ground peanuts and peanut butter.
Serves: 4
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Cooking time:20 minutes
1 lb flank steak 3 2-inch pieces lemon grass
1 piece lemon rind
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons soy sauce, preferably ketjap manis, a sweet soy sauce
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon shrimp paste (optional)
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
To taste salt
1/2 teaspoon sugar
PEANUT SAUCE FOR SATAYS
2 tablespoons corn or peanut oil
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 tablespoons finely chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon grated ginger
1/4 teaspoon shrimp paste
3 tablespoons tamarind liquid
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
1 cup peanut butter
1 tablespoon lemon or lime juice
1 1/4 cups boiling water
Cut the steak into one-inch cubes and put them in a mixing bowl. Add the lemon grass and lemon rind. Put the onion, soy sauce, oil, shrimp paste, cumin, coriander, turmeric, salt and sugar in the container of a food processor or blender, and blend to a fine paste.
Pour this over the meat and blend well. Let stand one hour. Light and heat the grill.
Arrange equal portions of the meat on each of eight wooden skewers that have been pre soaked in cold water. Place the meat on the grill and cook about two minutes.
Turn and cook about two minutes on the other side. Serve with peanut sauce.
The sauce:
Heat the oil in a saucepan, and add the garlic and onion. Cook stirring over low heat for 2 to 3 minutes.
Add the pepper flakes. Ginger, shrimp paste, tamarind liquid, sugar, peanut butter, and lemon or lime.
Whisk in the boiling water. When blended, remove from heat.
If the sauce starts to curdle, add a little more water.
Pour this over the meat and blend well. Let stand one hour. Light and heat the grill.
Arrange equal portions of the meat on each of eight wooden skewers that have been pre soaked in cold water. Place the meat on the grill and cook about two minutes.
Turn and cook about two minutes on the other side. Serve with peanut sauce.
The sauce:
Heat the oil in a saucepan, and add the garlic and onion. Cook stirring over low heat for 2 to 3 minutes.
Add the pepper flakes. Ginger, shrimp paste, tamarind liquid, sugar, peanut butter, and lemon or lime.
Whisk in the boiling water. When blended, remove from heat.
If the sauce starts to curdle, add a little more water.
Broiled fillets of salmon with ginger cream
The broiled salmon fillets are served with a creamy and tangy ginger sauce. Salmon steaks can also be used with this recipe.
Serves: 6
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
to taste, salt, ground black pepper
2 cups fish stock
1 cup dry white wine
2 tablespoons shallots, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
2 ounces butter
2 tablespoons fresh ginger, peeled cut into fine strips
2 tablespoons fresh chives, cut into 1/2-inch sticks
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Serves: 6
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:30 minutes
6 6-ounces salmon fillets, with the skin 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
to taste, salt, ground black pepper
2 cups fish stock
1 cup dry white wine
2 tablespoons shallots, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
2 ounces butter
2 tablespoons fresh ginger, peeled cut into fine strips
2 tablespoons fresh chives, cut into 1/2-inch sticks
1/2 teaspoon paprika
For the sauce:
In a large saucepan, combine the fish stock, white wine, and shallots. Bring to a boil and reduce the liquid by half. Add the heavy cream and the grated ginger. Bring the liquid back to a boil. Continue to reduce by half or until lightly thickened.
Strain the sauce through a fine strainer. Whisk in the butter, a few bits at the time. Set the sauce aside, and keep in a warm place.
Preheat the broiler. Wash the salmon fillets in cold water. Pat dry. Arrange side by side skin side up in an oiled oven-proof dish. Season with salt and pepper. Place the salmon under the broiler, 4 inches from the source of heat.
Broil for 10 to 12 minutes until the skin is crisp and the flesh is opaque.
PRESENTATION
Cover the bottom of 6 hot plates with some of the hot ginger sauce. Arrange a piece of salmon in the center of each plate. Sprinkle the salmon with strips of ginger and chives. Pour remaining sauce over the fish. Dust with paprika. Serve hot.
In a large saucepan, combine the fish stock, white wine, and shallots. Bring to a boil and reduce the liquid by half. Add the heavy cream and the grated ginger. Bring the liquid back to a boil. Continue to reduce by half or until lightly thickened.
Strain the sauce through a fine strainer. Whisk in the butter, a few bits at the time. Set the sauce aside, and keep in a warm place.
Preheat the broiler. Wash the salmon fillets in cold water. Pat dry. Arrange side by side skin side up in an oiled oven-proof dish. Season with salt and pepper. Place the salmon under the broiler, 4 inches from the source of heat.
Broil for 10 to 12 minutes until the skin is crisp and the flesh is opaque.
PRESENTATION
Cover the bottom of 6 hot plates with some of the hot ginger sauce. Arrange a piece of salmon in the center of each plate. Sprinkle the salmon with strips of ginger and chives. Pour remaining sauce over the fish. Dust with paprika. Serve hot.
Coriander-pepper pork chops
Serves: 4
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time:15 minutes
1 tablespoon ground black pepper 2 whole crushed garlic cloves
4 1 inch boneless pork chops
1 tablespoon crushed coriander seeds
1 tablespoon brown sugar
3 tablespoons soy sauce
Combine all ingredients except pork chops.
Place chops in a shallow dish and pour marinade over; let marinate 30 minutes.
Prepare medium-hot coals in grill bed. Remove pork from marinade, discarding marinade, and grill chops for 7-8 minutes, turning once.
Or broil chops 3-4 inches from heat source 7-8 minutes, turning once.
Place chops in a shallow dish and pour marinade over; let marinate 30 minutes.
Prepare medium-hot coals in grill bed. Remove pork from marinade, discarding marinade, and grill chops for 7-8 minutes, turning once.
Or broil chops 3-4 inches from heat source 7-8 minutes, turning once.
Nasi goreng
The literal translation of Nasi Goreng is “fried rice” in Indonesian and Malaysian – and that’s exactly what it is! It’s mainly rice with just a little bit of meat and just onion for the vegetables.
Recipe inspired by PAT TANUMIHARDJA
Serves: 3
2 small shallots (2 ounces; 55g), roughly chopped
3 medium cloves garlic
1 large fresh green chili, such as Fresno or Holland, stemmed and seeded, or 1 teaspoon sambal oelek, such as Huy Fong (see note)
1/2 teaspoon terasi(Indonesian shrimp paste), optional
For the Nasi Goreng:
4 cups cold cooked jasmine rice (21 ounces; 600g) or other medium- to long-grain rice (see note)
2 tablespoons (30ml) neutral oil, such as canola or sunflower oil
2 tablespoons (30ml) kecap manis (see note), plus more for drizzling
2 teaspoons (10ml) soy sauce
Kosher salt
Ground white pepper
To Serve:
2 fried eggs, cooked sunny-side up or over easy
Sliced cucumbers (optional)
Sliced tomatoes (optional)
Fried shallots (optional)
Recipe inspired by PAT TANUMIHARDJA
Serves: 3
Preparation time:20 minutes
Cooking time:10 minutes
For the Spice Paste:2 small shallots (2 ounces; 55g), roughly chopped
3 medium cloves garlic
1 large fresh green chili, such as Fresno or Holland, stemmed and seeded, or 1 teaspoon sambal oelek, such as Huy Fong (see note)
1/2 teaspoon terasi(Indonesian shrimp paste), optional
For the Nasi Goreng:
4 cups cold cooked jasmine rice (21 ounces; 600g) or other medium- to long-grain rice (see note)
2 tablespoons (30ml) neutral oil, such as canola or sunflower oil
2 tablespoons (30ml) kecap manis (see note), plus more for drizzling
2 teaspoons (10ml) soy sauce
Kosher salt
Ground white pepper
To Serve:
2 fried eggs, cooked sunny-side up or over easy
Sliced cucumbers (optional)
Sliced tomatoes (optional)
Fried shallots (optional)
1. For the Spice Paste: Add half the shallots to a mortar and grind with the pestle until a coarse purée forms. Add remaining shallots, followed by garlic, chili, and terasi (if using), grinding with the pestle until each ingredient is mostly incorporated before adding the next. The final paste should resemble thick oatmeal in texture. Alternatively, combine all spice paste ingredients in a small food processor and process until they form a paste.
2. For the Nasi Goreng: If using day-old rice, transfer rice to a bowl and break rice up with your hands into individual grains.
3. Heat oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add spice paste and cook, stirring constantly and scraping the bottom of the wok or pan to prevent the paste from burning, until a pungent smell permeates your kitchen and the paste turns a few shades darker, 2 to 3 minutes. Reduce heat to medium at any time if the paste appears to be browning too quickly.
4. Add rice to the wok and stir to coat with the spice paste. Add kecap manis and soy sauce. Stir and cook until rice is evenly colored and hot throughout. Season with salt and white pepper.
5. Divide rice between two plates and top each plate of rice with a fried egg. Garnish with cucumber and tomato slices and shower with fried shallots, if you like. Serve immediately with kecap manis alongside for drizzling.
Notes:
Sambal oelek is an Indonesian chili paste, traditionally made with nothing more than hot red chilies and salt. You can find it at Asian markets or in the "international" aisle of some supermarkets.
Kecap manis is Indonesian sweet soy sauce, typically made by combining soy sauce with palm sugar.
2. For the Nasi Goreng: If using day-old rice, transfer rice to a bowl and break rice up with your hands into individual grains.
3. Heat oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add spice paste and cook, stirring constantly and scraping the bottom of the wok or pan to prevent the paste from burning, until a pungent smell permeates your kitchen and the paste turns a few shades darker, 2 to 3 minutes. Reduce heat to medium at any time if the paste appears to be browning too quickly.
4. Add rice to the wok and stir to coat with the spice paste. Add kecap manis and soy sauce. Stir and cook until rice is evenly colored and hot throughout. Season with salt and white pepper.
5. Divide rice between two plates and top each plate of rice with a fried egg. Garnish with cucumber and tomato slices and shower with fried shallots, if you like. Serve immediately with kecap manis alongside for drizzling.
Notes:
Sambal oelek is an Indonesian chili paste, traditionally made with nothing more than hot red chilies and salt. You can find it at Asian markets or in the "international" aisle of some supermarkets.
Kecap manis is Indonesian sweet soy sauce, typically made by combining soy sauce with palm sugar.
Rambutan fruit smoothie
The rambutan is closely related to such tropical fruits as the longan, lychee, and mamoncillo. The exterior of the rambutan has an unusual, red, almost ‘furry’ appearance, but the interior resembles the lychee nut. The flavor is similar to the lychee, longan, and grape.
The name for this fruit derives from the Malaysian word for ‘hairy’ (rambut) which aptly describes its appearance. In Viet Nam, the rambutan is termed ‘chom chom,’ which means ‘messy hair.’ While the fruit is ripening it is covered with a spiny green outer skin, which turns long and red when fully ripe. Interestingly, the rambutan remains fresher longer when harvested with the branch attached.
Traditional medicinal uses include boosting energy, relieving anemia, reducing pain and keeping the skin supple and young. All of the rambutan plant is used, from the root to the skin of the fruit, the seed and leaves to relieve such ailments as dysentery, diabetes, fever, and hair loss.
Serves: 2
2 cups coconut meat, cut into small pieces
1/3 cup pineapple chunks
1 banana
The name for this fruit derives from the Malaysian word for ‘hairy’ (rambut) which aptly describes its appearance. In Viet Nam, the rambutan is termed ‘chom chom,’ which means ‘messy hair.’ While the fruit is ripening it is covered with a spiny green outer skin, which turns long and red when fully ripe. Interestingly, the rambutan remains fresher longer when harvested with the branch attached.
Traditional medicinal uses include boosting energy, relieving anemia, reducing pain and keeping the skin supple and young. All of the rambutan plant is used, from the root to the skin of the fruit, the seed and leaves to relieve such ailments as dysentery, diabetes, fever, and hair loss.
Serves: 2
Preparation time:5 minutes
3 rambutans (peeled and pitted) 2 cups coconut meat, cut into small pieces
1/3 cup pineapple chunks
1 banana
1. Gather the ingredients.
2. Combine all of the ingredients in a blender and process until smooth.
3. Pour into a tall glass and enjoy.
2. Combine all of the ingredients in a blender and process until smooth.
3. Pour into a tall glass and enjoy.
Thai pasta salad with shrimp and vegetables
Serves: 3
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:15 minutes
10 - 12 oz. (400-450 g) fresh Asian-style noodles OR fettuccine-style noodles1 cup small cooked shrimp, thawed and drained if frozen
1 zucchini, grated with a wide grater or peeled into thin strips with a vegetable peeler
1 tomato, cut into small pieces
1 red or green chili, de-seeded and thinly sliced
1 red and 1 green bell pepper, de-seeded and cut into strips
3 spring (green) onions, sliced
1 cup fresh coriander/cilantro, lightly chopped
1/2 cup fresh basil, lightly chopped
1/3 cup dry roasted peanuts or cashews, unsalted, and left whole or lightly chopped
SALAD DRESSING:
1/3 cup lime juice (about 2 limes, juiced)
4 Tbsp. fish sauce (available at Asian/Chinese stores)
2 Tbsp. soy sauce
2-3 tsp. sugar (adjust to taste)
1-3 tsp. chili sauce OR 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper OR crushed chili (adjust to taste)
2 cloves garlic, minced
Prepare noodles according to the directions on the package. Rinse noodles with cold water, drain, and set aside.
Prepare salad dressing by mixing all dressing ingredients together in a cup or small bowl until sugar dissolves. Taste-test for sour/sweetness, adding more sugar as desired. Note that the taste of the dressing will be milder when distributed among the noodles.
Prepare the vegetables and shrimp, and place them in a very large salad or mixing bowl. Add the herbs and nuts. Stir the dressing once more and pour over, tossing well to mix.
Now add the noodles and toss again Once well-tossed, taste-test the noodles, adding more fish sauce if not salty or tasty enough.
You can serve this salad immediately, or cover and place in the refrigerator until ready to eat (this salad will keep for up to 3 days, and makes great workday lunches!).
Garnish with a few extra sprigs of the fresh herbs, plus some chopped peanuts. For extra spicy, Thai chili sauce can be served on the side, either store-bought or my own.
Prepare salad dressing by mixing all dressing ingredients together in a cup or small bowl until sugar dissolves. Taste-test for sour/sweetness, adding more sugar as desired. Note that the taste of the dressing will be milder when distributed among the noodles.
Prepare the vegetables and shrimp, and place them in a very large salad or mixing bowl. Add the herbs and nuts. Stir the dressing once more and pour over, tossing well to mix.
Now add the noodles and toss again Once well-tossed, taste-test the noodles, adding more fish sauce if not salty or tasty enough.
You can serve this salad immediately, or cover and place in the refrigerator until ready to eat (this salad will keep for up to 3 days, and makes great workday lunches!).
Garnish with a few extra sprigs of the fresh herbs, plus some chopped peanuts. For extra spicy, Thai chili sauce can be served on the side, either store-bought or my own.
Brown rice and chicken stir fry with edamame and walnuts
Serves: 6
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:40 minutes
1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts 4 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts halves, thinly sliced crosswise
1 teaspoon honey
4 teaspoons oriental sesame oil
4 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 cups cooked short grain brown rice, cooled
2 cups shelled cooked edamame beans
2/3 cup chopped green onions
Stir walnuts in nonstick skillet over medium heat until lightly toasted. Drizzle 2 tablespoons soy sauce over walnuts; stir until soy sauce coats walnuts. Cool.
Combine chicken, 2 tablespoons soy sauce and honey; toss to coat. Let stand 15 minutes.
Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over high heat. Add chicken and stir fry 2 minutes. Add ginger and garlic and stir fry 30 seconds. Add cooked rice and edamame; reduce heat to medium and stir fry until heated through. Season with salt and pepper. Divide rice mixture among plates.
Sprinkle with green onions and walnuts
Combine chicken, 2 tablespoons soy sauce and honey; toss to coat. Let stand 15 minutes.
Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over high heat. Add chicken and stir fry 2 minutes. Add ginger and garlic and stir fry 30 seconds. Add cooked rice and edamame; reduce heat to medium and stir fry until heated through. Season with salt and pepper. Divide rice mixture among plates.
Sprinkle with green onions and walnuts
Meringues with ginger ice cream and chocolate sauce
Serves: 6
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time:1 hour 30 minutes
1 1-inch piece ginger root 2/3 cup sugar
2 cups whipping cream
Meringues:
5 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 1/4 cups sugar
pinch of salt
SATIN CHOCOLATE SAUCE:
8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate
1/2 cup corn syrup
1/4 cup milk
2 teaspoons butter
Meringues:
Grease and flour 17x11-inch jelly roll pan or line with parchment paper. Beat egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in sugar and salt until stiff and glossy. Pipe or spoon meringues, about 1/2 inch high, into 8 individual circles.
Bake in 250 degree oven for 1 1/2 hours or until light golden. Turn off oven; let stand in oven for 1 hour.
In food processor fitted with metal blade or in blender, blend ginger with sugar. Whip cream until soft peaks form; gradually beat in half of the ginger sugar until firm. Break two of the meringues in small pieces; fold into whipped cream. Pack into airtight container and freeze for 4 hours or until set, or for up to 5 days.
Let ice cream soften in refrigerator for about 20 minutes before using.
SATIN CHOCOLATE SAUCE:
Combine chocolate, corn syrup, remaining ginger sugar and milk in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat until melted, while stirring constantly.
Remove from heat and stir in the butter.
Stores well for up to a month in refrigerator.
To assemble, place meringues on individual plates; top with scoops of ice cream and drizzle with chocolate sauce.
Grease and flour 17x11-inch jelly roll pan or line with parchment paper. Beat egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in sugar and salt until stiff and glossy. Pipe or spoon meringues, about 1/2 inch high, into 8 individual circles.
Bake in 250 degree oven for 1 1/2 hours or until light golden. Turn off oven; let stand in oven for 1 hour.
In food processor fitted with metal blade or in blender, blend ginger with sugar. Whip cream until soft peaks form; gradually beat in half of the ginger sugar until firm. Break two of the meringues in small pieces; fold into whipped cream. Pack into airtight container and freeze for 4 hours or until set, or for up to 5 days.
Let ice cream soften in refrigerator for about 20 minutes before using.
SATIN CHOCOLATE SAUCE:
Combine chocolate, corn syrup, remaining ginger sugar and milk in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat until melted, while stirring constantly.
Remove from heat and stir in the butter.
Stores well for up to a month in refrigerator.
To assemble, place meringues on individual plates; top with scoops of ice cream and drizzle with chocolate sauce.
Oriental lemon chicken
Serves: 6
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time:20 minutes
1 lb boneless chicken breast (skinless), cut into thin strips2 tablespoons soy sauce
4 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 tablespoon cornstarch diluted in 1 tablespoon water
1 lemon (skin grated) and juiced
2 tablespoons sherry
3/4 cup chicken broth
3 tablespoons celery leaves, chopped
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
1 teaspoon granulated white sugar
salt and pepper to taste
3/4 cup cooking oil
Combine chicken strips and soy sauce. Mix well and marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Heat oil. Meanwhile, dredge the chicken strips in 4 1/2 tablespoons of cornstarch.
Fry the coated chicken pieces until color turns light brown. Do not overcook.
Remove the chicken from the pan, place in a plate, and set aside.
Drain excess oil until about 1 tablespoon is left. Saute garlic and stir in the celery leaves.
Pour in the chicken broth and sherry. Add sugar, salt, grated lemon, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir and let boil.
Pour-in the cornstarch mixed in water. Stir until the sauce thickens.
Add the fried chicken slices. Stir and cook for another minute.
Transfer to a serving plate. Serve.
Heat oil. Meanwhile, dredge the chicken strips in 4 1/2 tablespoons of cornstarch.
Fry the coated chicken pieces until color turns light brown. Do not overcook.
Remove the chicken from the pan, place in a plate, and set aside.
Drain excess oil until about 1 tablespoon is left. Saute garlic and stir in the celery leaves.
Pour in the chicken broth and sherry. Add sugar, salt, grated lemon, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir and let boil.
Pour-in the cornstarch mixed in water. Stir until the sauce thickens.
Add the fried chicken slices. Stir and cook for another minute.
Transfer to a serving plate. Serve.
Spicy peanut chicken
Serves: 4
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time:20 minutes
4 teaspoons smooth peanut butter 3 teaspoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon brown sugar
2 teaspoons water
2 cloves minced garlic
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried chili peppers
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
4 teaspoons butter
1 medium chopped onion
4 chicken breasts
In a saucepan, combine the first 8 ingredients. Mix well. Heat. Add butter and melt. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Let cool at room temperature. Arrange onion and the chicken breasts in a single layer in a shallow glass or baking dish.
Pour on the marinade and let stand, covered, for an hour or more in the refrigerator.
Cook the chicken about 7 to 8 inches from the broiler heat for about 10 minutes on each side, turning several times during the cooking process.
Let cool at room temperature. Arrange onion and the chicken breasts in a single layer in a shallow glass or baking dish.
Pour on the marinade and let stand, covered, for an hour or more in the refrigerator.
Cook the chicken about 7 to 8 inches from the broiler heat for about 10 minutes on each side, turning several times during the cooking process.
Tomato stack salad
Serves: 4
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:10 minutes
8 Italian Roma tomatoes, cut in half 2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons chiffonade of basil
1/2 small red onion, -- julienned
salt and pepper to taste
1 beefsteak tomato, -- cut into 6 slices
1 yellow beefsteak tomato, -- cut into 6 slices
8 slices of fresh mozzarella cheese
4 cups assorted baby greens
4 fried green tomatoes, for top of salad
Black pepper for the rim
edible flowers
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
Toss the Roma tomatoes with the olive oil. Place the tomatoes, seed side down, on a baking sheet and roast for about 8-10 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool. Julienne the tomatoes.
In a mixing bowl, whisk the extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, basil and red onion together.
Add the julienned tomatoes. Season the vinaigrette with salt and pepper.
Season each side of the tomato slices with salt and pepper. Season each side of the mozzarella slices with salt and pepper. Toss the greens with 2/3 of the vinaigrette.
Reserve the remaining dressing. Alternate layering the tomatoes, cheese and greens.
Use 3 slices each of the tomatoes and cheese plus 1 cup of the greens for each salad.
Garnish each salad with the fried green tomato, remaining vinaigrette, black pepper on the rim, parsley, and edible flowers.
Toss the Roma tomatoes with the olive oil. Place the tomatoes, seed side down, on a baking sheet and roast for about 8-10 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool. Julienne the tomatoes.
In a mixing bowl, whisk the extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, basil and red onion together.
Add the julienned tomatoes. Season the vinaigrette with salt and pepper.
Season each side of the tomato slices with salt and pepper. Season each side of the mozzarella slices with salt and pepper. Toss the greens with 2/3 of the vinaigrette.
Reserve the remaining dressing. Alternate layering the tomatoes, cheese and greens.
Use 3 slices each of the tomatoes and cheese plus 1 cup of the greens for each salad.
Garnish each salad with the fried green tomato, remaining vinaigrette, black pepper on the rim, parsley, and edible flowers.
