Recipe Corner
by Tiana Celesia, R.D.
Fun Food
Thinking about fun and
food brings three things to mind: food that is fun to make, such as
ice cream sundaes; food that is fun to eat, such as ice cream sundaes;
and food associated with fun activities, such as ice cream sundaes
with friends (or at the annual Scooper Bowl in the Boston Public Garden).
Since you don't need a recipe for ice cream sundaes, although I'm
sure it would easy to find a willing panel of taste-testers, I started
to think of other foods that fit the above requirements.
Since I love to cook AND eat, I tried to think
of something I would never think of eating alone. Fondue fit the
bill as a definite group activity. Cheese fondues are excellent
with cubes of bread, cooked veggies such as broccoli, and fruit
such as apples. Chocolate fondue is great with just about everything,
but especially fruits such as strawberries and bananas. A special
fondue pot with a heating element underneath is helpful and elegant,
but since this is barbecue time, how about setting the pot of the
melted delicacy on top of the grill to keep warm?
Cheese Fondue
(serves 8)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 pound Swiss or Gruyere cheese
1 1/2 cups apple cider or dry white wine
White pepper to taste
Shred cheese, then sprinkle with flour. Toss
to coat thoroughly. Heat apple cider or wine in chafing dish or
large skillet over low heat until it just begins to bubble. Add
1/4 cup cheese mixture and stir vigorously until cheese is melted.
Do not let the fondue boil. Continue adding cheese in small amounts
and stir vigorously after each addition, until all cheese is melted
and thoroughly blended. Season to taste with white pepper Serve
immediately.
Approximate nutrition per serving: 242 calories,
9 grams carbohydrate, 16 grams protein, 16 grams fat.
Chocolate Fondue
(Makes 1 1/4 cups)
From The Joy of Cooking, by Irma Rombauer and Marion Rombauer
Becker
1 cup semisweet chocolate pieces
1/2 cup evaporated milk
Combine and stir in a heavy saucepan over low
heat until smooth. Keep warm and serve.
Approximate nutrition per ounce: 98 calories,
12 grams carbohydrate, 1.6 grams protein, 6 grams fat.
(The Editor would suggest adding a tablespoon
or so of your favorite liqueur, such as Amaretto or Grand Marnier.)
Flag Fruit Pastry
(serves 16)
A quick and simple treat to share with friends
on the 4th or anytime!
1 package frozen puff pastry, thawed
1 8 oz container whipped topping
or 8 oz freshly whipped cream
2 pints fresh strawberries
1 pint fresh blueberries
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Roll out one
sheet of puff pastry onto a greased baking sheet. Roll out second
sheet and cut four one-inch strips lengthwise from second sheet.
Brush edges of first sheet with water. Place strips of pastry over
wet edges and press down lightly to make an outer rim. Prick bottom
of pastry with a fork. Bake 15 minutes or until golden brown. Fill
cooled pastry shell with whipped topping. Arrange blueberries in
a square in the upper left hand corner to represent the stars. Arrange
the strawberries in horizontal rows starting from the top edge of
the blueberries, leaving equal spaces between rows to represent
the stripes.
Tiana Celesia is a registered dietician
who consults with various organizations and individuals.
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