Month: February 2016

Gruyere and Caramelized Onion Risotto

Gruyere and Caramelized Onion Risotto

Overall, a dish to repeat, with a little less of the gruyere next time. Gruyere and Caramelized Onion Risotto   5 Cups Chicken Broth 2  Tablespoons Butter 1/2 Cup chopped leeks 1 1/2 Cups arborio rice 1/2 Cup dry white wine (I used Pinot Grigio) 

Thai Cucumber Salad

Thai Cucumber Salad

The recipe calls for 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, but I like cilantro and had pulled of a bigger bunch that ended up being about 1/2 cup instead. After peeling the cucumber, I usually use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and watery center.  I 

Faux Hoisin Sauce and Shrimp – Excellent

Faux Hoisin Sauce and Shrimp – Excellent

Merri’s Faux Hoisin Sauce
2 Tablespoons smooth peanut butter
2 teaspoons toasted sesame seed oil
4 Tablespoons soy sauce
1 Tablespoon molasses
2 tsp white vinegar
1/8 tsp garlic powder
1/8 tsp black pepper
Gently whisk the sesame seed oil into the peanut butter, then add and whisk after each addition.
Faux Hoisin Sauce and Shrimp (how I made/will make it in the future)
Faux Hoisin Sauce (see above)
12-16 oz raw shrimp
Toasted Sesame Seed Oil
Sesame Seeds
Make the faux hoisin sauce following the steps above, set aside.
Peel and devein the shrimp.  Thawed frozen shrimp is fine.  Pat the shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper.
Heat the oil in a large saute pan over medium high heat. I didn’t measure, but probably a tablespoon is fine.  When the oil is shimmering, add the shrimp in a single layer.  Don’t overcrowd. If necessary, cook the shrimp in batches.   No need to stir, just let it cook for 1 minutes.
Turn the shrimp individually, using tongs.  Cook  two minutes more.
Give the sauce a final whisk and pour into the pan with the shrimp.  Heat together for two minutes, stirring gently.
Serve the shrimp over rice and sprinkle with sesame seeds.