Thursday, August 7, 2008

nibbles


Here's two simple snack ideas from last weekend's lunch. Not to get all Rachael Ray on you, but both of these recipes can be made in under 30 minutes. They're the perfect distraction when guests are on their way to your house. Why not make some snacks instead of running around fluffing up pillows or cracking open the wine that's actually meant for your friends?


Pineapple salsa

I'm usually not much for fruity salsas, but I saw some pineapple at the store that called my name and we had an unusual surplus of jalapeƱos at home, some cilantro, and...pineapple salsa is born. I have to say, it was pretty delicious. We ate the leftovers with grilled scallops, but it would also be good with fish or chicken.
(Serves 6 to 8 people)

1 peeled, cored pineapple, cut into small cubes (about 1/4 inch)
1 to 1/2 minced jalapeƱos
1/2 red bell pepper, cut into 1/4 inch cubes
handful of cilantro, chopped
juice of 1 1/2 limes
1 tsp. vegetable oil
pinch of salt

Combine first four ingredients in a medium-sized bowl and stir together. Add lime juice, oil, and salt to taste. Refrigerate until ready to eat and serve with tortilla chips.


Sweet and spicy peanuts
These peanuts aren't spicy in the "heat" sense of the word, they are tossed with Chinese five spice powder (a blend of cinnamon, star anise, ginger, cloves, and cassia buds), which gives them a bit of aromatic spice.
(Serves 4 to 6 people)

2 cups unroasted peanuts
3 Tbsp. sugar
2 Tbsp. Chinese five spice powder
1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
pinch of salt

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. In a bowl, combine, all ingredients and toss until the peanuts are coated. Pour the nuts onto a baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the nuts are golden. Let cool, then serve.

4 comments:

Daniel said...

I didn't realize making finger food was the only thing keeping you from drinking alone and OCD-ish pillow-fluffing!

I'm glad that my constant demand for tasty snacks in helping to keep you on the straight and narrow.

Lisa said...

Idle hands are the devil's workshop.

krysta said...

i'm with you on the fruity salsa but pineapple salsa is pretty darn good.

lil miss dubin said...

Seriously? You girls are iffy on fruit salsas? Fruit salsas are my favorite! This pineapple one sounds great. (Although, in a pinch, Trader Joe's makes a great version in a jar...)

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