Archive for June, 2009

Almond Biscuits

Sunday, June 7th, 2009

2 1/2 cups all−purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup margarine or butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 tsp almond essence
blanched almonds for decoration
beaten egg for glazing
1. Sift the flour, baking powder and salt into a bowl. Cream the margarine
(or butter) and sugar together until light, white and fluffy. Beat in the egg
and almond essence. Stir in the sifted dry ingredients to make a stiff
dough.
2. Form the mixture into balls about 1 − 1.5 inch diameter and place these
on a greased baking tray. Place half an almond (split lengthways) on
each ball and press to flatten slightly. Brush with beaten egg.
3. Bake in a moderate oven (350 deg F / 180 deg C) for 20 minutes or
until golden. Cool on a wire rack. This quantity makes about 45
biscuits.

Bean Sprout Salad

Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009

2 tablespoon Sesame seeds
1 pound Fresh bean sprouts thoroughly washed and drained
3 Garlic cloves, peeled and minced
2 md Scallions −− trimmed & minced
1 − 1″ cube ginger, peeled and minced
2 tablespoon Oriental sesame oil
1/3 cup Soy sauce
2 tablespoon Cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Mirin (sweet rice wine)
2 teaspoon Light brown sugar
1 teaspoon Spicy sesame oil
PREHEAT OVEN TO 300F. Toast the sesame seeds by spreading them
over the bottom of a pie tin. Roast for 12−to−16 minutes, stirring often,
until they are golden. The seeds can be toasted in advance and stored
in an airtight container.
Place the bean sprouts in a large heatproof bowl and set it aside.
In a medium−size skillet set over moderately low heat, stir−fry the garlic,
scallions and ginger in the oil for 2 to 3 minutes, until they are limp. Add
all the remaining ingredients, increase the heat to moderate, then boil the
mixture, uncovered, for 1 minute to slightly reduce the liquid. Pour the
boiling dressing over the bean sprouts, toss well, then cover the bowl and
chill the salad for several hours. Toss again before serving.