Winter Blues

The craziness here hasn't ended.  Work is still stressing me out tremendously.  James is having car problems that we are trying to work out.  And it's cold.  While we aren't having the severe weather conditions that most across the country have, we do have temps in the 30's consistantly.  And it makes me sad.

I can't explain it but I can always expect it.  I hate that it's dark at 6:00 pm.  I also hate that you have to put on 3 layers of clothing to go out.  All of my plants look dead.  They aren't but they look so sad.  I can't wait for Spring.  And Sunshine. And Pretty Flowers.



I made a menu for this week and actually went to the store with a plan.  Imagine that!  So last night's supper was something new out of the the book 'America's Most Wanted Recipes'.  It was a Christmas gift from Eric and Katie and I have earmarked everything that I want to try.  It has some really good stuff in it from restaurants that are our favorites.

Asian Sesame-Chicken Salad 
Adapted from Panera Bread

2 won ton wrappers
Oil for frying

4 cups Romaine Lettuce
1/2  cup Shaved Parmesan Cheese
3 oz. Boneless Chicken Breast - grilled and cubed (I used a much larger one)

Dressing:
1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
1/4 cup sesame oil
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
3/4 cup vegetable oil

Cut won ton squares into strips and fry.
Mix all ingredients for dressing except the oil.  When everything else is combined, slowly pour the oil in while whisking to create an emulsion.
Put romaine, chicken and won ton strips in a bowl. Pour some dressing on and toss lightly.  Then add the remaining dressing and toss again.
Sprinkle with parm before serving.

I didn't get a picture.  Things were moving a bit too fast but since we will definitely be making this again, I will be able to post one later. 

The original recipe called for almonds and sesame seeds, two things that Charlie would rather I leave out.  And neither one of us missed them at all.  It was tasty and light.  While I grilled my chicken just for the salad, it would be a great way to used any leftovers.

I have a job interview today.  Hopefully things will go well.  My fingers are crossed.

Have a great day everyone!

Live, Laugh, Love...
Karen

Shrimp Pot Sticker

We had to throw dinner together at the last minute and this is what we came up with, Shrimp Pot Stickers.  I am addicted to pot stickers, any kind, from any where and that's where you will find me.

This recipe came from Sunny Anderson on The Food Network but we tweaked it a bit.

And we even made egg rolls with the filling.  They were good too.

Easy Shrimp Potstickers
Adapted from Sunny Anderson

What you need:

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (we bought frozen)
3 cloves garlic, chopped
4 scallions, chopped
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1/4 cup panko bread crumbs
1 egg
40 won ton wrappers
3 tablespoons peanut oil

Dipping Sauce

1/3 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup water
1 scallion, chopped thinly
1 teaspoon chili sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic, finely  minced
1/4 teaspoon lime juice
1 teaspoon sugar

What you do:
For the potstickers - remember have patience as you make them.

In a food processor, pulse shrimp, garlic scallions, soy sauce and egg until combined but still chunky.  Put in bowl.  If it doesn't hold together stir in enough bread crumbs so it does.

Put 1 teaspoon across won ton wrapper, moisten sides, fold over and pinch.

Fry in the peanut oil on one side.  Turn over, add 4-5 ice cubes and cover.  Steam for 3 minutes.

Dipping Sauce:
Combine all ingredients.

Enjoy.  They are good with pork also.