Yes, August is still with us, and that means picnic and BBQ fare is still fair game. I'm including something in this post today that's fairly odd for this teetotaler's blog - an alcoholic punch - because when I read about it in August's Toronto Life it looked too good to keep all to myself. It's the invention of a restaurant in Toronto known as Spice Route, and would probably be a perfect pairing to some Summer rolls or a light Asian-style slaw salad. Definitely pop over to the article and read the take on the drink by the author, though... it's too funny to pass up!
Zen-Gria
Serves 4
1 1/2 cups papaya juice
1 1/4 oz Asian pear sake
1 1/4 oz plum wine
1 1/2 oz of mandarin vodka
1 cup frozen blueberries (do not thaw)
1/2 cup blackberries
1/2 cup raspberries
1 lime, sliced
1/2 lemon, sliced
1/2 blood orange, sliced
- In a pitcher, stir together juice, sake, wine and vodka.
- Stir in berries.
- Float citrus slices on top and serve.
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 97.7
Total Fat: 0.1 g
Cholesterol: 0.0 mg
Sodium: 4.9 mg
Total Carbs: 14.3 g
Dietary Fiber: 0.6 g
Protein: 0.2 g
Looking for a side dish for the fruity drink that isn't Asian? Well, I made these cornmeal tortillas a while back and think they'd be excellent as grilled pizza shells. Of course, you could go completely Mexican and make tacos or burritos too...
Cornmeal Tortillas
Makes 10
2 cups flour
1 cup yellow cornmeal
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon instant yeast
2 tablespoons non-fat dry milk
2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
1 cup warm water
- In a medium-sized, mix together all of the dry ingredients, then cut in the shortening.
- Gradually mix in the water and knead briefly, just until the dough is smooth.
- Divide the dough into 10 pieces, weighing about 2 ounces each.
- Round them into balls, flatten slightly, and allow them to rest, covered, for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat a heavy frying pan over medium heat.
- Working with one piece of dough at a time (keep the remaining dough balls covered), roll balls out until they're about 8 inches in diameter.
- Fry in the ungreased pan for about 45 seconds on each side
- Stack wraps on top of one another as you fry them to keep them soft and pliable.
- Store, tightly wrapped, in a plastic bag at room temperature. For storing wraps longer than a couple of days, freeze them.
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 162.3
Total Fat: 3.1 g
Cholesterol: 0.3 mg
Sodium: 11.3 mg
Total Carbs: 29.2 g
Dietary Fiber: 1.6 g
Protein: 4.1 g
Your tortillas looks scrumptious and very inviting :)
ReplyDeleteYum! Fresh tortillas. Nothing better.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I found Spice Route a crowded, annoying scene with bad service so do make this punch at home instead of going there for it.