The Golden Triangle Recipes

THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE

Steps:

• In a cocktail shaker, muddle the lime, lemongrass and sugar. Add in the fruit puree and vodka (or lemonade). Add ice to the cocktail shaker and shake to chill. Strain the liquid into 2 glasses, top with ginger beer and serve.

SHRIMP PUFF PASTRY TRIANGLES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add bread crumbs and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder. Cook and stir until toasted, 3-4 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl; wipe pan clean., In the same skillet, melt remaining 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add shrimp and remaining 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder; cook and stir until shrimp turn pink, 6-8 minutes. Reduce heat to low; stir in 1/3 cup cream cheese, sherry, parsley, tarragon and nutmeg until combined. Remove from the heat., On a lightly floured surface, unfold puff pastry. Roll into a 12-in. square. Cut into four 6-in. squares. Spread remaining 1/3 cream cheese over squares to within 1/2 in. of edges. Using a slotted spoon, place about 1/2 cup shrimp mixture on one side of each square. Fold dough over filling. Press edges with a fork to seal. Brush beaten egg over tops. Prick tops with a fork. Sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake until golden brown, 20-25 minutes. If desired, serve with lemon wedges.

GOLDEN TOFU TRIANGLES WITH RICH PEANUT SAUCE

Steps:

• Cut each block of tofu into 6 slabs crosswise. Blot well with tea towels or paper towels, then cut each slab in half to make 2 squares. Finally, cut each square on the diagonal to make triangles.
• Spread the oil evenly over the surface of a wide skillet and heat. Add the tofu and sauté over medium-high heat until golden on both sides, 10 to 15 minutes. Sprinkle with a little salt.
• Meanwhile, prepare the sauce according to the recipe.
• To serve, arrange some of the tofu triangles on each plate and drizzle with the sauce. Or, for a fun effect, thread the triangles onto skewers, then spoon the sauce over them.
• The traditional accompaniment to this is, of course, lots of cooked rice, but I also like it with bean thread (cellophane) noodles, rice vermicelli, or soba. If I'm not feeling too rushed, I like to thread a few tofu triangles on each of several skewers, then nestle the skewers on a bed of noodles. A steamed green vegetable (broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts, depending on the season) adds color to the plate.
• A good salad to accompany this is Mixed Greens with Sprouts, Apple, and Daikon (page 179) or Bok Choy, Red Cabbage, and Carrot Salad (page 176). Or, a platter of raw vegetables will do nicely in place of a salad.
• Calories: 262
• Total Fat: 19g
• Protein: 19g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 250mg