Get in my tummy!

Sweet and Sour Sauce

This sauce is so simple yet tastes heaps better than the one you get from your local Chinese take-away.

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup rice vinegar
• 4 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon tomato sauce/ketchup (ketchup tastes better)
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 4 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 4 teaspoons water

Method

Mix the vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, and soy sauce together and bring to a boil in a small pot.

Mix the cornstarch and water together, add to the pot and stir to thicken.

(If desired, after the sauce has thickend you can add 1 green capsicum/pepper, cut into chunks and pineapple pieces.)

Chickpea salad

Ingredients

• 200g green beans, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small green onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 400g can chickpeas, drained, rinsed
• 2 ripe tomatoes, diced
• 1/4 cup basil leaves, torn

Method

Cook beans in a small saucepan of boiling salted water for 2 minutes, or until just tender. Drain and refresh in cold water. Drain and pat dry with paper towels.

Make dressing: Place olive oil, green onion and red wine vinegar, salt and pepper, into a screw-top jar. Shake well to combine.

Place beans, chickpeas, tomatoes and basil into a large bowl. Add dressing. Toss gently.

Pistachio topped guacamole with herb toasts

Guacamole

Ingredients

• 2 large mashed avocado
• 125g cream cheese (Philadelphia)
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 2 small clove garlic, crushed
• 1/2 lemon (juice)
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 Tablespoons chopped pistachio nuts
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley

Method

Blend or process avocado, cream cheese, green onions, garlic, lemon juice, and chili powder until smooth. Line two (one cup capacity) bowls with plastic wrap, sprinkle nuts into the bottom and pour in avocado mixture. Refrigerate 3 hours or until set.

Just before serving, unmold and sprinkle lightly with chopped parsley. Serve with crisp herb toasts.

Herb Toasts

Ingredients

• 2 Lebanese/pita bread rounds
• 40g Butter (Melted)
• Tuscany seasoning mix

Method

break bread in half, brush with butter and sprinkle with seasoning.

Place bread on baking tray and cook in a moderate oven for 10 minutes (or until brown).

Once cool break bread into shards.