Two recipes offer a taste of Vietnam
Hien Ngo, chef/owner of Hai Yen Vietnamese Cuisine, 2723 N. Clark and 1055 W. Argyle, shares easy recipes for two of her outstanding dishes -- Lemongrass Chicken and Caramelized Shrimp.
In addition, reader Jeannine Konopacki sends recipes for a colorful, flavorful Strawberry Cake for D.H. of Carol Stream and an easy-to-make Boston Cream Pie for J.D. of Gurnee.
Unusual ingredients for Ngo's Vietnamese dishes, an infusion of French and Chinese cuisine, can be found in Vietnamese grocery stores or in the Asian aisles of major supermarkets.
To make Strawberry Cake: In a large bowl, mix 1 package white (preferable) or yellow cake mix, 1 (3-ounce) package of dry strawberry gelatin, Ύ cup cooking oil, 4 eggs, 2 tablespoons flour and 1 (10-ounce) package of frozen strawberries (thawed) or 1 pint fresh strawberries with ½ cup sugar; beat well.
Pour into angel food cake pan; bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until done. Serve plain or with whipped cream.
To make Boston Cream Pie, created by Kraft: Use a 2-layer yellow cake mix to bake 2 (8- or 9-inch) round cake layers, as directed on package; cool completely. Use 1 layer for recipe; wrap remaining cake layer tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil. Freeze for up to 1 month.
To make pudding mixture: Beat 1 (3.4-ounce) package vanilla instant pudding mix and 1 cup cold milk with whisk for 2 minutes. Stir in 1½ cups thawed whipped topping; let stand 5 minutes.
Cut cake layer horizontally into 2 layers with serrated knife. Place bottom cake layer on serving plate; spread pudding mixture atop. Stack second cake layer on top of pudding.
To make dark chocolate frosting: In small microwavable bowl, microwave 1 (1-ounce) square of unsweetened chocolate and 1 tablespoon butter on high for 1 minute; stir until chocolate is melted. Add Ύ cup confectioners' sugar and 2 tablespoons cold milk; mix well. Spread frosting over top of cake (not sides). Refrigerate 1 hour.
My husband loves green olives. For our anniversary, I would like to make a special dish with olives. Any help?
B.F., Skokie
Please print watermelon recipes.
M.E., Chicago
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