Unicorn (Unicorn@Indenial.com)
Mon, 08 Mar 1999 05:59:32 -0500
This is the first of several food funnies submitted by Aimee Wilkes.
A chap walks in a bar with a newt on his shoulder and orders a pint
and a half of beer. He proceeds to drink the pink and gives the half
to the newt which drinks it thirstily. The bar tender watches this
with interest. This happens on the next two days when the newt is
given whiskey and then rum. On the third occasion, the barman remarks
" I have never seen a pet like that before, it is fantastic. What do
you call it? The customer replies " I call it TINY ". "Oh, why is
that?" asks the barman. The reply was "Because it is my-newt!"
In China these sweet nuts are usually served as an appetizer, or as an
hors d'oeuvre before a banquet. Since Chinese cooking does not use
chocolate or cream, and there is no tradition of pastry baking to
speak of, most traditional Chinese desserts are not pleasing to the
Western palate. The most common dessert in any Chinese restaurant or
home is fresh fruit, so I have combined the sweet fried nuts with
fresh fruit in sort of an "East meets West" combination that I hope
will find approval in both hemispheres.
Sweet Fried Nuts with Fruit
2 cups (500 ml) shelled pecan or walnut halves
4 cups (1 L) boiling water
1/2 cup (125 ml) granulated sugar
2 to 3 cups (500 to 750 ml) peanut oil for deep frying
Fresh oranges, apples, pears, or fruit of your choice
Put the nuts in a sauce pan and pour the boiling water over them. Let
soak for 5 minutes, then drain. Combine the nuts and the sugar in a
bowl, and toss to thoroughly coat the nuts with the sugar. Transfer
the nuts to a baking sheet and allow to dry at room temperature for 24
hours or longer. Heat the oil to a temperature of 350F (180C) and add
the nuts, about a 1/2 cup (125 ml) at a time. Fry for 8 to 10
minutes, until they turn a rich golden brown. Do not allow them to
burn and turn very dark, but make sure the sugar melts and forms a
crisp coating. Remove from the oil with a slotted spoon and drain on
paper towels. Separate them into individual nuts before serving, if
necessary. Arrange on a platter or individual serving plates with
wedges of fresh fruit. Makes 2 cups (500 ml).
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