Monday, May 31, 2010

1-Ingredient Watermelon Pops

I'll give you three guesses at the ingredient that goes into this recipe for Watermelon Pops. D'oh!



The mammoth watermelon that went into these pops came home with me from the Waldo Flea and Farmer's Market, a weekly cornucopia of antiques, live chickens, keychains of beetles suspended in acrylic, and creepy confederate flag bed sheets. The melon was way too big for the two of us to eat all at once, which brings me to the pops.

These pops take care of two Memorial Day quandaries: first, the sweet and juicy watermelon surplus, and second, those beastly store bought popsicles laden with corn syrup and red #40.

Instead of slurping on the innard-staining latter, throw some seedless watermelon into a blender, pour into molds and freeze. Sweet! Refreshing! Festive! Your kids may still be sticky, but this sticky goes to eleven.

Here's a bit of inspiring science on how watermelon works for your health. Enjoy and Happy Summer!

Thursday, May 27, 2010

7-Ingredient Sweet "Fried" Rice



So, why is this rice "fried" instead of fried? Mostly laziness and an impatient belly, with a touch of a tendency to burn grains when I submit them to a pan.

My dad used to make this rice when I was a kid, and still does today. He actually fries it, with no quotation marks or anything. The carrots and vidalias add an almost confectionery deliciousness, but I swear, no added sugar!

I topped the rice with steamed broccoli and tofu chunks (soybeans, magnesium chloride) for a great 9-ingredient lunch whose prep and cleanup fit inside the time it took to cook the rice.

Sweet Fried Rice
Ingredients (makes 2 large servings):
2/3 cup long grain brown rice
1 Tbls. butter
1/2 sweet vidalia onion, diced
2 carrots, shredded
1 tsp tamari (soybeans, alcohol)
1 tsp toasted sesame oil

Rinse rice and bring to a simmer in a covered saucepan with 2 parts water.
Meanwhile, saute onions and carrots with butter in a large pan until tender, about 7 minutes
When rice is done, combine with vegetables, toss with tamari and sesame oil and serve!

Tried-and-true additions: frozen shelled peas, scrambled eggs, shitaake mushrooms, or fresh pineapple.