Thirsty Thursday – Kiwi & Thyme

Wanted to share something, say, a little more exotic!  This signature cocktail is from The Opposite House in Beijing and simply called the Kiwi & Thyme.

No, no, no…I haven’t visited there, silly wabbits!


 
Gather the following:

2 ounces of Vodka
1 1/2 ounches of Cloudy Apple Juice
1 ounce of Passion Fruit juice
5 fresh sprigs of Thyme
1 fresh Kiwi

1 piece of Lime, quartered

Muddle (I love that word) the Kiwi and Thyme; add all other ingredients and shake. Strain over fresh ice into a highball glass, and garnish with Thyme and Lime.

                                                                     

And there—according to the hotel, the finished product “should resemble the stunning emerald green glass fascade that fronts The Opposite House, adding to the ambiance of Kengo Kuma’s urban forest and reflecting the vibrant street life of the Sanlitun District.”
 
 
Here’s the hotel—what do you think?

 

                                                  
I’m not all that impressed with it either; it reminds me of the garish color scheme in my first kitchen from the 70’s….but …..this cocktail sounds pretty darn good!

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Wordless Wednesday – Lilacs!

Nothing more to be said…I Heart Lilacs!

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Veggie Summer Rolls

Something fun, tasty and vegetarian! 
The sweet chili dipping sauce really sets these summer rolls off and they make for a perfect appetizer!
You will need…

  • 3 ounces Vietnamese cellophane noodles, cooked according to package directions
  • 2 cups bean sprouts
  • 2 carrots, julienned
  • 1 large beet, julienned
  • 1 fresh red chile, cut in circles
  • 2 handfuls fresh cilantro, hand-torn
  • 3/4 cup chopped unsalted peanuts
  • 2 teaspoons dark sesame oil
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • Sea salt
  • 20 (8-inch) round rice paper wrappers
  • 40 mint leaves

Directions…

  • Put the cellophane noodles, vegetables, cilantro and peanuts in a large bowl; toss with sesame oil and lime juice to give the filling some flavor; season with salt and pepper.

  • Pour 3 cups of hot, not boiling water in a large shallow bowl. One at a time, immerse the rice paper wrappers in the hot water for 10 seconds to soften, then place on a slightly damp towel. The rice paper is very delicate, don’t soak them any longer or they will break apart. Keep them covered while you work to prevent them from drying out and curling.

  • To form the rolls, lay a rice paper wrapper on a flat surface. Grab a small amount of the cellophane and vegetable mixture and lay it across the bottom third. Use less filling than you think you should, if you overstuff the wrapper it will tear. Carefully fold the bottom of the wrapper up to cover the filling. Fold in the left and right sides, then tuck and roll it over once. Lay 2 mint leaves on top, then tuck and roll it over to close the whole thing up like a tight cigar. The mint leaves should show through the transparent rice paper. Arrange the finished rolls on a platter and cover with a damp towel.

Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce…

  • 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1/4 cup hot water
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon red chili paste, such as sambal oelek

In a blender, puree the rice wine vinegar, fish sauce, hot water, sugar, lime juice, garlic, and chili paste until combined. Pour into a small bowl and serve with the summer rolls.
Makes 1 cup.

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