An Easy Appetizer that’s a Pleaser

By David Hu
A new video for Video Friday

This is the time of year when it’s good to have some simple appetizer recipes at the ready. Cooler weather and shorter days inspire us to more home entertaining, and from Thanksgiving to the New Year, most of us will host at least one get-together to celebrate the holidays.

Here’s a simple appetizer with a winning flavor combination of sweet, salty and (bacon) fat. You can prep these little nuggets earlier in the day, refrigerate, and broil when the first guests arrive.

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Oyako Donburi – Good, Cheap, Fast!

By Sandy Hu
A new video for Video Friday

Have you ever ordered donburi at a Japanese restaurant? It’s a single-serve, one-dish meal—a big bowl of rice with savory toppings. The donburi items are usually the cheapest on the menu since inexpensive rice is the base.

Oyako donburi, rice topped with chicken and egg in a sauce, is especially easy to make. It’s economical because half a chicken breast and two eggs will stretch to serve two people.

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Kale Chips

By David Hu
A new video for Video Friday

I admit I don’t like dark, leafy green veggies. So when I learned from Katie Barreira, former Special Fork cooking newbie blogger, about kale chips, I was sold! What wouldn’t taste good turned into a chip? Great taste, good nutrition and easy to boot. It’s a win-win.

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Thai Shrimp Wraps

Special Fork Facebook Contest: Check out our Special Fork Facebook page for a chance to win a signed copy of Melissa’s 50 Best Plants on the Planet (suggested retail: $35), courtesy of Melissa’s/World Variety Produce, Inc.

By David Hu
A new video for Video Friday

We’ve been working a lot with wonton wrappers these days because they’re so versatile and easy to use. Recently, my wife Lynn, who is from Thailand, showed us another great way to use the wrappers: as a crispy blanket for marinated shrimp.

These are delicious, and once you get the hang of wrapping the shrimp, they’re easy to do. But don’t try this recipe for the first time when you’re having a party because it takes a little practice.

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How to Roast Beets

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By Sandy Hu
A new video for Video Friday

I love beets, but Steve thinks they taste like dirt.

So, given we’re a household of two, any beets I cook, I eat by myself. But I love them so much, it’s fine with me. Besides, beets are one of the 50 most nutrient-dense produce on the planet, according to the book, Melissa’s 50 Best Plants on the Planet.

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