The Cunning Whisk

Last week I bought a boat load of cream cheese. It was on sale and I had intended to make a cheesecake for Easter. However, it was requested that I only make one dessert for family Easter because other people were making some, too. Therefore, I decided to make a Dreamsicle cake (recipe to follow) and use the cream cheese for something else. A friend recommended pasta with white sauce, so I thought, “Ah, alfredo!” This would also be really great with shrimp and scallops, maybe with a side of blanched broccoli.

As a warning, the sauce is really salty. I mean, really salty. But, once it’s on the pasta, it isn’t as salty anymore.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 c. margarine
• 1/4 c. olive oil
• 8 oz. cream cheese
• 2 c. milk
• 2 oz smoked provolone
• 1/4 c. shredded parmesan
• 1.5 Tbsp. dried basil
• 1.5 Tbsp. dried parsley
• 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/8 tsp. black pepper
• 3/4 tsp. salt
• 1 lb. vermicelli

Directions:
Melt together all ingredients (except pasta) over medium-low heat. When smooth and creamy, pour over cooked vermicelli noodles. Toss in whatever additives sound good, such as shrimp or chicken.

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I love Thai food. I could probably eat it every day for the rest of my life and never get tired of it. That being said, Thai is kind of expensive in south Alabama. And when it isn’t expensive, good ingredients aren’t always the easiest to come by.

When I really get a craving, but I can’t leave the house or I’m broke or some other hindrance comes up, I make this poor man’s imitation of Pad Thai. Even my cats won’t beg for it, but I’m betting you’ll like it just fine.

Ingredients:

• 1 Tbsp. peanut butter
• 1 Tbsp. soy or fish sauce
• 1/2 Tbsp. vinegar
• 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/8 tsp. ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp. ground coriander
• 1/8 tsp. ground red pepper
• 1 Tbsp. brown sugar
• 1.5 Tbsp. water
• 1 pkg. ramen noodles
• cilantro
• lime juice

Directions:
Cook the ramen noodles according to package directions and then drain them. Do not add the flavoring packet! In a bowl, thoroughly combine all other ingredients except for cilantro. If you want to use crunchy peanut butter, you can, just use a rounded tablespoon instead of a regular one. Also, if you have it on hand, minced garlic can be substituted for the powder. Pour peanut mixture over ramen noodles and mix well. Top with roughly torn cilantro. Squeeze or sprinkle just a hint of lime juice over the top before enjoying.

Great additions include a small can of either salad shrimp or chunk chicken and a side of medium-well fried egg. Also, if you have some bean sprouts or green onions, throw them in as well.

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