DIY Network

Gourmet Dinner From "Ask DIY" episode ADI-702

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Q: Do you have any suggestions to prepare a gourmet meal and stay under budget?

A: (Ask DIY Cooking expert Paul Sturkey) I certainly do! "Gourmet" doesn't necessarily have to mean "expensive" -- just look at the menu I came up with for less than $40: shrimp egg rolls with a sweet hoisin sauce, pan-seared tilapia with tomato-chive butter sauce, and sauteed peaches over spaghetti crepes. And it serves four!

Shrimp Egg Rolls

Ingredients:
3/4 lb. medium shrimp, deveined, washed and chopped
1/4 c. Napa cabbage, chopped
1/4 c. julienne-cut carrots
1/3 c. chopped scallions
1 Tbsp. minced ginger
1 Tbsp. chopped cilantro
3 Tbsp. sesame oil
2 Tbsp. soy sauce
3 Tbsp. sweet chili sauce
2 Tbsp. cornstarch
Salt to taste
One beaten egg
16 egg-roll wrappers
1 qt. peanut oil
1 c. sweet garlic sauce
1/2 c. hoison sauce

1. In a wok or skillet heat the sesame oil and stir-fry the cabbage, carrots, scallions and ginger. Cook for 3 minutes.

2. Add shrimp and soy sauce and sweet chili sauce and cook one minute. Remove mixture and cool.

3. Preheat oil in a 2 qt. saucepan and heat to 360.

4. Place 2 Tbsp. of mixture onto one edge of an egg roll wrapper. Moisten the edges with the beaten "egg wash." Roll wrapper tightly around mixture and fold edges to form a tight seal. Continue until mixture is used. Place egg rolls into hot oil 2 at a time and cook for 3 minutes -- until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels. Using a serrated knife, remove rough ends of each and slice roll on a bias.

5. Combine 1 cup of sweet garlic chili sauce with 1/2 cup of hoison sauce. Pour a small amount into the shallow rimed soup bowl and stand rolls on their ends. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.

Pan-Seared Tilapia with Tomato-Chive Butter Sauce

Ingredients:
Four fresh tilapia filets
Salt and pepper
1 Tbsp. paprika
3/4 c. flour
1/4 c. olive oil
1/4 bottle white wine or champagne
2 Tbsp. chopped shallots
1 tsp. minced garlic
1/2 lb. unsalted butter, room temp
1/4 c. Roma tomatoes, cored and rough chopped
1/4 c. chopped chives

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 325.
2. Season tilapia with salt pepper and paprika; season flour with the same.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over moderate heat.
4. Place tilapia in skillet, cook for 3 minutes and turn.
5. Place skillet in oven and bake fish for 12 minutes. When baked, remove and put in a warm place.
6. Meanwhile, in two-quart saucepan combine champagne, shallots and garlic; bring to a boil.
7. Reduce to a simmer and reduce mixture until almost dry.
8. Remove from heat and whip in butter, 3 Tbsp. at a time.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Add tomatoes and chives and keep sauce warm.

Serve with rice pilaf or wild mushroom risotto.

RESOURCES :
Frugal Gourmet Cooks With Wine
Model: 0380706717
Author: Geoff Smith
(1992)
HarperCollins
New York, NY 10022
Phone: 212-207-7000
Fax: 212-207-7145

Gourmet Romance: Creative Ideas for Romantic Gifts, Surprises and Experiences
Model: 0965528707
Author: MacKenzie Freeman
(January, 1996 -- 1st Edition)

To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.

Ideascape, Inc.
Lake Oswago, OR 97035
Phone: 503-246-2439
Fax: 503-293-6247

Gourmet's Five Ingredients: 175 Easy Recipes. . .
Model: 037550866X
Author: Gourmet magazine