FUNNEL CAKE!

Oh yes. I have never had a funnel cake until this summer. Brian and I went to the local amusement park, and he couldnt resist getting one. Soon after a friend sent along the recipe and I thought it would be a fun thing to try!
Some things to know. This batter has NO water in it. Water+Oil=SPLATTERING OIL. Bad. Make sure none of the tools you are using have water on them or in them! You can make this without a funnel, just place the batter in a plastic baggie and cut off the tip, it will come out very fast so it is not ideal, but it will work.

Funnel Cake Recipe:

1 1/3 cups flour
1/4 tsp salt
2 1/2 tbsp sugar
3/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup milk

Mix all ingredients together, and let sit in fridge for about 30 minutes. Heat oil in frying pan, 1" deep. Pour some batter into your funnel, and place your finger over the hole. Move your finger and let the batter fall into the oil in a lattice or swirl pattern until you reach the size of cake you would like. your funnel cake will cook very quickly, and quite possibly you will need to flip it as soon as you get all the batter poured in, so move quickly and be prepared! Flip once, each side only takes 1-3 minutes!

Strawberry sauce (for drizzling on top)
3 cups frozen strawberries
1 cup sugar

Microwave strawberries for 4 minutes to thaw. Pour liquid and berries into a saucepan and cook over med heat with sugar until boiling. Reduce to low and cook for 10-15 minutes. Drizzle on top of funnel cake!

GREEK NIGHT

Chicken souvlaki is one of my all time favorite foods.. I love greek food, so a few nights ago I made a large greek inspired meal. No pics... but take my word for it, it was delish!

Chicken Souvlaki
One large chicken breast for each person eating (cut into large cubes)
4 lemons, juiced
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 tbsp italian seasoning

Marinade chicken cubes in lemon, garlic, and seasoning. Stick cubes onto skewers, tightly. Brush with olive oil and grill until cooked through.

Roasted Potatoes
8-10 small yellow potatoes, washed but not peeled, cut in halves or fourths
2 tbsp SLICED garlic
1 tbsp italian seasoning
5 tbsp olive oil

Toss potatoes in garlic, seasoning, and oil. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes, or until soft.

Taziki sauce
small container plain yogurt
1/2 of a small cucumber, seeded and minced
1 tsp minced garlic
2 pinches dill (fresh or dry)
6 tbsp minced white onion

Mix ingredients together, and place in fridge until needed.

Greek "salad"
6 roma tomatoes, seeded and cut into 1" cubes
1 large english cucumber, peeled and cut into 1" cubes
1 large white onion, cut into cubes
1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 tbsp white vinegar
salt and pepper

I also made my hummas (recipe in previous post), and Brian brought home some Nan bread, which is alot like Pita bread, but a bit more stretchy and flavorful. This dinner was soooo good we ate until we were stuffed. Whats nice about it, is that there is plenty for everyone, and even my kids love it!

Orange Chicken!

This is a Panda Express copy-cat recipe... it turned out really well. I liked the taste, but it had a bit too much vinegar for me. I will add more orange zest next time I make it as well. Overall, its yummy and quick to make.

2 pounds boneless chicken pieces, skinned

1 egg

1 1/2 teaspoon salt

White pepper

Oil (for frying)

1/2 cup cornstarch

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1/4 cup flour

1 tablespoon minced ginger root

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1 dash crushed hot red chilies

1/4 cup chopped green onions

1 tablespoon rice wine

1/4 cup fresh orange juice

1 teaspoon sesame oil

***Orange Chicken Sauce***

1 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce

1 1/2 tablespoon water

5 tablespoons sugar
5 tablespoons white vinegar
Zest of half an orange

Cut chicken pieces into 2-inch squares and place in large bowl. Stir in egg, salt, pepper and 1 tablespoon oil and mix well. Stir cornstarch and flour together. Add chicken pieces, stirring to coat. Heat oil for deep-frying in wok or deep-fryer to 375 degrees. Add chicken pieces, small batch at time, and fry 3 to 4 minutes or until golden and crisp. (Do not overcook or chicken will be tough.) Remove chicken from oil with slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Set aside. Clean wok and heat 15 seconds over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon oil. Add ginger and garlic and stir-fry until fragrant. Add and stir-fry crushed chilies and green onions. Add rice wine and stir 3 seconds. Add Orange Sauce and bring to boil. Add cooked chicken, stirring until well mixed. Stir water into remaining 1 tablespoon cornstarch until smooth. Add to chicken and heat until sauce is thickened. Stir in 1 tablespoon oil and sesame oil. Serve at once!