Sticky Chicken Tostadas with Smoky Pepita Spread
Can we make Tostada Thursdays a thing? I mean, if tacos can conquer Tuesdays, why can’t Tostadas rule Thursdays? Tostadas may not be as familiar as the ever-popular taco, but they are just as good. And I’m sure this whole Taco Tuesday phenomenon is doing nothing for the tostadas’ self-esteem. Sure, tostadas are traditionally made with day-old tortillas and yes, they are not exactly an eat-with-your-hands-friendly snack. But they are capable of just as much deliciousness as their taco brethren. And as evidence of that fact, I put forward these Sticky Chicken Tostadas with Smoky Pepita Spread. One bite of these babies and you’ll forget all about tacos.
Chipotle Hot Wings with Cucumber-Avocado Dip
Chicken wings are the perfect party food. Okay, that may be a touch too enthusiastic; it’s hard to imagine anyone nibbling daintily on one at a funeral. But chicken wings are the perfect party food for a particular type of party. I’m not going to say they’re perfect for a Super Bowl party or something equally jocky because, aside from being painfully obvious, it’s far too limiting. I think wings are capable of so much more than that. Having said that, I did make today’s Chipotle Hot Wings as a companion to a Toronto Raptor’s playoff game. But I have on numerous occasions made wings for non-sporting events and served them to sports-adverse humans with great success. Everyone loves wings, so why relegate them exclusively to man caves and sports bars. Free the wing!
Thai Basil Chicken Spring Rolls with Mango Sweet Chili Sauce
Spring rolls are one of those delights of life that most of us encounter at a very early age. They are included on almost every Chinese food menu and combo. In fact, around these parts, I’d say the spring roll is far more ubiquitous than the egg roll. Perhaps it is because the spring roll, or some variation of it, has a place in countless Asian cuisines most of which are well represented in Toronto. But in spite of their ubiquity, they are left relatively untouched. The fillings remain largely cabbage and ground pork affairs. I find this strange because the spring roll is a near perfect, crispy vessel for just about anything. So, with this in mind, I bring you these Thai Basil Chicken Spring Rolls with Mango Sweet Chili Sauce. While the concept isn’t exactly groundbreaking, the spring rolls themselves are delicious.
Sichuan Duck Udon Noodles with Charred Ginger Scallion Sauce
If I had to choose my ultimate comfort food, I think it would have to be noodles. It wouldn’t be an easy decision, there would be tea biscuits to consider and pastas to ponder. But in my heart of hearts, no matter how much I may hem and haw, I know the answer would be noodles. And I know for a fact, if someone very cruelly made me choose a particular breed of noodle, it would be udon. And if I was forced to take it yet further and specify a dish, I think today’s Sichuan Duck Udon Noodles would be a serious contender. I pray none of this ever happens because it would definitely be a Sophie’s-Choice-type of scenario.