Asparagus and Mushroom Tarts

Bon Appetit April 2009
1 17.3-ounce package frozen puff pastry (2 sheets), thawed. Note – I used philo, which got messy and dry after the first 2, and thus the extra butter between sheets got messy!
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
12 ounces fresh shiitake mushrooms, stemmed, caps cut into 1/4-inch-wide strips
1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper, divided
1 pound slender asparagus spears, trimmed, cut on diagonal into 1-inch pieces
1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
1 1/2 teaspoons finely grated lemon peel
1/2 cup crème fraîche*
1/2 cup (packed) coarsely grated Gruyère cheese (about 2 ounces)
Fresh thyme sprigs (for garnish)

Read More http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Asparagus-and-Mushroom-Tarts-352042#ixzz1Pv727XXF

Roll out each pastry sheet on work surface to 10-inch square. Cut each into 4 squares. Using small knife, score 1/2-inch border (do not cut through pastry) around inside edges of each square. Arrange squares on 2 rimmed baking sheets. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.

Melt butter in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms; sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Sauté until tender and lightly browned, about 4 minutes. Transfer mushrooms to large bowl; cool 15 minutes. Add asparagus, chopped thyme, lemon peel, 3/4 teaspoon coarse salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper to mushrooms. Mix in crème fraîche and cheese. DO AHEAD: Filling can be made 1 day ahead. Cover; chill.

Position 1 rack in top third and 1 rack in bottom third of oven and preheat to 400°F. Mound filling atop pastry squares, leaving 1/2-inch plain border.

Bake tarts 12 minutes. Reverse sheets. Continue to bake tarts until crusts are puffed and golden and filling is cooked through, about 10 minutes longer. Transfer to plates; garnish with thyme sprigs.

* Sold at most supermarkets and at specialty foods stores.

Read More http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Asparagus-and-Mushroom-Tarts-352042#ixzz1Pv78q72S

Green Mango Salad

Thai Cooking
Darlene Anne Schmidt

3 Green Onions
3/4 Cup Fresh Coriander
1/4 Cup Dry Shredded Coconut
3 Cups Bean Sprouts
2 Firm Green Mangoes
1/3 Cup Fresh Basil
1/3 Cup Peanuts or Cashews

Salad Dressing:
3 T Fish Sauce
3T Lime Juice
2T Brown Sugar
1-2tsp Thai Chili Sauce

Mix all the salad dressing ingredients together in a small bowl, stirring well to dissolve the sugar. Set aside.

Slice the green onions into matchstick-like pieces and place into a large salad bowl. Roughly chop the coriander and add to the bowl. Add the bean sprouts.

Place the coconut in a dry frying pan over medium-high heat. Stirring continually, “dry-fry” the coconut 3-5 minutes, or until it turns light golden-brown and is fragrant. Tip the toasted coconut onto a plate to cool. When slightly cool, add half the toasted coconut to the bowl.

Peel the green mangoes and grate using a medium to large-size grater. Add the grated mango to the bowl. Pour the dressing over and toss well.

Top with the basil, nuts, and remaining toasted coconut.

Spicy Thai Shrimp with Mint Raita

Spicy Thai Shrimp with Mint Raita
SELF April 2005

Raita
1 cup nonfat yogurt
1/4 cup peeled, seeded and diced cucumber
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
1/4 cup mint leaves, minced
2 tsp lemon zest

Shrimp
2 tsp olive oil
2 tsp sesame oil
2 tsp minced fresh ginger
1 tsp minced garlic
24 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/4 cup Thai red chile paste (at Asian grocery stores)
Juice of 2 lemons
2 tbsp snipped fresh chives

In a bowl, combine all raita ingredients and set aside.
Heat olive and sesame oils in a medium saucepan over high heat. Sauté ginger and garlic about 45 seconds. Add shrimp and chile paste, tossing to cook evenly, about 3 minutes. Add lemon juice and stir. Serve raita with shrimp; garnish with chives.