From the Archives: 8/23/02

Since I have come across the archives of The Gourmet Gazette, back when it was an emailed newletter and before it became a blog, I will occasionally re-post archived editions. Below is the inaugural Gourmet Gazette.

The Gourmet Gazette Friday, August 23, 2002

Note from Editor:
This is the first issue of a weekly newsletter about food. I love cooking and eating, and I wanted to share some of my recipes with you. I’ll try to focus on quick, easy recipes that are healthy and use easy-to-find ingredients, and add occasional interviews or restaurant reviews. Tell me what you think about this premier issue at [old email address], and send me your recipes, comments, or suggestions.
Regards,
Christine T. Nguyen
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Food of the Week
Honeydew melon is a perfect fruit for late summer. The cool, sweet, tangy fruit satisfies the hunger and thirst of late August afternoons, with its buttery and moist texture. Perfect with piquant goat cheese or prosciutto for a snack, or toss it with purple grapes, a chopped apple, a chopped orange, and lime juice for a refreshing fruit salad.
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Recipes

Tomato Garlic Angel Hair
Boil a pot of water, then add desired amount of angel hair pasta. When cooked, add 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 clove of finely chopped garlic, two finely chopped small-to-medium tomatoes, a handful of finely chopped spinach, and 2 tbsp dried or 4 tbsp fresh parsley to pot. Toss well, salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer a more mellow garlic flavor, cook on stove for 5 more minutes on medium heat. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Spicy Basmati Rice
Sauté cumin seeds with 1 tbsp olive oil in pot until lightly toasted, stirring constantly. Add 1 cup basmati rice (brown or white), sauté for 2 more minutes, then add ½ red bell pepper, chopped, and enough water so that ½ inch of water lies over the rice. Bring to a boil, then simmer and cover for twenty minutes or until cooked. Add more water if necessary. Toss, season with salt and dash of cayenne pepper, and 1 tsp light margarine if desired. Variation: Add frozen peas instead of bell pepper.

Fast Chicken (or Tofu) Salad
Wash desired amount romaine or butter lettuce, tear pieces and drain well. Add 2 chopped Roma tomatoes and ½ chopped bell pepper. Toss with small amount of oil-vinegar or Ranch dressing. Top with sliced pre-grilled chicken (available in most supermarkets in the frozen section) or sliced marinated or Age tofu. Throw desired amount of crunchy croutons on top, or serve with toasted baguette or wheat toast.