The Informer - the International School of Stavanger

11 November, 2005 The InformerThe Chef can be contacted at: jpduc@iss.stavanger.rl.noValhall Cafeteria NEWsJean-Pier re’s DE CE MBER Cooki ng IdeasWhy not try something tasty, easy and original this year?Like some easily prepared finger food?1. Dry apricots, pitted prunes, bananas, pineapple rings and bacon.Cut the fruit into bite-size pieces and wrap them in a thin slice of bacon.Place them in an oven-proof dish and bake for 15 minutes at 200 C.Serve warm with a cocktail pin in each piece.2. Buy some already-made frozen puff pastry (“ butterdeig“ in Norwegian).Let it thaw, then use a rolling pin, roll until it is 2 mm thick and brush it with a lightlywhipped egg. Cover the pastry with flakes of parmesan cheese, salt and pepper.Alternatively, use Roquefort cheese and crushed walnuts, or raisins and dried mango.Put the dish in the fridge for at least 30 min covered with plastic film, then cut it in theshapes of your choice and place them on a baking tray. Bake for 20 minutes at 200 C.3. And finally, buy a lot of fresh winter vegetables. The best in Norway in this season is“kålrot” (rutabaga) a yellow turnip full of vitamin C – nicknamed “the orange of theNorth”. Peel the vegetables of your choice and cut them into sticks or any otherfinger-friendly shape. These really are delicious with the following dips:Indian dip1 half-litre of natural youghurt, 2 tablespoons of curry powder, 4 tablespoonsof fresh lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh chives. Salt andpepper to taste. Mix well. Remember that a dip needs some time to developall its flavour, so it is wise to prepare it the day before and leave it in thefridge.Apple & chili dipMix 1 half-litre of natural youghurt, 1 half box of sour cream (“rømme” inNorwegian), and 3 dl of apple jam. Chop half a fresh red chili and grate 2peeled apples into the mix. Salt and pepper to taste.It will take you a maximum of two hours to prepare all of these dishes.Have a good time enjoying good food with friends!Jean Pierre25