posted by SandyOH 03-21-102 1:32 PM
Baguettes (Appetizers)
4 ounces snow peas
French bread slices (crusts removed), 1-1/2-inches thick
1 package frozen green peas (10-oz.)
4 ounces reduced fat cream cheese
1 teaspoon wasabi powder or bottled horseradish (see Note)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon sugar
2 ounces thinly sliced smoked salmon, cut into slivers
Steam snow peas for 30 seconds or just until they lose their rawness; do not cook through. Spread on towels to dry. With a sharp knife, cut off the seam on the thicker side (the one to which the peas attach) of each pod. Chill, covered, for at least 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a food processor, whirl the bread to fine crumbs; you should have about 1/2 cup. Steam frozen green peas for 3 minutes. Transfer to food processor and let cool briefly. Add cream cheese, wasabi or horseradish, 1 teaspoon of the dill, salt and sugar. Process until smooth. Chill, covered, for at least 30 minutes.
Run your finger the length of each reserved snow pea to open it fully. Spoon the filling into a pastry bag fitted with a small star tip. Pipe the filling decoratively into each snow pea. (Alternately, spread it with a small butter knife.) Decorate each snow pea with slivers of smoked salmon and a sprinkling of the remaining chopped dill.
Chill, covered, until serving time or overnight.
Makes about 40 appetizers
Note: Wasabi powder can be found at Japanese groceries or health-food stores.
Source: VA Pilot - 6/8/94