Thursday, October 06, 2011

It's Fusion Time! Rice paper squares anyone?

Just recently I've immersed myself in the art of gastronomy and visual creativity of culinary presentation. I know taste and texture are important but the visual aspect of it plays a major role too. Like mum said and which I totally agree, 'cooking is like chemistry'.

There's a range of things from meat to spices that are at the cook's disposal, which he can then experiment and come up with something that totally gives the 'Wow!' and 'Yum!' factor. I've been keeping a visual diary where I draw and jot down details of a dish I just had, so that I could remember, learn and maybe modify it to my own liking.

Here's just one of many pages of my food diary.


Anyways, back to topic.
I was on food duty for my cell group this week so I decided to make some simple finger food.

You know how cell is, usually people like to stand and talk so I thought serving up something small but still leaving enough room in the mouth for a person to chat away would be ideal. We Asians love to talk, you know it.

So I Googled around and came across the idea of rice paper squares from http://rumahmakanmurni.blogspot.com/2010/09/salmon-di-jendela-ready-set-blog.html

And with some changes to it I've came up with 4 different rice paper squares! The size of the square is roughly larger than a 50 cents Australian coin. I only managed to snap a few pics cause I was running late for cell!

*(Sorry for the low quality pics, the only camera I have with me is the iPhone's in-built cam)

 Dill and pine nuts!

 Then add the grilled salmon (I cured it with salt and green tea) + dill dressing

And voila! 4 different types of finger food to nom on. :D

And if you are interested in what each square is made of:
The 4 Squares (L-R):
1. Parsley: Grilled marinated prawns + Tom Yum Dressing
2. Chili: 3 Layered Omelette + Chili Pistachio Mayo Dressing
3. Dill: Grilled Cured Salmon + Dill Dressing
4. Lemon Zest: Grilled Marinated + Lemon Berry Dressing

I'll be posting more of these culinary delights after my final semester exam ends. I have a whole list of 'experiments' to cook. :P

God bless,
Ming (: