Lots and lots of hockey.
The NHL playoffs consume millions of viewers each night.
It’s nice to see five Canadian teams in the playoffs this year and it was great to see the Winnipeg Jets playing playoff hockey.
The Canucks are struggling, Calgary is looking strong and Carey Price and the Habs are handing it to Ottawa.
Like Vancouver, the Detroit Red Wings are using back up goalies along with other clubs and they are putting together some pretty decent performances.
There are a lot of daytime games on the weekends and many early contests where fans cry out, ‘where’s the food.’ I suspect a lot of appetizers, hors d’oeuvres, and just good old munchies will make their way over the tastebuds during the hockey playoffs.
Cajun crab dip is a very nice treat, as is devilled eggs with smoked salmon.
Easy guacamole is a nice dip that you can do in your food processor.
You will need one-and-a-half tbsp chopped red onion, 1 tsp fresh lime juice, 1 garlic clove, 1/2 small jalapeno pepper, 1 ripe peeled avocado, and 1 tbsp cilantro leaves for garnish.
Put first five ingredients in a good processor, pulse until finely chopped.
Add avocado and process until smooth. Sprinkle cilantro on top. Tasty stuff. Tzatziki is a nice Greek dip made with cucumber, Greek yogurt, some fresh mint and garlic cloves. Mix well together and put in fridge for one hour before serving.
Here’s one that is simple and different. Your taste buds will love you for this one.
Chili Shrimp Wonton Cups
• 25 wonton wrappers
• 2 tsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup diced peeled mango
• 2 tbsp mayo
• 2 tsp lime juice
• 1 tsp fish sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
For the Shrimp
• 2 tsp lime juice
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 1 minced garlic clove
• 1 pinch of hot pepper flakes
• 6 ounces of peeled shrimp
In a small bowl combine lime juice, sesame oil, garlic and hot pepper flakes. Add shrimp tossing to coat.
Let stand for 20 minutes and drain.
Lightly brush wonton wrappers with 1 tsp of olive oil, then press into mini muffin cups.
Bake at 400 F until crisp and golden, this should take about six minutes.
On a pan, heat remaining olive oil over medium heat, cook shrimp until pink, remove to cutting board and chop in 1/4 inch pieces.
In a bowl stir together the shrimp, mango, mayo, cilantro, lime juice, fish sauce and sesame oil. Spoon into wonton cups and sprinkle with a few peanuts if you like.
Good appies for NHL playoff action. Go Detroit!
Bye for now and Goood Cooking.
Ken Wilson is a freelance columnist with the Tribune/Weekend Advisor.