This week I am pleased to introduce my new blends of loose tea. Today's Cup of Loveliness is Peach-Pomegranate, a tantalizing blend of black and green teas flavored with peach and pomegranate.
Today's selection is paired with my sister-in-law Shannon's delicious lettuce wraps. I had planned to serve this dish for afternoon tea with my friend Stacey, but knew I couldn't accomplish all my preparations due to back problems. I expected to cancel our get-together yesterday, but Stacey surprised me by offering to come over and help me with the food preparation. What a sweet, thoughtful friend! Although I had looked forward to making tea for Stacey, I was even more blessed to make tea with her. It was a good lesson for me in experiencing the blessings of service, which deepens relationships whether you are on the giving or receiving end.
Lettuce Wraps
I didn't roll the lettuce wrap in the photo above so you can see the delightful filling.
Sauce:
1/2 cup of peach preserves
1/2 cup fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 minced garlic cloves
Cornstarch, as neededWraps:
1 tablespoon dark sesame oil or vegetable oil
2 boneless chicken breasts, skinless, chopped into small pieces
1/2 cup of chopped seeded cucumber
1/2 cup grated carrot
2 tablespoons peanuts chopped
1 teaspoon grated ginger root
1 teaspoon chopped garlic
16 leaves of Bibb lettuce, about 2 heads
Combine preserves, lime juice, soy sauce and garlic. Mix well. Spoon 1/4 cup of sauce into 1-cup measuring cup. Stir in cornstarch until smooth. Set aside. Refrigerate remaining sauce in bowl until serving time. Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add chicken. Cook 5-7 minutes or until browned, stirring frequently. Stir in cucumber, carrot, peanuts, ginger and garlic. Stir in reserved sauce with cornstarch. Cool 2 to 3 minutes or until bubbly and thick, stirring constantly. Spoon mixture into shallow dish. Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes or until cooled. Spoon 2 tablespoons chicken mixture onto center of each lettuce leaf. Fold sides of lettuce in toward center. Roll up like a burrito and secure with toothpicks. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until serving time. Serve with remaining sauce. Makes 16 servings.
