Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Petit Parcels

Prunes and Cheese Bites

_DSC2519Small packages are delivered to the table. Delightful little bites are wondrous gifts for the evening. The sweetness of prune and creamy cheese lessen the melancholy just a touch. Returning home from a trip always puts me in a sappy mood like that. As if the laughter of yesterday is already turning to nostalgia.IMG_0892

My husband I were able to spend time in the Happiest Place on Earth with our daughter and granddaughter thanks to the TECHmunch Conference last week. The well planned, information packed conference was only a day event and rest of the days were all play. Yahoo! We, the conference attendees, feasted on an array of fabulously presented appetizers at the reception and lunch. This is my take on little bites. Nothing heavy yet well wrapped.IMG_0849

Ingredients and instruction (Print Recipe)IMG_0940

Items to prepare – 2 damp moist towels, a few stacks of paper towels on the plate.

  • Large seedless prunes (I used 10 prunes)
  • Cream cheese – goat cheese is a great substitute
  • Square spring roll pastry –  may use wonton wrapper but texture will be different. Cut in 4ths.
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  • Oil for frying approximately 2 cups
  1. Make a slit in the middle of the prune with a sharp knife._DSC2503
  2. Stuff cream cheese or goat cheese inside about 1 Tablespoon _DSC2504
  3. Wrap with spring roll. I used a dab of cream cheese to secure the end. Note; always keep spring roll wrapper and already made packages under the moist towel to prevent from drying._DSC2508  _DSC2510
  4. Heat oil in a heavy pan to 340F or 170C. Fry a few at a time until the packages develop light brown color. Turn onto the prepared paper towel to absorb excess oil.
  5. Serve as is or with small amount of sriracha chili sauce._DSC2530

Fried pickle – One of the appetizers we had at the conference was a fried pickle(it is in front of the burger). I made my version of that too. Just wipe the baby pickle very well with paper towel, wrap, secure with tooth pick then fry.IMG_0874IMG_0944  _DSC2528

In all honesty, I was somewhat overwhelmed with this conference. Mainly because I don’t have a clear destination. I wander all over the map and can’t find the station. I admire food bloggers who work hard for their dream. I’m extremely grateful for organizers for this event, especially Babette of bakespace.com It was awesome!

Familiar faces (I apologize for the bad photos) beside my daughter, I met a few bloggers I already knew…that made me at ease. D of kitchencorners and Ben of  youfedbabychilli We spent some time at California Adventure. Lovely people!  Their Children and my granddaughter played well together. I stayed behind with kids while they rode ‘Tower of Terror’. They loved it…yeah right.

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We left my daughter and granddaughter at Disneyland Friday evening around 6:00 PM. My husband and I were exhausted from walking all day but they still wanted to play….are you kidding? The pass is good till 11:00 PM said my daughter. Whatever! Just the two of us dined at Morton Steak House. This is their famous Hot Chocolate Cake with Haagen-Dazs ice cream…a la! it tastes a lot like lava cake. It was hard to take good pic in the dimly lit restaurant.  IMG_0929I’m thankful for the opportunity to attend conference also for four days of blessed trip. I miss my daughter and granddaughter already (sob).

19 comments:

  1. That conference sounds like fun! I wouldn't want to live in the US, but I'm envious of the fact that you have things like this. We don't really have any such things here alas :(

    I just love the look of those prunes - really nice! Prunes don't get enough love I think... they have a bad reputation which I never understand because they're delicious and very versatile!

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    1. Thank you for your comment Charles. We had a super nice time! I agree with you, prune's subtle sweetness enhance flavor of many dishes.

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  2. What a nice opportunity to meet other bloggers.
    The fact that you got to enjoy with your daughter and granddaughter makes it that much better. I would have stayed behind for the ride too! I am not a fan of scary rides either.
    The prune wrap looks wonderful.
    Blessings dear. Catherine xo

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    1. Ha ha ha. I know I usually never ride in fast, tall and spinning rides. I get really nervous just standing in line.
      Thank you so much Catherine. You're so nice.

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  3. fun recipe and bet its a great conference love meeting other bloggers

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    1. Thank you Rebecca. I felt like I'm little fish going to the ocean for the first time. Intimidating but it was fun to see others.

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  4. Fried pickle sounds new to me and those parcels look lovely! Sad to end fun time with loved ones but you've gained treasured memories till the next time.

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    1. Thank you Annie. It was a joy to make these little ones. It was a fun event. I would love to go again.

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  5. Very original and beautifully served snack! I love the elegant touch of chilli threads on top. I am not a fan of cream cheese, but I already see any fresh cheese as a substitute here (your goat cheese suggestion sounds great!). I often use wonton sheets but somehow never make a link between them and prunes, which are frequent in my European dishes not Asian. In short, wonferdul creative idea!
    It seems you have had a wonderful time at the conference but most of all with your family. Two birds with one stone :-)

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    1. Thank you very much Sissi. I'm very impressed by your pickled celery. I have to get some celery soon.

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  6. めちゃくちゃおいしそう!どこかでプルーンとクリームチーズを一緒にしたものを食べた気がしますが、春巻きの皮には包まれてなかった!さすが、明美さん、すごいアイデア!コンフェレンスで明美さんにお会いしたいです。いつの日か・・・:)

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    1. コメントありがとう!いやいやこれは以前どっかの雑誌で見た記憶があったので、思い出しながら私流に変えてます。 ほんと会えたらいいですね。メガブロガーさんと知り合いになれたら、感激だわ!マジで。

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  7. Beautiful pics and a delicious treat! I love prunes!

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  8. Wow, what a lovely tiny bites!!!
    i love the crash of sweet dried fruit and salty and cheesy cream cheese.....
    btw, i used to soaked or dredge the prunes with rhum before deep fried or baked it, it's prevent it from burning....

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    1. Thank you so much your comment. Thank you for your tip too. I didn't burn the prunes with this recipe but I keep in mind next time.

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  9. Oh my...totally love your creation. I can imagine these would be all gone real quick in my house if I make them. :)

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    1. Thank you Amy. Happy Valentine's Day! Your panna cotta looks lovely.

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