February 7 Pinch Super1 by Cowles Publishing

FEBRUARY 7, 2024

Protein to Fuel Everyday Adventures in the Kitchen and Beyond Celebrate the Chinese New Year With Firecracker Shrimp BY DONNA ERICKSON

FAMILY FEATURES Achieving your goals each day starts with your own health and well-being, both physically and mentally. To ensure you’ve got the energy needed to take on that to-do list and enjoy your favorite activities, turn to familiar ingredients and recipes that pack the protein your body craves. To help reach nutrition goals and fuel your everyday adventures, Chicken of the Sea Tuna and Salmon Packets can follow you anywhere you go and make healthy eating a delicious endeavor. Everything you love about your favorite tuna and salmon products now fits into your busy lifestyle and unique dietary needs – keto, paleo or Mediterranean. They’re flavorful, convenient and fit seamlessly into your daily routine, making them a perfect solution no matter your mood, cravings or occasion. Whether you’re bringing tuna along as an afternoon snack or incorporating salmon into a tasty meal, the responsibly sourced protein allows you to eat healthy and live happy without compromise. For example, you can rethink lunchtime routines with a colorful twist on the viral social media salmon rice bowl. Bring together the lively flavors of Everything Bagel-seasoned pink salmon with your favorite toppings like carrots, radishes, Sriracha mayo and more for a simple yet flavorful afternoon protein-packed pick-me-up. Long days away from home can lead to meal complacency when you walk through the door. However, keeping highquality, responsibly sourced protein options on hand can help you avoid takeout cravings and a desire to leave the cooking to someone else. It

Sprinkle with furikaki seasoning and drizzle with Sriracha mayo.

doesn’t get much easier than these Lemon Garlic TunaStuffed Roasted Mini Sweet Peppers for an appetizer or low-carb snack that takes just 20 minutes to prepare a handful of everyday ingredients.

LEMON GARLIC TUNASTUFFED ROASTED MINI SWEET PEPPERS Total time: 20 minutes Servings: 2-3

When you find the right solutions for you, it’s time to stock the pantry. Try all the flavors Chicken of the Sea Wild Caught Tuna and Alaskan Pink Salmon Packets offers, from creamy or citrus to spicy and beyond. Visit chickenofthesea.com to find more nutritious recipe inspiration.

EVERYTHING BAGEL SALMON BROWN RICE BOWL

1 packet (2 1/2 ounces) Chicken of the Sea Wild Caught Light Tuna Lightly Seasoned by McCormick, Lemon Garlic 3 mini sweet peppers, halved, seeds removed 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1/2 cup sliced green onions fresh cracked black pepper, to taste Preheat oven to 400 F. Lay parchment or foil over baking pan.

Total time: 10 minutes Servings: 1 1 packet (2 1/2 ounces) Chicken of the Sea Wild Caught Alaskan Pink Salmon with Everything Bagel Seasoning 1 cup cooked brown rice roasted nori seaweed sheets or pieces, crushed 1 small avocado, sliced 2 tablespoons shredded carrots 2 tablespoons shredded radishes 2 tablespoons minced cilantro 2 teaspoons furikaki seasoning (Japanese rice seasoning) 2 tablespoons Sriracha mayo

Place halved mini sweet peppers on prepared baking pan and lightly brush both sides of peppers with oil. Divide lemon garlic tuna evenly between six mini pepper halves. Top with cheese and bake 8-10 minutes, or until peppers are tender and cheese is melted. Allow to cool and top with sliced green onions and fresh cracked black pepper, to taste.

In bowl, top cooked brown rice with crushed seaweed sheets. Add sliced avocado and top with salmon.

When it comes to demystifying Chinese cooking, my friend Katie Chin, daughter of restaurateur Leeann Chin, knows what it takes to bring tasty recipes into American homes. As a chef, cookbook author and television personality, Katie believes in spreading the word about how truly delicious Chinese cuisine can be, starting with sharing culinary traditions with her 8-year-old twins. “Chinese New Year is coming up on Feb. 10,” she reminds me. “Firecracker shrimp is a tasty and whimsical appetizer to kick off the celebration in our home in Southern California. My sous-chef kids mix the dipping sauce and roll up the ‘firecrackers,’ revealing shrimp tails and carrot strips for ‘fuses.’ As we prep, I’ll tell them about their grandmother’s memories of growing up in China -- and how firecrackers (believed to ward off evil spirits) lit up the sky on New Year’s Day.” Roll up her firecracker shrimp for an appetizer that explodes with flavor in every bite. The recipe was adapted from her cookbook “Katie Chin’s Everyday Chinese Cookbook: 101 Delicious Recipes From My Mother’s Kitchen.”

FIRECRACKER SHRIMP Serves 6 as an appetizer 1 large carrot, cut into 3-inch-by-1/4-inch matchsticks 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt, divided 12 shelled and deveined large, raw shrimp (tails left intact) 4 spring roll wrappers 1 egg, beaten Vegetable oil for deep-frying Place carrot slices in a small bowl. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt. Sprinkle shrimp with remaining garlic salt. Set aside. Cut each spring roll wrapper into thirds to make 12 long strips. Brush the top third of each strip with the egg. Lay 1 shrimp at the bottom of the strip. Set a carrot slice on top of the shrimp. Tightly roll, letting the egg seal it together at the end. (The tail of the shrimp and the carrot should protrude from one end to resemble a firecracker.) Repeat with remaining wrappers. In a large wok or deep skillet, heat 2-3 inches of oil to 350 F. Fry the shrimp rolls 5 or 6 at a time until golden brown (about 2 minutes), turning 2 to 3 times. Transfer to a cooling rack lined with paper towels. Serve hot with dipping sauce. DIPPING SAUCE 4 tablespoons mayonnaise 2 tablespoons sriracha chili sauce In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise and sriracha together. Cook’s Note: Find spring roll wrappers in the freezer section of Asian markets. You can also substitute them with egg roll wrappers from the produce section of grocery stores. Donna Erickson creates relationships and community through food and fun.

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Page M2 • January 31, 2024 • Wednesday

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Celebrity Extra By Cindy Elavsky

is “Law and Order.” Does he have another show on the horizon? - Janet Y., via email

A: Jeremy has a new show premiering this Federal Bureau of Investigation. The series

Mr. Wolf has the procedural magic touch). Missy Peregrym and Zeeko Zaki also star.

Q: find it anywhere. Is it still on? And can you refresh my memory of what it’s called and where I can see it? - Paul T., via Facebook

A: You are referring toSPORTS “StartUp,” a drama

QUIZ

series on Crackle (which is a free online

it). It follows “the emergence of GenCoin, a BY RYAN A. BERENZ

U.S. Olympic on digital currency – 1. anWhat idea that gets gymnast retired from the sport in 1972 and

mold of ‘tech entrepreneurs.’” went on to a successful career on the stage,

third season, which should premiere most notably playing this the September. title character in “Peter Eric Berger, GM of Crackle Pan”? and chief digital 2. George Balabushka

Jeremy Sisto Depositphotos

was considered to be the finest craftsman of what wooden sports equipment? 3. Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora and Ron Jaworski were in the ownership group of what Arena Football League team that began play in 2004? 4. What member of the 1908 Chicago Cubs is the only player to have thrown four strikeouts in a single inning in a World Series game? 5. How many games did Marty Mornhinweg win in his two seasons as head coach of the Detroit Lions from 200102? 6. What American cyclist recovered from nearfatal wounds suffered in a 1987 hunting accident to win his second and third Tour de France titles in 1989-90? 7. Name the Swiss businessman who was elected president of FIFA in 1998 and was ousted in 2015 after a corruption and bribery scandal. © 2024 King Features Syndicate, Inc.

5. Five. 4. Orval Overall.

BY JOANN DERSON

6. Greg LeMond.

A TIP

7. Sepp Blatter.

Now Here’s

3. The Philadelphia Soul. 2. Pool cues. 1. Cathy Rigby. Answers

• “For nice, evenly sliced mushrooms, use an egg slicer for cutting. It’s super-easy to use, since a boiled egg and a nice white mushroom are around the same size. I get good, uniform slices with the slicer.” -- P.E. in Colorado • Try auto polish on tough bathtub stains. There is a little more grit in it than usual bathroom cleaners. Be sure to rinse well, and don’t rub too hard, as it may scratch the tub surface. • “Tissue boxes can be used to hold plastic baggies under the sink in the bathroom. I use grocery-store bags to line my bathroom trash can. I choose a color-coordinated tissue box that has been emptied, and I fill it with the plastic liners, then set it under the toilet tank. It’s still nice-looking, even though it’s out of the way, and I have baggies at the ready.” -- E.R. in Mississippi • “Return envelopes that come with junk mail can be saved and repurposed at coupon holders/grocery lists. I tuck my weekly coupons inside, and write my list on the back of the envelope, which is usually blank.” -- C.G. in Oregon • To keep track of takeout menus, use a three-prong notebook with an assortment of sheet protectors. Insert the menu into a sheet protector and file away. You can group menus by cuisine or by price. • Tired of losing matched socks? Purchase a large delicates bag for each family member. Put dirty socks in the personal bag so they cannot be lost. Send your tips to Now Here’s a Tip, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803. © 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

A Free Weekly for Spokane

To advertise in pinch Call (509) 459-5005 W. Stacey Cowles President & Publisher Copyright 2024, Cowles Publishing Company All rights reserved. No part of this publication ma y be reproduced in any form by any means, electronic or mechanical (including photocopying, recording or information storage and retrieval) without permission in writing from the publisher. Copying for purposes other than personal use or internal reference, or reproduction of articles or columns not owned by pinch (including comic strips and syndicated columns) without written permission from pinch, or the copyright owner is expressly forbidden. The word “pinch” and the proprietary typeface and design in which it appears at the top of Page One of this weekly is a registered trademark of Cowles Publishing Company. The pinch trademark may not be reproduced or used for any purpose without the express written permission of pinch. Permission to reproduce pinch articles or other intellectual property may require payment of fee. Address all inquiries and requests concerning use or reproduction of pinch’s copyrighted or trademarked material to: Rights and Permissions, pinch, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210.

Sudoku Answers

Pinch

January 31, 2024 • Wednesday • Page M3

BY DANA JACKSON

Jeff Goldblum (Upcoming in “Wicked”)

Q: What is Jeff Goldblum up to these days? I only see him on commercials for apartments, but not in any movies lately. -- P.T. A: Despite having what is surely a lucrative gig as the spokesman for Apartments.com, Jeff Goldblum is still very much a beloved and sought-after actor in Hollywood. Originally from Pittsburgh, Goldblum started out as most actors do when they move to California -- landing guest-starring roles on hit primetime shows. He landed small but memorable roles in movies like “Annie Hall,” “The Right Stuff” and “The Big Chill.” In 1986, he starred in the sci-fi/horror film “The Fly,” but it would be the “Jurassic Park” movies that

Trivia Test BY FIFI RODRIGUEZ

would bring him his greatest box-office success. He’s caught the eye of other big-name directors, including Taika Waititi for “Thor: Ragnarok” and Wes Anderson for “Asteroid City,” the latter of which was just released last year. So, yes, Goldblum’s acting days are far from over. He even has a role in the highly anticipated film “Wicked,” which is based on the hit Broadway musical. *** Q: Is there going to be another season of “The White Lotus” on HBO? If so, where will it take place? I hope they return to Hawaii. -- G.J. A: There definitely will be a third season of “The White Lotus,” but not until sometime in 2025. Once again, the story will be set at a luxury resort, but instead of Hawaii and Italy, it’ll be Thailand. Natasha Rothwell, who played spa manager Belinda in season one, will be returning to the series. Joining her is an impressive cast that includes Carrie Coon (“The Gilded Age”), Parker Posey (“Best in Show”), Jason Isaacs (“Archie”), Walton Goggins (“Justified”), Michelle Monaghan (“True Detective”) and Leslie Bibb (“Popular”). “White Lotus” creator Mike White and his cast have been a strong presence at the Emmy and Golden Globe Awards for the past two years. The series has

BY FREDDY GROVES

A NEW LIFE INSURANCE PROGRAM The Department of Veterans Affairs has started a new life insurance program for the first time in 50 years, and the details are worth noting. Called VALife, it’s different from (and much better than) the previous insurance program. In fact, within the first year, over 30,000 veterans have signed up.

7. GEOGRAPHY:

What is a beaver’s

Which nation is home to

home called?

Europe’s largest glacier?

2. U.S. STATES: In

8. MOVIES: In which

which state would you

film does Doris Day sing

find Crater Lake?

“Que Sera, Sera”?

The old program limited veterans to $10,000 in coverage. The new program, VALife, offers up to $40,000 in whole life insurance.

3. TELEVISION: Which

9. SCIENCE: What is

animated cartoon

anemophily?

The policy starts to build cash value after two years. If there’s a death in the first two years, the payment to the beneficiary would be the premiums that had been paid plus interest. (If you currently have a policy under the old program, you can keep that coverage while you wait for the two-year benefit of the new policy to kick in -- that’s if you apply before Dec. 31, 2025.)

10. MUSIC: Who sang

up, Doc?” 4. LITERATURE: Who

With the old program, you had to be in good health (except for the disability) before you could apply. The new program has no limit, and no medical exam is required.

the hit “Girls Just Want to Have Fun”?

Premiums will never change and depend on your age.

Exorcist”?

With the old program, S-DVI, veterans with service-connected disabilities only had two years to sign up from the time of receiving a disability rating. VALife has no such limitation.

You can apply online and get an immediate response. Additionally, you can make payments and changes to beneficiaries online.

is the author of “The 10. Cyndi Lauper. 9. Pollination by the wind.

5. MATH: In Roman

8. “The Man Who Knew Too Much.” 7. Iceland.

numerals, what is XVIII

6. 33.

times V?

5. XC (90). 4. William Peter Blatty.

6. ANATOMY: How

3. Bugs Bunny. 2. Oregon.

many vertebrae are in

1. A lodge.

Answers

the human spine?

If you’re a veteran age 80 or under, and if you have any level of service-connected disability (that means 0-100%), your acceptance is guaranteed. If you’re over the age of 80, there are eligibility points that still might allow you to buy coverage. See the URL below for those eligibility requirements. To read the details about VALife, go online to www.va.gov/lifeinsurance/options-eligibility/valife to see if you’re eligible and how to sign up. The cost of the policy is noted in the drop-down chart of premium rates by age. (There is a discount if you pay yearly.) If you have questions, call the VA Life Insurance Center at 800669-8477. © 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

SENIOR NEWS LINE By Matilda Charles It’s still here Uh oh. It appears that in my ZIP code the number of Covid cases has doubled in the past week. Not only that, but two close neighbors are sick.

BY LUCIE WINBOURNE • In 2012, a 90-year-old Baltimore woman named Venus Green locked a police officer in her basement when he tried searching her home without a warrant. Afterward, she brought a civil rights lawsuit and won a $95,000 settlement. * “Jeopardy!” contestants stand on adjustable platforms so that they all appear to be the same height on camera. • Chess is a required school subject in Armenia. • Before the modern glass versions we use today became commonplace, mirrors were made from bronze and were prized possessions of rich households in Egypt, Greece, Rome, China and Japan.

PAW’S CORNER

1. ANIMAL KINGDOM:

character says, “What’s

also relaunched Jennifer Coolidge’s career since she starred in Christopher Guest’s satiric film “Best in Show,” then later in “Legally Blonde,” opposite Reese Witherspoon. Coolidge has won two Critics’ Choice Awards, one Golden Globe and two Primetime Emmys for playing ditzy Tanya, so it’s no wonder that stars are lining up to work for White. *** Q: I saw a headline that said singers Alanis Morissette and Ciara are distant cousins? Did they just find this out? -- L.B. A: The two singers aren’t related; however, both did appear on the same PBS show “Finding Your Roots.” In Ciara’s case, she learned that one of her distant cousins is former New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter. The two actually met almost 10 years ago at the ESPY Awards and were even photographed together, but didn’t know that they were related at the time. Alanis Morissette was informed on “Finding Your Roots” that she also has a famous relative. In fact, her distant cousin is someone she already considered a friend -- actress Claire Danes (“Homeland”).

One neighbor tested positive and, within two days (without benefit of a negative test), went back to work while still feeling ill. The other neighbor caught “something” from a co-worker who had tested positive for Covid. But she didn’t take a test to find out what that something was and went to work anyway. We’re all so tired of this; tired of testing for the least little sniffle. But we do test, because we need to know. Many others are so fed up that they’re ignoring the reality: They don’t test when ill so they can say they haven’t tested positive, and they go to work, possibly passing the illness to colleagues and customers. I’ve charted the weekly stats for four years now and can quote the approximate number of positive Covid cases in my Zip code. Since we have the free

at-home tests, all of the results don’t get reported, which skews the real numbers. A university think tank, however, came up with a multiplier number -- 14.2 -- as the number to use. If your local number is 15 cases (as reported by doctors or officials), multiply that by 14.2 to get a more accurate number of how many cases are really in your area. While Covid has gone through numerous variants, some things haven’t changed. Symptoms might not show up for several days. Someone who has Covid can be contagious for five days or more. If you think you (or someone around you) have a cold, take a Covid test. If you think you have Covid, call your doctor to let them know your symptoms. As always, wash your hands.

ARE DOGS REALLY HAPPY IN FREEZING WEATHER? DEAR PAW’S CORNER: While walking along the local riverway this frosty weekend, I noticed at least three people whose dogs were under-equipped for the cold. One dog wore an insulated vest but no booties; the other two dogs wore no cold protection at all. Why do so many owners ignore their dogs’ comfort and safety this way? -- Harold in New Hampshire DEAR HAROLD: Unfortunately, not every dog owner knows that it’s up to them to protect their pets from cold-weather hazards. Most dogs won’t ask for a sweater vest, and I’ve yet to meet one that didn’t hate booties. I know quite a few dogs that just won’t tolerate booties. Many owners do know their dogs’ limits in the cold, however. They check the temperature before going outside and survey the sidewalk or trail they’re on for hazards like ice chunks, salt or glazing. They limit the time spent outdoors so their dog’s core temperature doesn’t drop. They monitor their dogs to make sure they’re not shivering or in pain, and that their paws aren’t getting frostbitten. And they carefully wipe and check their dogs’ paws as soon as they get back indoors. How do you, an observer, make sure that an owner is following these guidelines? Confronting owners is not advisable. You may be able to strike up a casual conversation on the path, and ask how their dog tolerates the cold weather. But don’t preach at them. In my experience, owners who take the time to walk their dogs on a leash in freezing weather do care about their health and keep an eye on them in the cold. Send your tips, comments or questions to ask@pawscorner.com. © 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

THE HISTORY CHANNEL

Time

• On Feb. 12, 1912, Hsian-T’ung, the last emperor of China, was forced to abdicate following Sun Yat-sen’s republican revolution, ending 267 years of Manchu rule in China and 2,000 years of imperial rule. • On Feb. 13, 1958, a four-passenger Thunderbird called the “Square Bird,” made by the Ford Company, made its public debut. Considered to be a model that turned the Thunderbird from a sports car into a luxury car, it’s still often referred to as simply the T-Bird and has appeared in movies such as “Grease,” popular songs and music videos. • On Feb. 14, 1984, Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean became the highest-scoring figure skaters in history at the Olympic ice skating championship in Sarajevo with their sensual, free-dance performance of Ravel’s “Bolero.” • On Feb. 15, 1965, the maple leaf officially became Canada’s official national flag symbol. It had already served in that capacity for more than a century, but the matter was only settled in the House of Commons the previous December, and approved by England’s Queen Elizabeth II shortly afterward. • On Feb. 16, 2007, British Education Secretary Alan Johnson’s order for “difficult” classic authors including Jane Austen and Charles Dickens to be taught to 11- and 12-year-olds was not met with favor by teachers. They believed these classic works might prove daunting enough to turn students off of such material for life. Johnson argued that they were in fact essential to a well-rounded British education. • On Feb. 17, 2014, the Saudi Gazette made Somayya Jabarti the newspaper’s editor-in-chief, marking the first time a woman held that position in the country. Her successor, writing about the decision that represented a major step forward for Saudi women’s rights, made sure to state that the position was granted solely on Jabarti’s merit.

Remember: If someone around you has a mild case of Covid and gives it to you, your case might not be mild at all.

• On Feb. 18, 1943, a small group of German students from the University of Munich known as the White Rose movement were arrested after a janitor observed and reported them for distributing leaflets with anti-Nazi propaganda. Within days, all the members, including philosophy professor Kurt Huber, were sentenced to death for treason by the People’s Court and beheaded.

• The Statue of Liberty’s full name is Liberty Enlightening the World. • A study conducted at the University of Montreal showed that young people who played the 1996 game Super Mario 64 for only two months increased their spatial and episodic memory, which improves brain capacity and helps to ward off dementia. • More than 20% of all the world’s freshwater is in the Great Lakes. • While humans and giraffes obviously have vastly different neck lengths, they still have the exact same number (seven) of neck vertebrae. • Ever wonder why some cocktails are shaken while others are stirred? Chalk it up to the level of dilution and texture required: The longer the shake or stir, the more diluted and cold the beverage gets. Hence cocktails made with spirits, tonics and bitters should be stirred, while those featuring fruit juices, egg whites, cream or cream-based liqueurs should be shaken. • Folks used to say “prunes” rather than “cheese” when having their pictures taken. ••• Thought for the Day: “It is not by muscle, speed or physical dexterity that great things are achieved, but by reflection, force of character and judgment, and in these qualities old age is usually not only not poorer, but is even richer.” -- Cicero © 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

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Page M4 • January 31, 2024 • Wednesday

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picked his next project. He’s developing a new Frankenstein film starring “Priscilla’s” Elvis Presley, Jacob Elordi. Oscar Isaac will play Dr. Frankenstein, and two-time Oscar winner Christoph Waltz will be backing them up. At least Elordi won’t have to learn any dialogue! *** What we need even less than another Frankenstein film is another “King Kong” film (or another edition of “Mean Girls”). Still, “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” opens on March 29. *** Linda Ronstadt, who was misdiagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, has been rediagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy, leaving her unable to sing anymore. A biopic will be made about Ronstadt’s life, starring “Only Murders in the Building’s” Selena Gomez. *** Josh Hutcherson (of “The Hunger Games” franchise) scored big with “Five Nights at Freddy’s,” which cost $20 million and grossed $294.6 million. A sequel is in the works. Meanwhile, he currently has “The Beekeeper” out in theaters, with Jason Statham, Jeremy Irons and Minnie Driver. *** Paramount’s revving up their “Star Trek” franchise, but probably won’t have Chris Pine playing Capt. James T. Kirk. Pine played Kirk in 2009, 2013 and 2016; however, this one’s a prequel, so Pine is probably too old to take us into the final frontier!

Hollywood

BY TONY RIZZO

Audra McDonald (“The Gilded Age”)

HOLLYWOOD -- Paramount Pictures has lost it biggest star now that Tom Cruise is moving his production company to Warner Bros. after 30 years. Cruise has been making pictures with Paramount since 1992, and his last release will be the upcoming eighth film in the “Mission Impossible” franchise. The seventh film, “Dead Reckoning Part One,” grossed $567.5 million. It will be a sad day for Paramount when the 61-year-old superstar moves to Warner Bros.

*** “Wonka,” starring Timothee Chalamet, is impressive in an “Oliver Twist” kind of way. He sings, dances and acts great, but while it had some magic, it didn’t have the appeal of the first two films with Gene Wilder and Johnny Depp. Still, you can’t argue with half a billion in its first three weeks. “Killers of the Flower Moon” was a disappointment at the box office -- and at the Golden Globes when Robert De Niro, Leonardo DiCaprio and Martin Scorsese didn’t score any wins. But Lily Gladstone won for Best Actress in a Motion Picture. Scorsese says that his next project will be an 80-minute film called “A Life of Jesus.” *** Six-time Tony winner, two-time Grammy winner, and Emmy winner Audra McDonald, recently seen in season two of Max’s “The Gilded Age” (which was renewed for season three), will take on Mama Rose in a revival of “Gypsy” on Broadway. It’s the first time a woman of color is taking the role on. *** Oscar-winning director Guillermo Del Toro has

A Fusion of Love and Tradition: The Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day Hot Pot Feast

SAVOR THE FLAVOR: DIVE INTO A HOT POT DELIGHT, WHERE DIY DINING MEETS CULINARY CREATIVITY!

PATTI DIAMOND

DIVAS ON A DIME Photo credit: www.JasonCoblentz.com With Chinese New Year coming up on Feb. 10 and Valentine’s Day Feb. 14, let’s embark on an affordable culinary love story as we blend the rich traditions of Chinese New Year with the romance of Valentine’s Day through a delightful hot pot experience at home. A hot pot meal is a communal dining experience where diners cook a variety of raw ingredients, such as thinly sliced meat, seafood and vegetables, in a simmering pot of flavored broth at the center of the table. While my take on hot pot doesn’t offer a strictly authentic experience, it’s a simple and enjoyable introduction. For a more authentic encounter, additional research, or a visit to a hot pot restaurant or a Chinese market is recommended. For those with access to an Asian market, a single trip will yield all the essentials. If an Asian market isn’t handy, a little online planning can bring the necessary ingredients and equipment to your doorstep. When shopping for your hot pot feast, simplicity is key. Equip yourself with an electric or butane burner for tabletop cooking, use an electric skillet or plan your meal around the stovetop. Consider a divided pot to enjoy two broths at once. A wire skimmer and chopsticks keep your ingredients in check while cooking. (You can use a fork; I won’t tell anyone.) When planning your menu, it’s easy to over shop. Plan for 8 to 12 ounces of meat, seafood and/or tofu per person, and aim for 2 to 3 ingredients from each food group: vegetables, mushrooms, starch and fun accompaniments. Leftovers? Repurpose them into delicious soups and noodles in the days following the festivities. The menu that’s pictured includes thin slices of beef sirloin and pork belly. The veggies are napa cabbage, baby bok choy, spinach, sweet potato, red pepper and white, cremini and enoki mushrooms. For starch you’ll see fresh noodles, bean threads and rice vermicelli -- as well as dipping sauces, zesty soy sauce, peanut sauce and chili oil, with fresh garnish of cilantro, green onion, chopped peanuts and sesame seeds. Since this meal centers on broth, this recipe makes a delicious broth using chicken, beef, pork or vegetable broth. Or you can also use a few flavor packets from instant ramen and cook the noodles during your

meal. HOT POT BROTH Yield: 6 to 8 cups Time: 20 minutes 6 to 8 cups broth, depending on pot size 2 cloves garlic, smashed 1 (1-inch) piece ginger, peeled and sliced 2 green onions, chopped into large pieces 1 tablespoon soy sauce 2 teaspoons sesame oil 1/2 teaspoon chili oil, or to taste for spicy broth only! Heat broth in a saucepan on the stovetop or in your hot pot. Add the remaining ingredients and simmer until ready to use. ZESTY SOY DIPPING SAUCE Yield: 1/2 cup Time: 5 minutes 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce 1 (heaping) tablespoon green onion, sliced 1 clove garlic, grated 1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated 1 teaspoon brown sugar Mix ingredients together and refrigerate until serving. EASY PEANUT SAUCE Yield: 1/2 cup Time: 5 minutes 1/3 cup peanut butter 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon teriyaki sauce 1 teaspoon sesame oil 1/2 teaspoon garlic, grated 1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated Place peanut butter, oil and teriyaki sauce in a microwave-safe bowl, and microwave for 15 seconds. Stir until the ingredients are smooth. Add remaining ingredients and stir to incorporate. Refrigerate until serving. Feel free to customize these ideas to fit your style and preferences. Enjoy creating a memorable and culturally rich Valentine’s Day and Chinese New Year celebration! Lifestyle expert Patti Diamond is the penny-pinching, party-planning, recipe developer and content creator of the website Divas On A Dime -- Where Frugal, Meets Fabulous! Visit Patti at www.divasonadime.com and join the conversation on Facebook at DivasOnADimeDotCom. Email Patti at divapatti@divasonadime.com © 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.,

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