Who Knew?

High Times In Israel!
Richie, who reads the newspaper a lot more thoroughly than I, told me that Israel has had legal marijuana for the past 10 years!  We have friends in a Tel Aviv suburb and Sheila has never mentioned it.  Apparently it is a milder version of the drug; even very ill children are prescribed it.

"Salty Snacks - Make Your Own Chips, Crisps, Crackers, Pretzels, Dips and Other Savory Bites" by Cynthia Nims.  $16.95

Make your own crackers?!  The secret?  A pasta rolling machine!  Make the dough, let it rise, run chunks through the pasta rollers, cut to the desired size and bake.  I would never have thought of making crackers  - they'reare what?  $2.95 for a big box? 

I think her Salami Chips would set fire to my oven, but here's what you do:  Put parchment paper or a SilPat on a rimmed cookie sheet; lay out a single layer of salami slices and bake for about 10 minutes at 350 until the chips are evenly browned and rigid.  Transfer to paper towels and let cool. 

She recommends this dip for them - 1/4 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup mayonnaise and 2 T grainy mustard - mix together and serve with the salami slices. 

She gives recipes for all kinds of salty delicacies - Duck Fat Potato Chips (to be honest I don't get it about duck fat; I've had French fries made with it and "Meh?" was my reaction.)  Coconut Crisps with Basil and Chilis - the coconut is shaved strips of "real" coconut - you know, the hairy balls sometimes seen at the supermarket produce section?  Pickld Trout with Horseradish sauce anyone?  Popcorn with Chili-Lime butter and Cotija cheese is a riff on slices of pineapple with chile powder and lime juice. 

In retrospect, I would think that Trader Joe might try to put this book on the Banned List, if such a thing still exists.