Happy Birthday, America!

It’s a long holiday weekend for Independence Day 2017, and hopefully you’ll be heading to some celebrations – whether you host dinner at your house, take a picnic to a park or enjoy snacks at a lake or pool. There will be food involved. It’s what we Americans do when we celebrate, am I right?!

Well, here’s an idea to wake up your holiday celebration with a bang! These appetizers are an explosion of flavor with turkey and crisp cabbage and carrots, ignited by the zest of chili paste. We borrow flavors of the Orient in this tasty recipe. Enjoy!

Chinese Firecrackers

• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 pound ground turkey breast
• 1 cup chopped cabbage
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 2 green onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon chile paste
• 1 tablespoon white wine
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 14 sheets phyllo dough
• 4 teaspoons vegetable oil
• 3/4 cup sweet and sour sauce

Heat 1 teaspoon oil in 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook turkey, cabbage, carrot and onions in oil about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until turkey is no longer pink and vegetables are crisp-tender. Stir in chili paste. Mix wine and cornstarch; stir into turkey mixture. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Cut stack of phyllo sheets crosswise in half. Cover with waxed paper, then with damp towel to prevent them from drying out. Place 1 half-sheet of phyllo on flat surface. Brush with small amount of oil. Top with second half-sheet of phyllo.

Place about 2 tablespoons turkey mixture on short end of phyllo; shape mixture into about 4-inch log. Roll up phyllo and turkey mixture. Twist phyllo 1 inch from each end to make firecracker shape. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Repeat with remaining phyllo and turkey mixture.   

Brush firecrackers with remaining oil. Bake about 20 minutes or until phyllo is crisp and golden brown. Serve with sweet-and-sour sauce.  (recipe below)

Sweet and Sour Sauce

• 2 T. cornstarch
• ½ c. sugar
• ¼ c. white vinegar
• ¼ c. pineapple juice
• 2 t. soy sauce
• ¼ c. water

Combine ingredients in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Simmer gently 5 minutes, then remove from heat.  Store in refrigerator and serve cold.