Cashew Snaps Recipes

CASHEW CHICKEN WITH SNAP PEAS

Steps:

• Cook the rice as the label directs. Set aside off the heat, 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
• Meanwhile, toss the chicken with 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 teaspoons soy sauce in a large bowl; set aside 5 minutes. Stir together the hoisin sauce, remaining 2 tablespoons soy sauce, the vinegar, sugar, ginger, garlic, remaining 1 teaspoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon water in a separate bowl until smooth; set aside.
• Heat the vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook, stirring once or twice, until golden and almost fully cooked through, 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate, leaving any drippings behind. Add the snap peas to the skillet and cook until bright green, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the cashews to lightly toast, about 1 minute.
• Return the chicken to the skillet and pour in the hoisin sauce mixture. Cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken and vegetables, 1 to 2 minutes.
• Divide the rice among plates or shallow bowls. Top with the chicken mixture and sauce.

CASHEW BRANDY SNAPS

Steps:

• Toss sugar, chopped cashews and flour to combine. Add lemon juice, brandy and melted butter and stir until batter is smooth. Chill for at least an hour. (Batter freezes well).
• Preheat oven to 350°F. On a silicone baking sheet or greased parchment paper, spread with a palette knife a circle of batter about 1 ½ -inches across and about 1/8-inch thick. Repeat, leaving at least 2 inches between snaps. Bake for 7 to 9 minutes, rotating pan in oven halfway through baking. To curl snaps, remove pan from oven and let cool 1 minute. While still warm, remove snaps with palette knife and rest over a rolling pin to curl. For flat cookies, simply allow to cool completely on pan.
• Cashew brandy snaps will keep for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
• Yield: 2 1/2 to 3 dozen snaps.

CRISPY TOFU WITH CASHEWS AND BLISTERED SNAP PEAS

Steps:

• Slice the tofu in half horizontally, and leave on paper towels to dry any excess liquid.
• In a medium skillet or cast-iron pan, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high until it shimmers. Season both sides of the tofu with salt and black pepper, place in the pan and sear without moving until tofu is browned and golden on both sides, turning once halfway through, about 8 minutes total. Move the tofu to a plate.
• Add 1 tablespoon oil to the pan, and add the snap peas. Cook, stirring occasionally, until blistered and just tender, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and move to a bowl.
• Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, add the ginger and garlic, and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the coconut milk, soy sauce and molasses. Simmer, stirring frequently until the sauce reduces and its color deepens to a dark brown, about 6 to 8 minutes. It should coat a spoon without running right off. Stir in the cashews, break the tofu into 1-inch pieces and toss in the pan to coat with sauce. Remove from heat, and taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary.
• Toss the snap peas with the rice vinegar, scallions, mint and red-pepper flakes, if using. Divide among plates, along with the tofu and cashews. Serve with rice or any steamed grain.