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Last week I saw a bottle of ginkgo on our kitchen counter. The label says, Promotes Good Blood Circulation & Enhances Memory and Concentration. I know BD's been feeling a little blah lately (who hasn't), although I was surprised hed gotten gingko. He hadnt mentioned anything about memory problems (those are mine), plus hes not really an herbal supplement kinda guy. But when it remained in the same place and unopened for a few days, I asked him about it.

I didnt buy that; I thought you did.

I shook my head and said, Uh-uh. We looked at each other and realized at the same moment that  

Someone left it here.

We started laughing.


(E, almost 11: "How's this story have anything to do with the recipes?"

Me: "It doesn't. I'm writing a book and still picking you up from school. Gimme a break."

E: Preteen shrug.}


And so, in a totally unrelated addendum (thank you E), here's what we ate while the Pats broke our hearts last Sunday: ribs and wings, but with a Cambodian twist. May your team still be in the running, and if not, may you eat well anyway.

Cambodian-ish Ribs

By Betsy and BD

Our friend Jeff said these were the best ribs he's ever had. We're blushing (but skeptical).

1 rack Niman Ranch ribs

spice rub consisting of

2 tsp. five-spice powder
1 tsp. garlic powder
2 tsp. onion powder
2 tsp. sweet paprika
1 tsp. lemon pepper
1 tsp. salt

Cut ribs apart, sprinkle with the rub and finish on the grill for 5-10 minutes.

Spicy Chicken Wings
Slab Mouan Kroeung
Adapted from The Elephant Walk Cookbook

Paste

3 tablespoons sliced lemongrass
4 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
1 medium shallot, coarsely chopped
1 tablespoon peeled, coarsely chopped ginger
1/2 tsp. paprika
1/4 tsp. turmeric
1/2 c. water

2 tablespoons peanuts, roasted and finely ground
2 tablespoons fish sauce
3 tablespoons sugar
1 tsp. salt
1 1/2 - 2 pounds chicken wings

Preheat oven to 400 F.

To make the paste: Blend all the ingredients in a blender until smooth, 2 to 3 minutes.

In a bowl, combine the paste with the peanuts, fish sauce, sugar and salt. Marinate the chicken in this sauce for at least 20 minutes at room temperature or as long as overnight in the fridge.

Cover a cookie sheet with foil and put the wings on it. Cook until crispy and brown, about an hour and up to an hour and a half.