Hot−Fried Crispy Shredded Beef

Ingredients:
4 eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 oz. corn starch
1 lb. topside of beef, cut into matchstick strips
2 cups vegetable oil
3 medium carrots, scraped and cut into matchstick strips
2 spring onions, cut into 1 inch sections
2 dry red chilies, shredded
3 garlic cloves, crushed
6 teaspoons sugar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
4 tablespoons wine vinegar

Cooking:
1. Mix together the eggs, salt and cornflour and toss the beef in this until well coated. Heat the oil in a wok to 350 degree F, or until a cube of bread browns in 30 seconds, and stir−fry the beef
for 1 1/2 minutes or until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
2. Reheat the oil and deep−fry the carrots for 1 1/2 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.
3. Pour off most of the oil, leaving about 1 1/2 tablespoons in the bottom of the wok. Reheat, then add the spring onions, chilies and garlic. Stir−fry together for about 30 seconds over the heat then add the sugar, soy sauce and vinegar. Return the meat and carrots to the sauce. Toss over the heat and serve.

*pic from gettyimages

Asparagus Pasta col Pesto

Ingredients:
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 to 1/2 cup olive oil (do not substitute)
1 cup chopped or sliced asparagus, use only the tender half or tips (asparagus can be substituted with broccoli, string beans, or zucchini)
2 tablespoons minced onion
1/4 to 1/2 cup fresh basil, finely chopped
8 ounces pasta noodles of your choice
grated Parmesan cheese

Cooking:
1. Quick Pesto Sauce: Saute garlic, onion, and basil in olive oil until the garlic and onion turns light brown. Do not over cook. Set aside and keep warm.
2. Prepare the pasta of your choice according to package directions except for the following:
Add 1 to 2 cups additional water. Just before water begins to boil, add the asparagus or the vegetables of your choice. When the water begins to boil add the pasta and cook according to directions
3. Drain the pasta and vegetable mixture and pour the pesto sauce over the top, tossing lightly to coat. Top with parmesan cheese and serve with French bread and additional parmesan cheese.

*pic from gettyimages