Resolution Wontons

w/ sesame broccoli:

Resolution wontons: self-esteem, resolve and cream cheese all wrapped in a noodle pastry and baked.

Imagine your favorite Asian comfort food, your dining hall heat lamp staple, made fresh in your very own kitchen - without even the slightest chance of a grease fire (hello security deposit). Then imagine eating them warm, right off the cookie sheet, with a generous squirt of Siracha or just a dribble of soy sauce. Now, pick yourself up off the floor, and put a block of cream cheese on the counter to come to room temperature.

This recipe is incredibly simple, and tastes even better than the greasy take-out you wait forty-five minutes for on a Tuesday night. And, miracle of miracles, you don't even have to feel like a slug for eating them (in our house being called a "slug" or a "hog" is a real slap in the face). Thanks to a little olive oil, and a 400 degree oven, these wontons come out crispy, oozing with scallion infused cream cheese, and for a fraction of the fat, guilt and sour looks from your gym-addict roommate. After all, it's a new year, and that's shiny. 2011, seremos amigos.

I can't say why, but something told me wontons were the way to go this week. Furthermore, I can't say if it will happen for you, but I feel confident these cheesy wonders are full of just what you need to get your year off on the right foot. In my case, they singlehandedly completed 3 graduate applications that have been festering on my desktop and in Post-its since September. Well, with the help of last weeks stomach virus, a day off from work and a fast approaching deadline. Okay, the deadline helped a lot, but so did these Resolution wontons!

Notes: You can fold wontons any number of ways, but I like to stick with the simplest method: triangles. The more area exposed to the oven and broiler, the crispier the wonton. But, if you're in the mood to experiment try this blog for cool folding ideas and some play by play photos.

Furthermore, if your in the mood for a little extra inspiration SPUDS suggests pairing "Resolution Wontons" with IP Man (2009). An amazing film with enough kung-fu to knock your socks off.

Resolution Wontons

Inspired by Cream Cheese Wonton recipes, everywhere

Ingredients:

8-10 fresh, all-natural wonton wrappers

4 ounces reduced fat cream-cheese

2 green onions

1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

olive oil

Preparation:

1. Bring the wontons and cream cheese to room temperature. Preheat the oven to 400.

2. Finely slice the green onions, and mix with the sesame oil and cream cheese in a small bowl.

3. Keeping the wontons covered with a damp paper towel. Set one wrapper aside.

4. Fill the wrapper with 2 teaspoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture. Using your fingertip, wet all four edges of the wrapper. Fold the corners over to form a triangle, pressing the edges to seal. Repeat with remaining wontons, keeping the finished wontons covered with a damp paper towel.

5. Line a cookie sheet with tin foil lightly coat the foil with olive oil (or olive oil spray) to keep the wontons from sticking. Similarly, drizzle the wontons lightly with olive oil and rub to coat on both sides to help them brown. Place on the baking sheet and bake for 7 minutes.

6. Remove the wontons from the oven and heat the broiler on low. Put the wontons under the broiler for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes; DO NOT leave them unattended! Turn and continue broiling until they are crispy and golden.

For the broccoli:

1 head broccoli

1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds

1-2 teaspoons (low-sodium) soy sauce

Preparation:

1. Cut the stems from the broccoli and rinse thoroughly in cold water. Cut the broccoli into bite size pieces.

2. Put the broccoli into a sauce pan with an inch of water. Set to medium and steam for 3-4 minutes, or until it is cooked to the desired softness.

3. Drain thoroughly and serve with toasted sesame seeds and a drizzle of soy sauce.

Psssst> SPUDS new years resolution? Categorize all recipes to-date with price tags for easier, more budget friendly, searches. See Labels at the bottom of the page.