Papaya Smoothie

Papayas aren't the normal pantry fare, but in the summer months you'll often find them on sale at the grocery store. Other than slicing them up and eating them, what else can you do with Papayas? Well, you can make smoothies, of course.

Ingredients:

(Recipe from Martha Stewart)

2 1/2 cups papaya

1 cup ice cubes

2/3 cup yogurt

1 Tbs finely chopped fresh ginger (optional)

1 Tbs honey

1/2 cup lemon juice (about 2 lemons)

Preparation:

Peel papaya, cut, and remove seeds. Save seeds and set aside.

Place ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Either serve cold, or store in the freezer for later.

Papaya seeds are edible and taste like something between a caper berry and a peppercorn. You can dry them and use them in place of either ingredient. (or, if you live in a tropical area, you can plant the seeds and grow your own papaya plants).

Homemade Restaurant Style Teriyaki Sauce

1/4 cup Soy sauce
1 cup water
1 1/2 tsp minced fresh ginger (or 1/2 tsp ground ginger)
1 tsp minced garlic (or 1/4 tsp garlic powder)
5 Tbs packed brown sugar
1-2 Tbs honey
2 Tbs corn starch
1/4 cup cold water

Preparations:

In a small bowl, mix corn starch and 1/4 cup water to make a 'slurry.' Set aside.

Mix the remaining ingredients in a saucepan over medium to medium-high heat until sugar has dissolved.

Add corn starch mixture and stir until it thickens. Remove from heat and serve with rice or stir fry. Use as a marinade for chicken, fish, or other meat.