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What is it about "Street Food"?

Working in Santa Monica these past few months there is never a moment when I stop and think, "gosh,  there just isn't anywhere to eat around here".  





I could literally swing a cat and hit no less than 25 eating establishments (not that I would swing a cat... but well, you get the point).  Then there are the food trucks.  






A once terrifying notion, (seen above) now they are verrrrrrrrrrrry trendy.  The "it" thing.  


I'm still very wary of them to be quite honest with you... very wary.  Yes, yes, I know they're regulated and have the same Safe Food Handling certifications required by brick and mortar locations but...still.

Now, THAT said, I AM the first one to grab a "water dog" from the nearest hot dog vendor on Broadway and 43rd when I AM in the City with not a care in the world.  





Street Food here in the USA is actually quite tame compared to the offerings in other countries.  For example, in Manila you can snack on Betamax' (pig's blood), 'isaw' or 'balun-balunan' (pig or chicken innards), and pork barbeque. All deep fried, stuck on sticks, which you can dip in vinegar.  




Or perhaps you find yourself in Mumbai and are peckish grab a Vada Pav or three ... they are potato patties mashed with garlic, chillies and coriander are dipped in chickpea flour, fried golden, then laid in "pav" which is a springy white bap that's well buttered, spread with coriander chutney and sprinkled with garlic and chilli powder.  






Maybe you're in London and the sound of your stomach growling is louder than the traffic at rush hour, well truth be known, the preparation, purchase and consumption of food street-side has been a consistent feature in London for thousands of years. It is rather the types of food served that reflect the state of modern day Street Food here. 



You'll find everything from lamb flatbreads with yogurt and chilli to an organic quinoa gluten free vegan patty with samphire pickle.

But what about home you may ask?  What is considered "American Street Food"?  I've already mentioned to famous hot dog vendors in Manhattan but what else?  What if you don't feel like a hot dog?  How about grabbing a slice?  




Or a burrito? Or, maybe a soft pretzel?   




Here are a couple of things that might pique your culinary interest and you can make them at home... but if you REALLY have to have that "Street Food" experience, go set up a camp chair on the the side of street and fill yer boots!

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Nutella Crepes




2 eggs, lightly beaten

2/3 cup milk
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon white sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
8 strawberries
4 bananas
Make your own damn whipped cream to top this!




In large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, melted butter, flour, sugar, and salt until smooth.
Heat a medium-sized skillet or crepe pan over medium heat. Grease pan with a small amount of butter or oil applied with a brush or paper towel. (I sprayed with a little bit of cooking spray). Using a serving spoon or small ladle, spoon about 3 tablespoons crepe batter into hot pan, tilting the pan so that bottom surface is evenly coated. (I used half of a scoop of a ice cream scoop). Cook over medium heat, 1 to 2 minutes on a side, or until golden brown. 


Thinly slice 4 slices of banana and 1 strawberry per crepe. Assemble with the slices of banana then strawberry. Spoon the nutella into a small zip top bag, cut a small hole in the corner and pipe the nutella on top of the fruit.



Fold the sides of the crepe together and top with whipped cream!







Okay... next,

Yep, Ice Cream... tell me you haven't walked through Central Park and NOT had ice cream?  Well, here's a super easy one... and you know its DEEEEELISH!

Coffee Ice Cream

2/3 Cup sweetened condensed milk
2 tbsp instant espresso powder
2 tbsp espresso liqueur  (you can use Godiva)
1 1/4 cups heavy whipping cream


Put the condensed milk in a bowl and stir in the espresso powder and liqueur.  In a separate bowel whisk the cream until it reached soft peaks (use your Kitchen Aid with a whisk attachment for this one people). Fold the cream into the condensed milk mixture  then pour this completely deeeeelish caffe latte coloured, airy mixture into an airtight container and freeze for 6 hours or overnight.

Serve it up as you wish.  Holy cow... it's to die for!





Enjoy!  With Love, The Sunflower xoxo









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