Friday was a great day, a really great day. And, wow, was it welcomed.
First, Atlanta had a second day of delightful weather, sunny, clear, and vibrant. And, the weather’s (allegedly) expected to continue through the weekend. Next? Employment. Phew! The last several months have been long and arduous without gainful employment. Luckily, I now have something that (I hope) will bring me much happiness while cooking in a kitchen – other than mine. 
Lastly, I received an email informing me that I am a finalist in the Share Our Strength’s Great American Baking Contest (Atlanta), amateur category, hosted here by The Cook’s Warehouse Midtown. Entries will be judged in three categories – Taste (50%), Presentation (25%) and Originality (25%). Hmmm Prizes will be awarded for first ($250), second ($125) and third place (a Domino’s Sugar Gift Basket. Exciting!
To kick off the weekend, I wanted something yummy and springy. So, I tried to replicate something I heard or saw on Iron Chef one evening about a month ago. It isn’t the dish, per say, as I didn’t really pay attention to what was happening on the show. I can’t just sit and watch a TV show (unless its Criminal Minds and Shemar Moore is personally drawing me into his pure and inevitable hotness). Therefore, the TV is usually on almost as white noise. Well, I heard “cilantro sugar” during one of the dish presentations on Iron Chef and thought….”Brilliant”!!! Seriously. Why haven’t I heard of this before. And, why haven’t I tried it with Basil as well?
No exact measurements here, especially since I am only working with a cheapy mini chopper/processor. (My Cuisinart died last year….so very sad. RIP Quizzy) I began with maybe about ¼ – ½ cup granulated sugar, and blended it in my lil’ chopper with a handful of cilantro until all the leaves were chopped and in with the sugar. Combine cilantro sugar and strawberries in a bowl, and let stand in refrigerator for 2 hours.
The yogurt/strawberry snack is great on the palate after a mini egg sandwich. I made the lil’ guy below because I (a) had left over mini-wheat rolls and (b) wanted an egg. But, since I didn’t feel like mixing up an egg ratio, only made one whole over easy egg omelet. Not big at all, but really satisfying.
Oh, the possibilities of the cilantro sugar. What’s the first thought that pops in your head on how you’d use some cilantro sugar?
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Mmm, what a fun idea! I will have to try the strawberry/yogurt idea, but sprinkled on some (tart) lime sorbet could be nice. Or on the rim of a margarita glass.
I love cilantro sugar on fresh slices of pineapple topped with a smidge of toasted coconut! I can’t wait to try it on strawberries!
OMG we could be separated at birth…I’m sitting here with white noise on the TV (anything except Kate, William and Diana please!!)-a rerun of Iron Chef-dreaming of Shemar and Criminal Minds and out of the “blah blah blah blah” I hear “Cilantro Sugar”! Did a quick “Google” and here we are!! Sounds sooo yummy!
ha! Angeline, that is too funny…My long lost sister!
Since the cilantro sugar, I have also tried basil. Both phenomenal. 
Try it!
The idea of cilantro sugar is amazing. I love both ingredients heartily and grow my own cilantro. Funny I was looking for recipes because I just saw Bobby Flay toss strawberries with the mixture. Cheers,
Trevor