Finger Food in a Flash

Crab Rangoon(Family Features) - It sounds like the rundown of a health-conscious foodie's most-wanted list ... made with all-natural ingredients, preservative-free, kosher, low in fat, calories and carbs. But, this coveted ingredient is not a hard-to-find specialty item; it's something usually found in the grocer's refrigerated produce section (sometimes it's sold in the deli)-Nasoya won ton wraps.


Won ton wraps are perfectly square pieces of fresh dough that save time in the kitchen. These won tons do indeed fit the healthy profile already detailed, but perhaps their greatest strength lies in their versatility. These little kitchen chameleons can morph into just about anything from traditional Asian delicacies like steamed dumplings, to sweet delights, such as cherry fritters, to savory appetizers like southwestern won ton cups.

The familiar appetizer featured here, Crab Rangoon, is always a crowd pleaser-and fresh Nasoya Won Ton wraps makes it fast to prepare, too. Simply mix up the mouth-watering filling of cream cheese, crab, scallions, garlic and freshly squeezed lemon juice and refrigerate for a few hours. Right before your guests arrive, spoon a half teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture in the won ton, seal and fry. Pass the plate around and watch them disappear.

Jim Coleman, chef and host of PBS-TV's "Healthy Flavors" cooking show, enjoys making simple and wholesome snacks like these. "Healthy finger foods are perfect for fun get-togethers with friends and family," Coleman says, pointing out that for guests who are watching their waistlines, Nasoya Super Firm Organic Tofu makes a great substitution for the cream cheese. "Unlike cream cheese and other dairy products, soy foods like tofu and soymilk offer all of the delicious creamy texture we love without all of the fat and calories.

"Won Tons-It's a Wrap

Tips for using won ton wraps creatively. Think beyond traditional uses-won ton wraps work great for Asian-inspired foods, but can also do double-duty for a host of other recipes:

Won tons can be stuffed with sweet or savory fillings.
Filled won tons can be cooked by steaming, baking or frying.
Empty won ton wraps may also be tucked into mini muffin cups and baked to create a crispy shell for a variety of fillings.
Won tons can be filled with ricotta (ravioli) and covered with fresh marina.
They can also be cut into ribbons and added to soup for some extra body and "umph.
"Won tons can be cut into ribbons for fast fettuccini.

For more creative finger foods and appetizers, visit www.nasoya.com and www.vitasoy-usa.com.

SOURCE: Vitasoy

Crab Rangoon

Ingredients

1 package Nasoya Won Ton Wraps
2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 clove garlic, chopped
2 green onions, chopped
1 dash paprika
1 can crabmeat

Preparation

Combine all ingredients, except Nasoya Won Ton Wraps. Mix and refrigerate for several hours.
Make a paste with water and flour to glue edges of won ton wraps.
Take one wrap, place 1/2 teaspoon mixture in the middle of the wrap and seal edges with flour/water mixture.
Fry in oil at 350-375 degrees. Fry until edges are brown. Serve while warm.

Serves Makes 6 servings

Nutrients per serving (4 pieces)

Calories: 610g Total Fat: 45g
Cholesterol: 105mg Protein: 16g
Carbohydrates: 35g Sodium: 620mg

Posted in: Dessert,Rangoon Food