Seared Spicy Tuna On Basil Parmesan Crisps With Apricot Jam Food

BIG EYE TUNA ON WONTON CRISPS WITH PAPAYA DAIKON RELISH

Steps:

• Pour vegetable oil into a medium saucepan until 1-inch deep and place the pan over medium heat. Let the oil heat for about 3 minutes. As the oil heats, cut each wonton wrapper into 4 equally square pieces. Very carefully drop the squares into the hot oil 1 at a time, working in batches of 4 at a time. The wontons will bubble up and turn golden brown very quickly. Remove them with a slotted spoon to a piece of paper towel and repeat the process until all of the wontons are fried.
• The wontons may be fried 1 day in advance and stored in an airtight container.
• Pour the soy sauce into a large bowl and whisk in the ground ginger, cilantro and green onion. Next, cut the tuna into 1-inch square strips and place them in the marinade. Set aside for 15 minutes.
• Place a large heavy bottomed skillet over high heat for 3 minutes. Spray with cooking spray and immediately place the tuna strips in the pan, searing each of the 4 sides for 30 seconds only. Remove from the pan and set aside.
• To assemble, place a small amount of the relish on a wonton crisp. Carefully slice the tuna strips into 1/4-inch pieces. Place 1 piece of tuna atop the relish and serve.
• *Wonton crisps can be made several days in advance and kept in an airtight container.
• Place all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to macerate.

APRICOT JAM

Steps:

• Toss the apricots, sugar, lemon zest and juice and vanilla in a large saucepan to combine, then mash slightly to release some of the apricot juice. Set aside for 10 minutes to allow the apricots to macerate and the sugar to dissolve. Meanwhile, place a small plate in the freezer to chill; this will be used to test the doneness of the jam.
• Place the saucepan over medium-high heat. (See Cook's Note for suggested add-in.) Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to medium, stirring frequently. Continue to cook until the jam becomes thick and syrupy, about 35 minutes. To test doneness, place a small amount of the jam onto the chilled plate and freeze for 2 minutes. Drag your finger or a spoon through the jam. If it holds its shape and thickness, the jam is done; remove from the heat. If it's runny, continue to cook and test again in 5-minute increments. Once the jam has reached the right consistency, transfer to jars and cool completely before storing, tightly covered. The jam will keep in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.

PERFECT-FOR-PARTIES BAKED BRIE IN PUFF PASTRY WITH APRICOT JAM

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Using a large chef's knife, cut the white rind off the top of the wheel of Brie and discard. Put the disk into the freezer and at the same time pull out the sheet of puff pastry. Allow the puff pastry to thaw until it is pliable but still cold, about 30 minutes.
• Roll the puff pastry to a 14-by-14-inch (35.5-by-35.5-cm) square. Using a pizza cutter or knife, cut a 1/2-inch (1.3-cm) wide strip from one edge of the pastry. Transfer the dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place 1 tablespoon (20 g) of the preserves at the center of the pastry and then the frozen Brie wheel. Top with the apple and cinnamon, then dollop the remaining 2 tablespoons (40 g) of preserves on top. Gather the four corners of the dough, one at a time, across the Brie to enclose it completely. Tie a simple knot with the strip of dough to make a purse.
• Brush the entire top and sides of the purse with the egg wash. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. If at any point the pastry seems like it's melting or too soft, put it in the freezer for 5 to 10 minutes before continuing. Make sure the pastry is well chilled before baking.
• Bake on the middle rack of the oven for 30 to 40 minutes, turning the baking sheet halfway through, until the pastry is golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool for 8 to 10 minutes before serving warm.