Shrimp, Soda Cracker Pie, Cincinnati Chili

DEAR SOS: I’ve been looking for a good recipe for sweet and pungent shrimp. I like the version served at Gourmet 88 in Burbank. Would the people there help with a recipe? --PAMELA

DEAR PAMELA: Owner Stephen Chan came through with flying colors. You can vary the recipe by using chicken, pork or beef cut into bite-size pieces or cubes.

GOURMET 88 SWEET-AND-PUNGENT SHRIMP 1 1/2 pounds peeled shrimp 1 egg white 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon white wine Cornstarch Oil 2 green onions, chopped Pungent Sauce

Clean shrimp and pat dry. Beat egg white (save egg yolk for another use) and add salt, wine and 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch. Add shrimp and turn to coat well. Marinate at least 30 minutes.

Lightly dredge shrimp in additional cornstarch. Heat oil for deep frying until hot. Add shrimp and cook until shrimp is golden brown and crisp. Remove shrimp and drain.

Clean pan. Add 2 tablespoons oil and heat until hot. Add chopped green onions and Pungent Sauce. Add shrimp and stir-fry until heated through and well coated with sauce. Makes 6 servings.

Each serving contains about: 237 calories; 738 mg sodium; 170 mg cholesterol; 11 grams fat; 10 grams carbohydrates; 24 grams protein; 0.03 gram fiber.

Pungent Sauce 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped onion 1/2 teaspoon chopped garlic 1/2 teaspoon chopped ginger root 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper paste 2 tablespoons catsup 2 tablespoons lemon juice 3 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons vinegar 1/4 teaspoon salt

Combine onion, garlic, ginger root, hot pepper paste, catsup, lemon juice, sugar, vinegar and salt. Mix well. Makes about 2/3 cup.

DEAR SOS: I’ve searched everywhere for a recipe called Soda Cracker Pie. My recipe was loaned and never returned. It’s easy to make, and everyone always enjoyed it. --JOAN

DEAR JOAN: Here’s the classic Depression-era pie that tastes like apple pie but isn’t.

SODA CRACKER PIE 2 eggs 1 cup sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 cup chopped walnuts 1 cup crushed soda crackers 1 teaspoon vanilla

Beat eggs and combine with sugar and baking powder. Add nuts and soda crackers and stir in vanilla. Pour into greased 8- or 9-inch pie plate and bake at 325 degrees 30 minutes. Makes 6 servings.

Each serving contains about: 344 calories; 250 mg sodium; 71 mg cholesterol; 16 grams fat; 47 grams carbohydrates; 6 grams protein; 0.95 gram fiber.

DEAR SOS: We’ve heard about Cincinnati chili for some time and were fortunate to try two examples of the chili on a recent trip. Is there a chance of getting the recipe for a typical Cincinnati chili? --HUGO

DEAR HUGO: One of the unique characteristics of the original Cincinnati chili is that the hamburger is simmered, not browned, according to a reader from Cincinnati, who shared this recipe.

SHAYE’S CINCINNATI SKYLINE CHILI 2 pounds ground beef 3 cups water 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 2 bay leaves 1 onion, chopped 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 2 teaspoons cumin 1 1/2 teaspoons vinegar 1 tablespoon chili powder 1 1/2 teaspoons ground allspice 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper

Mix ground beef and water until soupy. Mix in tomato sauce, garlic powder, bay leaves, onion, cinnamon, Worcestershire, salt, cumin, vinegar, chili powder, allspice and red pepper. Simmer, uncovered, 3 hours. Stir occasionally. Makes 8 servings.

Note : Top with shredded Cheddar cheese, onions, chili beans or use as sauce over noodles or spaghetti.

Each serving, without optional toppings, contains about: 255 calories; 843 mg sodium; 64 mg cholesterol; 18 grams fat; 7 grams carbohydrates; 16 grams protein; 0.79 gram fiber.