Stephanie's Weekly Spotlight: What's on the Menu?

Though it may feel like we are approaching the middle of summer, it officially began on Saturday. And nothing says summer like relaxing in your yard, at the lake, or even in the comfort of air-conditioned home with a good drink or snack. For my weekly spotlight, I selected a recipes inspired by the plots and characters of our three plays. For your next summer party or quiet night at home, try one of these delicious treats!

Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike

Siblings Vanya and Sonia are living in their Pennsylvania family home, bemoaning their unfufilled potential. Enter movie star sister Masha, and her her boy-toy. Successful and sassy, Masha does little to help Vanya and Sonia's situation.

Mango Passion Fruit Smoothie (inspired by the character of Masha):

Ingredients:

2 cups 1/2-inch cubes peeled mango 

2 cups crushed ice

5 tablespoons strained passion fruit juice (from about 8 passion fruit seeds)

1/4 cup coconut water

1 teaspoon 

Combine all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth. Divide between two glasses and serve.

Circle Mirror Transformation

A delightful comedy set in an adult creative drama class, where our characters explore their lives through the use of theatre games. 

Chocolate Peanut Protein Balls (a perfect on-the-go snack):

Ingredients: 

1 cup unsalted peanuts

1 1/3 cup tightly packed, pitted medjool dates

2 tablespoons raw cacao powder

2 scoops chocolate protein powder

Pinch of sea salt

1) Grind all ingredients in a food processor till they're evenly and finely ground. When you can take a small handful and squeeze it in your palm and it holds together well, you're ready to roll.

2) Roll the mixture into 1 or 1 1/2" balls.

Store in an airtight container in a cool place for up to two weeks.

Unnecessary Farce

In this hilarious slapstick comedy, a police sting takes place while the mayor meets with his accountant in the other room. But nothing goes right, amidst the confusion as to who's occupying which room, who's watching the video, who's taken the money, and who's hired a hit man. 

Cinnamon Carrot Chips with Yogurt Honey Dip (quirky but delicious!):

Ingredients:

2 large carrots, preferably organic

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Cooking oil spray

1/2 cup plain or plain greek yogurt

1 tablespoon pure honey

Arrange the oven racks in thirds. Preheat oven to 400°F.

Wash, scrub, and dry carrots. With a vegetable peeler, peel the carrots entirely into strips. Place the carrot strips into a bowl and toss with cinnamon and ginger.

Being careful not to overlap, lay carrot strips on two baking sheets that have been lightly sprayed with cooking oil spray. Place in the oven on the top and bottom racks and bake for 10 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through. Turn the oven off and crack the door. Allow to sit in the oven for 8 minutes. Keep an eye on it while the carrots are in the oven as oven temperatures vary and some ovens are hotter than others. Remove from the oven if they begin to brown. Carefully, transfer the carrots to a cooling rack or plate and allow to cool. The chips will crisp while they cool.

In a bowl, combine yogurt and honey; stir.

Once the chips have crisped up, serve the carrot chips with the dip and snack away.