Spring can be a little confusing. One day the air is languid and warm, the sun is shining and I slip into sandals and shorts. The next day the mercury plummets, the sky is deep in cloud cover and I am reaching for a cozy sweater and my favorite boots.
Neither Here Nor There
Held between one and the other I often address the tension by shutting down my kitchen. I’m not sure what I want to eat so I rely on quick answers and bland choices: rotisserie chicken and steamed vegetables, picked up last minute from the market. At home I focus on spring cleaning and organizing my closet and life rather than more creative pursuits like cooking and writing.
What I need is inspiration, a clean space and an empty vessel. Here’s a recipe that begins like simplicity itself; with a neutral palate. All you need are two ingredients: cooking spray, which you likely have on hand, and wonton wrappers, which are readily available but sometimes take a little looking to locate at the grocery store. Spray muffin tins, mini-muffin tins or custard cups, and arrange wonton wrappers with a few creatively attractive creases and folds, to form a cup, a vessel for whatever your creativity unfolds.
A Neutral Palate
Wonton Cups are mild in flavor and commit to neither sweet nor savory. They blow with the prevailing winds and act as a vessel, a vehicle for whatever flavor your appetite is currently inclined toward. For an appealing appetizer, fill them with a sweet or spicy salsa, sweet jam or something of your own design.
Wonton Cups
1 package square wonton wrappers
nonstick cooking spray
Preheat oven to 350F.
Spray 24 muffin cups with nonstick cooking spray. Arrange one wonton wrapper in each muffin cup, gently line each muffin cup with one wonton wrapper, fitting the center of the wonton wrapper into the bottom of the muffin tin and arranging the corners to extend upward.
Spray the top edges with nonstick cooking spray. Bake at 350F for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Remove from oven. As soon as possible remove the wonton wrappers from the muffin tins and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
Fill and enjoy!
