International Delight

Have you ever craved one of those dishes that you can't get in a restaurant and have no idea how to make? Well I have! Actually I have for the past 3 years. My ex-boyfriend was Armenian and his mother made this amazing dish every New Years called Monte. Other than it's...well deliciousness...I didn't know much about it. I know that we would drive to Philadelphia (Actually Broomall) just to go to this small store called Armenian Delight. (If you are ever in the Philly area I HIGHLY recommend it) It is one of those stores where I assume someones Granny is chained to a stove in the back, because everything in there is yummy. Anyway, I digress...we would go all the way to this store to buy the Monte. Now I see why...they are not easy to make. So since I have been wanting Monte for about three years now I decided that I would make it tonight...even if it killed me. Recipe Below:

First you have to get your trusty helper! Sadie is always ready to help me with any cooking (or kitchen guarding). Not to mention she will be there to clean up any droppings, crumbs and will make the unsightly won ton's that you can not use disappear.

Well Actually the first thing you do is find the recipe and buy the ingredients. I was assuming that you would have already done this...but I may be wrong.

If you are are going to make the Monte recipe I have listed below you also need a glass of wine and your ipod (because it takes awhile to prep). I was enjoying my glass of wine and doing the booty bump while enjoying some vintage Usher and some even older Janet Jackson...but that's just how I get down. "We'll make the rules up as we go along....let me take you on an Escapade." Very appropriate I think.

So Armeninan Monte:

Ingredients

These are measured out but I never measure anything so mine will taste different, but my measurements are also included.

1 pound ground beef (preferably a low fat like 80/20 or 97/3)

1 cup Diced onions (finely diced) (I use more…I like onions <3)

1/8 Tsp Allspice (or three shakes) This is where the kick is!

¼ tsp Pepper (or about five shakes)

½ tsp Salt (pour out of the big container for about three seconds…or eyeball)

Wonton Wrappers (only available in from fancier groceries) Also please ask someone where they are located because where you will find them makes NO SENSE!

Crisco (I discovered today only available in sample and lifetime supply sizes….random)

Tomato Soup (This part I will work on…I CAN do better than Campbell’s)

Heat oven to 400’

In a bowl mix your meat, diced onions, allspice, salt and pepper. (or you can throw it all into a food processor like me :))

Grease a cookie sheet with Crisco

Cut your wonton wrappers into quarters. And stuff with the meat. Pinch the sides to close, and line them on the cookie sheet.

Once you have the cookie sheet filled…(this is why you need the ipod and wine…you’ll be making these forever.

Bake them at 400’ for roughly 30 minutes. The recipe calls for longer, but mine were crispier than desired at 25 minutes. Just watch them until the meat is pinkish brown and the wontons are slightly browned.

Finally make Campbell’s Tomato soup per the instructions. I bought the family size can for this recipe…or you can use two regular cans.

Add your Monte to the soup…and Viola! You will have Armenian Monte. YUMMY!!!!

Hope you enjoy this meal if you have the desire, time and patience to make it. :)