From chili crispy chicken bowls to rice paper stamps
It seems like every day there’s a new TikTok food trend that takes some adventurous kid by storm. From grated falafel and dirty sodas to mashed potato avocado toast and chocolate dates, there’s no shortage of creative apps.
But as fun as these trends are, there are always equally fun recipes that get set aside. This month, we’re especially excited about colorful, visually stunning recipes that will enhance our spring mood, like flower-shaped crispy rice paper with salmon poke, almond Clementine Swiss rolls and fruit-covered yogurt bark.
Crispy rice paper and salmon poke
I’ve been noticing this trend on social media, where recipe developers go out of their way to make food look pretty for nothing but pure joy, and that’s what I’m here for. From vegetable stars to jam squares on toast, these foods make us smile, and this salmon poke flower-shaped crispy rice paper is no exception. So get a few friends to assemble this snack – it’s like a craft, but with nutrition.
Almond Clementine Swiss Rolls
Be sure to bring out your inner Little Debbie, this recipe is the perfect balance of flavors, starting with the nutty sponge cake, moving to just sweet enough cream, and ending with the lime in the middle. I can’t decide which part feels more satisfying – rolling up six peeled mandarin oranges, or cutting and rolling to reveal a perfect swirl. This cake would be a welcome addition to any afternoon tea.
Chili Crispy Chicken Bowl
I’m always looking for different ways to incorporate my Fly by Jing chili crunch into recipes, and this one will make for a quick and healthy weekend dinner. The salad looks herbaceous and crunchy with a touch of vinegar and chili crunch. I also appreciate how user @thedefineddish uses the handy dandy Trader Joe’s frozen brown rice pouch.
Lentil Pate
While this lentil pâté is meant to be used for vegetarian lasagna, I was inspired to put it on top of almost any carbohydrate, and even add some eggplant. I’d never thought that chopping vegetables differently could provide more texture – the mix of chopped, diced and grated is genius here. In addition to balsamic vinegar and soy sauce, I think Worcestershire sauce or marmalade would work well.
Yogurt Bark
The possibilities for this simple, healthy dessert are endless. You can top your yogurt with everything from flower petals to whatever fun breakfast cereal you have on hand. User @thathealthjunkie mixes her yogurt with cardamom, honey and a little South African drunken eggplant, then tops it with more cardamom, berries, almonds, dark chocolate and salt flakes. It’s the perfect frozen treat for the warm days ahead.