Party-popping Fried Cashews—from BITING THROUGH THE SKIN, by Nina Mukerjee Furstenau

Looking for a snack for tonight's New Year's Eve party? Try this recipe from Biting through the Skin: An Indian Kitchen in America's Heartland, by Nina Mukerjee Furstenau.

Party-popping Fried Cashews

1/2 pound raw cashews (can be found in most grocery store health food sections)
salt to taste (about 1/4 teaspoon)
black pepper to taste

Heat about 1 inch of oil in a small frying pan. When hot, put in all the nuts and stir-fry until medium brown. Drain nuts on a paper towel or in a sieve, sprinkle salt and pepper on them, and slide them onto a serving plate. Fantastic served warm.

Aloo Tikka (spicy potato patties)—from BITING THROUGH THE SKIN, by Nina Mukerjee Furstenau

Looking for something to spice up your winter? Try this recipe from Biting through the Skin: An Indian Kitchen in America's Heartland, by Nina Mukerjee Furstenau.

Aloo Tikka

Serves 4

2 potatoes, peeled, boiled and mashed with a fork
1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
1 green chili, finely sliced
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Mix all the ingredients in a small bowl and form 2- to 3-inch patties. Heat the oil in a heavy frying pan. When hot, place the potato patties in a single layer around the pan. When lightly browned, turn. Serve with taetul (tamarind/date chutney and/or coriander chutney) and slivers of raw onion.