Posted by Knoxville News-Sentinel, TN on April 09, 2008 at 16:05:47:
Tennessee finalist hopes to wrap up bake-off win
By Mary Constantine (Contact)
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Sarah LaFon of Franklin, Tenn., wears a lot of hats.
She is mother to two daughters, Katie, 4, and Sabrina, 1; wife to husband John; a published singer/songwriter; and a competitive cook.
None of the hats is new, but being named a finalist in this year's Pillsbury Bake-Off has added a competitive element to her toque.
"I had one of my recipes printed in a QVC family cookbook, but I've never been in any contest like this," she said.
The idea of entering the Bake-Off wasn't new. She had considered it for a couple of years. This time she acted.
"With the possibility of a million dollar prize, who wouldn't want to enter," she said.
LaFon submitted two recipes, one in the "sweet treats" category and another in the "Old El Paso Mexican favorites" category.
It was her Thai-style Mexican chicken wrap recipe that placed her in the finals.
"I thought about combining Thai and Mexican flavors because they are similar. I reviewed a lot of recipes, got some ideas and tried to make something simple that used both flavors," she said.
It took two attempts at tweaking the wrap before she was satisfied with its flavor.
"I used a little too much peanut oil and curry paste the first time," she said.
When she served the second attempt to her husband he had a "doubtful" look on his face.
"Most of the dishes I create are pretty decent, but we were both kind of surprised at how good this one was," she said.
Cooking without a recipe is second nature to LaFon, who learned the art from her grandfather, the late Maurice Deason.
"It was always fun to watch my grandparents whip things up, especially my grandfather who was the type to throw things together. I learned how to improvise from him," she said.
She has no qualms about competing at the Bake-Off. Her biggest fear is getting to Dallas, where the event will be held.
"It's like singing. I'm always more nervous about tripping on the way to the stage than I am about singing. I've got all the time in the world to make the dish. I'm more nervous about flying," she said.
During moments of fantasy, she considers what to do if she won the million-dollar grand prize.
"The first thing to look at is how much they would take for taxes. That's at least $350,000. After that we would pay our taxes, give to charity, pay off our mortgage, create a college fund for the kids, a retirement fund for us, maybe let my husband start his own business, and then take a European vacation," she said.
Here's the recipe that could make LaFon's fantasy a reality.
Thai-style Mexican chicken wraps
1 3/4 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon peanut oil
1 package (1.25 ounce) Old El Paso 40 percent less-sodium taco seasoning mix
1/2 cup bottled peanut sauce
1 teaspoon red curry paste
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons sugar
1 package (11.5 ounces) Old El Paso flour tortillas for burritos (8 tortillas)
1/2 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
2 2/3 cups finely shredded lettuce
1/2 cup very thinly sliced red onion
Decorative toothpicks, if desired
Cut chicken into bite-size pieces. In 12-inch, nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat until hot. Add chicken; sprinkle with taco seasoning mix. Cook 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until chicken is no longer pink in center. Remove from heat; cover to keep warm.
In small, microwavable bowl, mix peanut sauce, red curry paste, lime juice and sugar. Microwave uncovered on high 30-40 seconds or until warm. Stir thoroughly until curry paste is dissolved.
Warm tortillas individually in 10-inch skillet, 3-5 seconds on medium-high heat, turning once.
To assemble wrap, spoon about 1/2 cup chicken mixture down center of tortilla. Top with sour cream, cheese, lettuce and onion. Drizzle with about 1 tablespoon curry-peanut sauce. Fold sides of tortilla to middle; secure with toothpick. Serve warm. Yield: 8 servings
No change for preparing at high altitude (3500-6500 feet).
Approximate values per serving: 470 calories, 24 grams fat (10 grams saturated), 95 milligrams cholesterol, 34 grams protein, 30 grams carbohydrates, 0 grams dietary fiber and 810 milligrams sodium. Exchanges: 1 starch; 1 other carbohydrate; 0 vegetable; 4 1/2 lean meat; 2 fat carbohydrate choices: 2
Source: Pillsbury
Mary Constantine may be reached at 865-342-6428.