Terra Americana

Millions of people visit Mount Tai every year. For those strong enough to go in foot, there is no shortage of hiking food on offer. Fair ranges from hot dogs and beer to fresh vegetables and tea.

All along the trail there are makeshift cafes setup under ancient trees where you can get the most famous of all Foods found on Taishan.

Thin, crisp and fragrant are the three features of Tai’an Millet Crepe. The protein rich millet is first ground into flour and then steeped in liquid to ferment. They are then cooked on large, round cast iron griddles that spin. The result is as thin as the wing of cicada. People even can read newspaper through it which is tasted crisp and fragrant. Local people usually eat it by rolling green Chinese onion in it.

• 1 cup millet flour
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 tsp ground coriander or Lemon Ginger Curry
• 1 egg
• Chopped green onions 

Soak millet flour in water for atleast 2 hours, overnight is better.  Blend to incorporate egg and spice. Pour onto a pre-heated nonstick surface. Using a spatula, spread batter as thin as you can get it . Cook for 2 minutes of until the crepe is cooked through.  Top with green onions, fold and serve.

This recipe yields 4-7 to 8 inch crepes.

More on the go foods:

• Protein Packed Carrot Muffins

• Spotted Dog with apples

• Cinnamon & cranberry crunch bars

• Savory Breakfast Cupcakes

Photo credit: Julie Cecchini

The first time I realized you could eat starfish was at the Hotel Mercure in Jinan. Star fish is an option at their luscious Sunday Brunch.  I have to admit to finding it off putting.  I remember the joy of finding them on the beach as a child.  They always seemed such a friendly creature.

We found them everywhere on a trip to the sea side city of Qingdao. After the giddiness of enjoying the delights of food street, Margo and I had courage to try one.

Should you find yourself with a kitchen full of grilled starfish, this is how they are grilled in Qingdao.

• Vegetable oil
• sea salt
• White Pepper
• cayenne
• large starfish

  

Prepare a grill by basting the heated racks with oil.  Brush both sides of the starfish with oil and season with salt, pepper and cayenne. Place a star fish on what appears to be it's back, grill for 5 minutes.  Flip and grill for another 5 minutes.

More ideas for an adventurous seafood eater:

• Braised Abalone with mushrooms and green onions

• How to Steam a Crab, in China

• Axler's Smoked Bluefish Paté

• Island Haddock simmered in a spicey green curry sauce, inspired by P.E.I.

Photo Credit: Julie T Cecchini