Tidbits

Go nuts

With salad days approaching, the California Almond Board has posted a selection of recipes on its Web site (www.almondsarein.com). The site features such meal-size salads as the pictured Almond Super Falafel Salad, as well as side salads and main dishes. To make Almond Super Falafel Salad, whisk together 1 cup plain yogurt, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 clove garlic, minced, 2 scallions, white part only, minced, salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cover and refrigerate until needed. To make falafel, pour 1/2 cup boiling water over 1/4 cup tabouli. Cover and set aside for 15 minutes. Place 1 cup slivered, roasted almonds, 2 tablespoons flour, 1 small (1-by-2-inches) piece onion, 1 clove garlic, 1/4 cup parsley leaves, and 1 egg white into food processor; pulse until very finely chopped. Stir almond mixture into tabouli and season with salt and pepper. Empty mixture onto a clean work surface and make 12 piles. Form into rounds about 1/2 inch thick. Coat a large, nonstick skillet with olive oil and set over medium heat. Add falafel and fry until nicely browned and crispy, about 3 minutes per side. Set aside. To assemble, divide 4 cups mixed baby greens, 1/2 cucumber, peeled and chopped, 2 ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced, and 16 pitted kalamata olives among 4 plates. Top with falafel, drizzle with sauce, sprinkle with chopped, toasted almonds and serve.

Hello breakfast

Hello Kitty, the cartoon feline who has become a pop icon among little girls and grownups, has made an appearance lately on everything from purses to phones. Now, you can find her in a most unexpected place – on your toast. The Hello Kitty toaster will make quite an impression – both on your bread and on your guests. It costs $41.99 and is available online at www.sanrio.com.

Just desserts

Who said sweets were bad? You can keep kids safe and satisfy your sweet tooth at the same time at the Georges Valley High School Project Graduation Committee’s annual dessert buffet. The event will take place from 3 to 7 p.m. May 4 at Montpelier mansion in Thomaston and will feature an array of desserts prepared by local chefs, as well as performances by area musicians and singers. A donation of $5 will let you sample as many desserts as you’d like. Tickets are available at the door, or in advance at The Personal Book Shop in Thomaston, the St. George Town Office, Fales Store in Cushing, Reading Corner in Rockland, from any GVHS senior or by calling the high school at 354-2502. If you’d like to donate a dessert, call Diane Batley at 354-0932 or Sally Foley at 354-6417. To volunteer, call Daryl Hahn at 354-6796.

Tidbits is hungry for news about local food products and events. Send your Tidbits by mail to: Bangor Daily News, attn: Kristen Andresen, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor ME 04402-1329; by fax to 941-9476; or by e-mail to kandresen@bangordailynews.net.