The Radish Challenge

Up until 2 days ago, I would've told you the only vegetable in the world I dislike is the radish.  So when my friend Kristie offered me some of her radish harvest, I thought it would be a challenge to incorporate this healthy vegetable into our diet.  Several times over the past few days I tried to consume a raw radish, but I could not tolerate that bitter zaniness in my mouth.

Radishes from Kristie's Garden

First up, I simply grilled the radishes.  I diced the radishes, added garlic, olive oil, and salt and pepper.  I added some ice cubes on top to "steam" them.  They turned out GREAT!!!

Radishes cooking on the grill

Next I made a PHENOMENAL radish cake!  Instead using oil I used shredded radishes.  You could not taste the radishes and my kids loved it too.

Here's the recipe:  Radish Cake

I skipped the instant cocoa mix because I didn't have any, and I used my bunt pan because I LOVE to display any cake on my Grandma's platter.

Radish Bunt Cake on my Grandma Evelyn's Platter - lupines in her vase

I also made some delicious radish fritters.  My family didn't like the consistency, but I thought they were tasty.
Radish Fritters

Ingredients:

• 1 pound radish
• 1 egg
• 2 Tbsp. flour
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• Vegetable or canola oil for frying

Preparation:

1. Grate radish into a large bowl.
2. Add the egg and beat it with a fork. Combine zucchini and egg. Sprinkle mixture with flour and salt and stir to combine thoroughly. Cover and chill for 30 minutes.
3. Heat a generous layer of oil in a large frying pan or pot over medium-high heat to 350 - 375. A bit of batter dropped into the pan should sizzle immediately.
4. Put generous spoonfuls of batter into the pan and flatten a bit with the back of the spoon. You should be able to fit about four fritters in the pan at a time. Cook until fritters are browned on one side, flip, and cook until they are brown on both sides. Transfer fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and repeat with remaining batter.  Tastes good cold too!

Radish Fritters

And, last but not least I made braised radishes!  Out of all the recipes, I would probably recommend this one - delicious!

Here's the recipe:  Braised Radishes

Cooking Braised Radishes

Thanks Kristie for inspiring the radish challenge of 2012!!!!

We're moving along with the Summer 2012 Bucket List.  I was fortunate to hit a Brewers game with my friend Denise, and on Monday I'm taking the kids to the Cities to visit my cousin Erinn and her family.  Can't wait!!

Thanks for reading!!

Kristin