Edamame

Edamame, otherwise known as soybeans, is one of my most favorite things to snack on. My boys and I can go through a sack pretty fast! Quick, easy, and not too shabby on the health factor. I buy the frozen kind so that I always have them ready. I can cook as many as I need and save the rest for later. I bought these at good old Wal-Mart. Make sure they are the kind IN THE POD. Half the fun is getting them out!

The way I cook 'em up is:

Place about a cup of water in a saucepan. Bring to boil. Throw in the frozen edamame, cover. Reduce heat and simmer for about 5 minutes (look at package to be sure). While they are steaming away I like to whip up my special dipping sauce.

Dipping Sauce:

Mayonnaise, Dijon mustard (I prefer Grey Poupon Mild & Creamy), and a splash of soy sauce-if desired. Sometimes I like to squeeze a little lemon juice in there, too. Feel free to experiment until you find your perfect mix. I use just about equal parts mayo and mustard...maybe just a tad bit more mayo. I don't like a lot of sauce for my edamame but you may want more.

To Eat:

Pile the steamed IN THE POD edamame on your plate. Grab one pod at a time and dip into sauce. (I like just the tip dipped. About 1 cm if you want to get specific. Just enough for a hint of flavor. But if you like more...dive on in!) Now for the fun part. Holding onto the clean, non-dipped end, place the pod between your teeth and gently pull out until the beans are in your mouth and the empty pod is in your hand. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT eat the empty pod (unless you really need something to chew on for awhile and don't have any gum handy. It will keep ya going!) Eat the 2-3 beans and repeat with another pod. Mmmmm....