Creme Brulee, Broccoli Sauce

DEAR SOS: I loved the ginger-flavored creme brulee at Chaya Venice in Venice, Calif. Is there a chance I can get a recipe?

--CAROL

DEAR CAROL: Our tasters were thrilled too. And it’s so easy! Just whip and bake.

GINGER CREME BRULEE

6 egg yolks

1 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream

1/4 cup milk

1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar

1 tablespoon vanilla

2 teaspoons ginger juice

In bowl whip together egg yolks, whipping cream, milk, 1/2 cup sugar, vanilla and ginger juice. Pour into 6 (3-ounce) custard cups. Place cups in baking dish 1/4 filled with boiling water. Bake at 300 degrees 25 to 30 minutes or until pudding is set. Do not overcook.

Just before serving, sprinkle 1 teaspoon sugar over each and place under broiler to lightly brown and caramelize surface. Do not scorch. Chill before serving. Makes 6 servings.

Each serving contains about:

333 calories; 34 mg sodium; 346 mg cholesterol; 25 grams fat; 23 grams carbohydrates; 4 grams protein; 0 fiber.

DEAR SOS: I just love the broccoli sauce served at Sambi’s of Tokyo in Downey. I’d be grateful for a recipe.

--CARMEN

DEAR CARMEN: We’ve published this recipe in the past and it passed the taste test with flying colors.

SAMBI’S BROCCOLI SAUCE

2 cups mayonnaise

2 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons soy sauce

2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Place mayonnaise in bowl. Add sugar and beat with wire whisk. Whisk in soy sauce and parsley. Serve over steamed broccoli or other vegetables. Makes about 2 cups, about 2 tablespoons per serving.

Each serving contains about:

122 calories; 335 mg sodium; 8 mg cholesterol; 10 grams fat; 9 grams carbohydrates; 1 gram protein; 0.01 gram fiber.

DEAR SOS: I have been trying to find a recipe for the corn bread served at Marie Callender’s restaurant chain. Have they published it, or is there an imitation recipe available?

--ARLENE

DEAR ARLENE: The Marie Callender’s chain hasn’t, but we have published a close imitation we developed with the help of a few tips from readers. I think you’ll be pleased.

NOT-MARIE-CALLENDER’S-CORN-BREAD-BUT-CLOSE

1 (18.5-ounce) package yellow cake mix

1 (15-ounce) package corn bread mix

Mix cake and corn bread batters according to package directions. Blend together and turn into 2 (9-inch) square baking pans. Bake at 350 degrees 30 to 35 minutes, or until corn bread springs back when lightly touched. Makes 32 servings.

Each serving contains about:

148 calories; 277 mg sodium; 24 mg cholesterol; 5 grams fat; 23 grams carbohydrates; 2 grams protein; 0 fiber.