My name is Debbi and I’m a Mahjong addict. I started playing in July and fell madly in love with the game. From the very first day, I was ALL in. I’ve been buying tiles, mats, racks, bags, lamps, tablecloths – you name it. If it’s Mahjong related, I’m into it.
Mahjong has become such a large part of my social life that I’ve even created Mahjong-style snack foods. When you’re playing, it’s nice to have something to nibble on that doesn’t take up much table space or distract you from your Pairs, Pungs, and Kongs. Mahjong has three suits, Craks, Dots, and Bams. The Crak appetizer was easy. I made a cheese spread to serve with crackers. (Get it? Crak-ers!) Dots are round so I made canapes from phyllo tart shells. Celery looks kind of like bamboo — I found my Bam. Mahjong Munch is no-bake and easily adaptable to your favorite cereal, nuts, and chocolates. It also tucks nicely into a Mahjong tote for a quick pick me up in between games. Jokers, Flowers, Winds, and Dragons were the inspiration for my tea recipe. Like the game of Mahjong itself, it’s all in good fun.
The best part about playing Mahjong is the camaraderie. It’s a game of friendship. I’ve made so many new friends in the last few months – friends that I have more in common with than just the game. I understand that some folks have been reluctant to join in Mahjong Mania thinking that it’s too expensive. Believe me when I tell you that it’s not. I play for FREE every week, sometimes 3 or 4 days, at the Beaufort County Libraries. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned player, the environment is fun and very accepting. A good number of players are also teachers and gladly instruct anyone who wants to learn for FREE. The Port Royal Library hosts open play twice a month on Tuesdays. The St. Helena Library is our go-to spot on Thursdays. And the downtown Branch rolls out the red carpet for us on Friday and Saturday mornings. Game days are also offered at the libraries on Hilton Head Island and in Lobeco. I’m ashamed to admit it, but I’ve spent more time at our local libraries playing Mahjong than I ever did reading books. A bunch of Mahjong clubs have popped up around town, also FREE, and welcome new members. Mahjong is a “the more, the merrier” game. I want everyone I know to have as much fun as I’m having. Join us. Yelling MAHJONG across the table when you win is pretty great, too! Please visit https://www.beaufortcountylibrary.org/ for a complete list of Mahjong open play dates and times.
Craks with Pecan Cheese Spread
I like to serve sourdough Craks with this delish cheese spread.
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoon grated onion
1 clove garlic, chopped
2 tablespoons butter
1/8 cup packed brown sugar
½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
¼ teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/3 cup finely chopped pecans
Crackers, for serving
In a small bowl, combine cream cheese with onion and garlic. Shape into a disc; transfer to a serving plate. In a small saucepan, over medium heat, mix the butter, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce and mustard until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat; stir in pecans. Cool slightly. Spoon over cheese. Serve with crackers. Serves 6.
Veggie Hummus Dots
Cucumber rounds could easily be substituted for phyllo shells to create gluten-free Dots.
1 (1.9-ounce) package frozen phyllo tart shells
8 ounces hummus (I used jalapeno)
English cucumber, sliced and diced
Grape tomatoes, sliced
Kalamata olives, sliced
Carrot, finely chopped
Italian parsley leaves
Thaw tart shells in refrigerator according to package directions. To serve, fill each shell with a spoonful of hummus. Garnish with sliced grape tomatoes, sliced kalamata olives, diced cucumbers, chopped carrots and Italian parsley leaves. Makes 15.
Pimento Cheese Bams
Shave a tiny layer off the back of your celery pieces to create a flat surface for your Bams.
½ pound sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 (4-ounce) jar diced pimentos, drained well
Dash cayenne pepper
Celery stalks, cut into 2-inch pieces
Place cheddar cheese and mayonnaise in a large bowl; mix to combine. Fold in diced pimentos; season with cayenne pepper. Refrigerate for at least one hour. Spoon cheese mixture into each piece of celery. Makes approximately 2 cups pimento cheese.
Mahjong Munch
Store Mahjong Munch in an airtight container. It will last up to a week — IF you can keep from scarfing it all. It’s THAT good!
4 cups popcorn (I used Skinny Pop)
1 (8-ounce) package Pepperidge Farm goldfish pretzels
2 cups Crispix cereal
1 cup roasted and salted mixed nuts
1 (10-ounce) package dark chocolate chips
½ cups M&M’s (I used dark chocolate)
Spread popcorn, pretzels cereal, and mixed nuts on a large baking sheet covered with aluminum foil. Melt chocolate chips in microwave according to package directions; drizzle melted chips over mixture on baking sheet. Add M&Ms. Let harden for 60 minutes. Makes about 10 cups.
Dragon Flower Tea (The Joker’s Blend)
This is a great make ahead recipe! Refrigerate prepared tea and reheat gently over medium-low heat before serving.
8 cups water
1 cinnamon stick
5 whole cloves
1 family-sized tea bag or 4 individual tea bags
1 cup sugar
2 cups orange juice
½ cup lemon juice
Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add cinnamon stick and cloves and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove saucepan from heat. Remove cinnamon and cloves and discard. Add tea bag to hot water and steep for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove and discard tea bag. Warm tea over medium heat and add sugar; stirring constantly until dissolved. Add orange juice and lemon juice and continue stirring until tea is heated through; being careful not to boil. Serve hot. Serves 10.
The writer owns Catering by Debbi Covington and is the author of three cookbooks, Celebrate Beaufort, Celebrate Everything! and Dining Under the Carolina Moon. Debbi’s website address is www.cateringbydebbicovington.com. She may be reached at 843-525-0350 or by email at debbicovington@gmail.com.
