thai lettuce wraps

these lettuce wraps are comparable to those you would order in a restaurant!  

this is the "meat" of the lettuce wrap

1  1/2 cups walnuts 

(chop in a food processor or put in a baggie and mash 'em a bit with an ice cream scoop or the like!)

2 celery stalks, diced

2 carrots, grated 

1/2 red bell pepper, chopped

1/2 cup fresh cilantro (optional)

1/2 cup minced scallions, green part only

you can also add cubed tofu 

this is the sauce, blend in blender or by hand

1/4 cup honey

1/8 cup nama shoyu OR soy sauce

1/2 tsp fresh garlic (best to use a garlic press or grater)

1 tsp fresh ginger, grated

1 Tbs sesame oil 

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (this amount is a mild spice, add more if you like HEAT!)

mix well the carrot/celery/red pepper mixture with the sauce

scoop into romaine leaves or bib lettuce leaves or simply eat as a side dish

garnish with sesame seeds, mung bean sprouts, and/or grated carrot

i tied mine with a scallion for the photo, but usually make them without that "pretty" addition