Jerks in Hollywood

I've recently joined a book club. What a great bunch of women belong! Last month we read a book about Hollywood called Easy Rider to Raging Bull. A difficult read about some very difficult people. The book club members all bring something to eat- nothing formal, but everyone contributes something. I decided to bring a Beef Jerky salad which seemed appropriate as all those directors appear to be Jerks. Unfortunately the meeting was changed and I couldn't make it. The Beef Jerky ingredients are all here waiting to be assembled into something. I'd hate to serve it to my husband!

What's in it? Well, it's a popular Thai dish and combines the jerky with green papaya, lime juice, fish sauce, onions and other seasonings. Very delicious but it will have to wait for the arrival of a not so nice person who hopefully won't get the pun.

GREEN PAPAYA JERK SALAD or GREEN PAPAYA SALAD for jerks

- 1 large ripe tomato, cut in to wedges.
- 1 green papaya (500 g/1 lb), coarsely grated to yield 3 cups.
- 1/2 cup diced beef jerky
- 1 small carrot, coarsely grated to yield 1 cup.
- 2 tablespoons chopped mint leaves.
- Sprigs of mint leaves, to garnish.

Dressing
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice.
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce.
- 1 tablespoon sugar.
- 1 teaspoon garlic chili sauce (or more if you like it hot)
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, dry-roasted for about 10 minutes over low heat until browned OR
- 1 teasoon sesame oil

- Combine the Dressing ingredients in a large bowl and mix until the sugar is dissolved, then add all the other ingredients (except sprigs of mint leaves) and toss well to combine.
- Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with the mint leaves and serve immediately.

Serves 4
Preparation time: 15 mins.