In the realm of culinary exploration, there lies a fascinating niche where the boundaries of cuisine meet the world of invertebrates: the realm of edible arachnids. From scorpions to spiders and tarantulas, these eight-legged creatures, often misunderstood and feared, hold a place in various cultures as a source of sustenance and a unique gastronomic experience. Whether it's the crunchy texture of fried tarantulas or the mildly nutty flavor of roasted scorpions, edible arachnids offer a journey into the extraordinary, inviting adventurous eaters to embrace the unknown and challenge their palates.
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EDIBLE ARACHNIDS
I bring cake pops to my church group when we have movie nights. This year for Halloween, I used my go-to recipe to make these not-so-scary spiders. -Nicole Rae Paoli, Newark, Delaware
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 1h
Yield 16 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Prepare and bake cake mix according to package directions, using a greased 13x9-in. baking pan. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack. Crumble cake into a large bowl to measure 7 cups., In a large bowl, beat butter, cocoa and vanilla until creamy. Beat in confectioners' sugar alternately with milk until smooth. Add cake crumbs; mix well. Shape into sixteen 1-1/2-in. balls and sixteen 3/4-in. balls., To assemble spiders, insert a wooden or metal skewer through one small cake ball and then halfway through one large cake ball; repeat with remaining balls. Place on waxed paper-lined baking sheets; insert eight pretzel halves into each large ball to form legs. Freeze 2 hours or until firm., In a microwave, melt chocolate chips and shortening; stir until smooth. Dip each spider in chocolate, allowing excess to drip off. Place on waxed paper-lined baking sheets., Remove skewers and attach M&M's for eyes. Refrigerate until set.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 495 calories, Fat 29g fat (13g saturated fat), Cholesterol 59mg cholesterol, Sodium 171mg sodium, Carbohydrate 60g carbohydrate (36g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 6g protein.
DEEP-FRIED TARANTULA SPIDER
Steps:
- In a deep saucepan or deep-fat fryer, heat the oil to 350°F.
- With a sharp knife, sever and discard the abdomens from the two tarantulas. Singe off any of the spider's body hairs with a crème brûlée torch or butane cigarette lighter.
- Dip each spider into the tempura batter to thoroughly coat. Use a slotted spoon or your hands to make sure each spider is spread-eagled (so to speak) and not clumped together before dropping it into the hot oil.
- Deep-fry the spiders, one at a time, until the batter is lightly browned, about 1 minute. Remove each spider from the oil and place it on paper towels to drain.
- Use a sharp knife to cut each spider in two lengthwise. Sprinkle with the paprika and serve. Encourage your guests to try the legs first and, if still hungry, to nibble on the meat-filled mesothorax, avoiding the spider's paired fangs, which are tucked away in the head region.
Tips:
- Choose the Right Arachnid: Not all arachnids are edible. Some, like the black widow spider, are poisonous. Choose edible arachnids like tarantulas, scorpions, and crickets.
- Prepare Properly: Before cooking, remove the arachnid's fangs, stingers, and hairs. This will help prevent injury and reduce the risk of allergic reactions.
- Clean Thoroughly: Wash the arachnid thoroughly before cooking. This will remove any dirt or debris.
- Cook Thoroughly: Arachnids should be cooked thoroughly to kill any bacteria or parasites. Fry, roast, or boil them until they are crispy and have an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C).
- Season to Taste: Arachnids can be seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices. Experiment to find your favorite flavor combinations.
Conclusion:
Edible arachnids are a nutritious and sustainable food source. They are high in protein, iron, and calcium. They can be cooked in a variety of ways and can be enjoyed as a snack or as part of a meal. If you are looking for a new and exciting culinary experience, try cooking edible arachnids.
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