Feeling brave? You must be if you ended up here. Below are three recipes from Detroit-area entomologist Gene White, a self-described "Bug Chef" who will be cooking up six-legged treats at the Cleveland Metroparks' "Bugfest" 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Aug. 14 at the Garfield Reservation in Garfield Heights. We haven't actually tried these recipes, so we're not making any promises or guarantees, but White says they're great. Also, White cautions that only commercially farmed bugs should be used as ingredients.
Herbed Rice Au Termites
1 2/3 cup water
1 cup steamed rice
2 tablespoons diced carrots
Garlic, turmeric and termites to taste
Stir first four ingredients in saucepan. Bring to a boil. Cover tightly and simmer for 20 minutes. Add final other ingredients and serve for five more minutes. Serve hot!
Real Spice Spice Cake
2 cups all purpose flour
3/4-teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup granulated sugar
2/3 cup shortening
1-teaspoon salt
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
3 eggs
3/4-teaspoon baking soda
3 eggs
3/4-teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 cup chopped mealworms
Combine all seven ingredients in mixing bowl. Add shortening, brown sugar and buttermilk, mixing until flour is moistened. Beat two minutes. Add eggs. Beat 2 minutes more. Stir in mealworms. Bake in 350-degree oven for 30-35 minutes.
Wax Moth Trail Mix
Dry roasted peanuts
Pretzels
Honey roasted peanuts
Sunflower seeds
Wax Moth Larvae
Mix first five to taste. Heat butter in skillet and add wax moth larvae. Sauté until golden brown and slightly crispy. Add to mix and serve.
