Lemongrass Chicken Stix a hit with panel

During the busy holiday season, quick-to-fix solutions are always welcome.

Fast foods that taste delicious are even better and Kahiki Foods has a hit with its new Lemongrass Chicken Stix, food panel members said. They gave the crispy crepes four stars out of five for taste and value.

“It’s all about the wrap and this one’s nice and crunchy,” said Skip Hubbard. “The sauce was perfectly sweet and spicy. Throw these on a plate and your guests will be asking you for the recipe.”

The appetizers are filled with subtly flavored lemongrass chicken and served with a sesame-ginger sauce. They bake in the oven in 15 minutes. They’d make a great addition to a finger-foods tray for a New Year’s celebration or munchies for a football game spread.

Many tasters said it was the flavor of the sauce that made the finger food so delectable. “There’s a nice spicy kick in the sauce of these Asian inspired meat rolls. I’d buy these!” said Vicki Deschaine.

Donald Clegg liked the flavor but said he was worried about the nutritional damage. “Crunchy little Asian taquito-things with a nice spicy sauce. I hate to think of the calories, though, since they look to be perfect football playoffs food,” he said.

A serving of the chicken sticks (three pieces) actually weighs in at a reasonable 100 calories and 2 grams of fat, with no saturated or trans fats. But be careful – it may be hard to stop.

“Very tasty. Surprisingly good and the sauce is delicious,” said Larry Inman.

Marilyn Moore was the only panel member who didn’t like the sesame-ginger sauce served with the chicken roll-ups.

“What a great way to bring a finger food to a potluck. It’s something that I do not make. Leave the sauce at home. I can’t stomach that. It’s the ginger I didn’t like,” she said.

The Kahiki Lemongrass Chicken Stix are available at Costco stores in the area.

Kahiki Lemongrass Chicken Stix

Price: $9.99 for a 2.8 pound box

Nutrition per serving (three pieces): 100 calories, 2 grams fat (no saturated fat, 18 percent fat calories), 7 grams protein, 13 grams carbohydrate, 20 milligrams cholesterol, less than 1 gram dietary fiber, 400 milligrams sodium.

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Comments: “Spicy sauce, what are these supposed to be? They look normal on the outside, subtle taste inside. Great for a party, if you can keep them warm.” – Nancy Robinson

“Yummy little cigar-looking Oriental somethings. Terrific dipping sauce with a little kick.” – Tina Johnson

“Dipping sauce carries all the flavor and spice. The little finger-size roll has a crispy wrap outside with meat filling.” – Jenny Whittaker