Lobster Roll

As I have mentioned before, I have a special spot in my heart (and stomach) for lobster. There is something about that bright red shell, the crack when you break open the claws, and the sweetness of the lobster meat. Every time I am at the grocery store I am drawn to the tank at the seafood counter. With the abundance of lobsters this season and the resulting low price, I have had the chance to enjoy this delicacy many times this season.

This time, I decided to take on a summer classic: the lobster roll. Here is my recipe:
-1 teaspoon chives
-1 teaspoon parsley
-1/4 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
-1 tablespoon lemon juice
-1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
-1 thick slice of onion, diced
-1/4 cup light mayonnaise
-Meat of two steamed lobsters – one to one and a half pounds each, diced
In a large mixing bowl combine spices followed by the lemon juice and stir. Add onions and mayonnaise then stir again. Finally, add the diced lobster and stir lightly.

I served the lobster over a bed of shredded lettuce on a sliced, fresh bakery roll that was butter toasted on the stove top. The salty crunch of potato chips completes the dish.

Check it out: The summer issue of New York Magazine has a great article on Lobster Rolls in the city. The writing by Benjamin Wallace is great and the pictures by Hannah Whitaker are even better.

Store in a Cool Dry Place

I love this blog because I can share the fun that I have in the kitchen – the successes and the…no so successes. This is in the second group.

As you know, some vegetables – potatoes, onions, etc. – are to be stored in a cool, dry place. It is not uncommon for those vegetables to begin sprouting roots if they have been stored too long. Last week I went into my pantry and was surprised by the sight on an onion that was trying to take over an entire shelf! After laughing for a while at it, I had to take a picture and share it. 

The Onion Gone Wrong!

Don’t worry, I didn’t throw it out. I actually planted it in my garden. We’ll see if this crazy onion gone wrong can grow into a healthy plant.

Beachcomber Sangria

Last weekend I had the opportunity to entertain a few great friends at the beach. The weekend was a classic time with everyone enjoying themselves and the great weather. While relaxing in the sun, I wanted to create a unique drink that everyone would enjoy. From that, came the Beachcomber Sangria recipe below. Enjoy.

Beachcomber Sangria
- ¾ cup tequila
- ¼ cup triple sec
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 can lemon/lime soda
- 1 bottle Moscato wine
- 2 tablespoons sugar (if necessary*)
- Diced fruit (apples, pears, strawberries work best for this recipe)

*Note: Depending on the sweetness of the Moscato, you may not need the additional sugar. Stir the pitcher and sample it, then decide whether or not to add it.

More American Then Apple Pie?

I’m just back from an extended Independence Day holiday and had a wonderful time. This is a great holiday for me because in my family we all got together at the beach each year and celebrated with friends, great food and fireworks. This year was no different!

While relaxing one afternoon, we heard that familiar song of the ice cream man as his truck drove down the street. With one quick glance, I knew that everyone was thinking the same thing I was and we bolted for the door together. Like children, we lined up and each picked our favorite frozen treat. As usual, I went with the classic Rocket Pop. While it is good all summer, on July 4th Weekend, the red, white, and blue icy treat is even better. As I was enjoying the sweet coolness, it hit me – the Rocket Pop could be more American than Apple Pie! I know that it doesn’t have the history of that American classic or the iconic status, but I feel it should have a place as alongside the apple pie as America’s dessert. While there will never be anything more American that “mom and apple pie” as the expression goes, I believe that Independence Day belongs to the Rocket Pop.

Happy Memorial Day Everyone

From the east coast...
-New York strip steak
-Baltimore blue claws
-Philly cheese steaks

To the west coast...
-Fish tacos
-Napa wines
-Wild salmon

And everything in between...
-Kansas city barbecue
-Biscuits and gravy
-Apple pie

We live in the best - and most delicious - country in the world.  Thank you to everyone who has sacrificed to make this country what it is today.  Happy Memorial Day to all!  Enjoy!

Cook Out Season: Salute to a Classic

With summer comes many, many dinners outside with the focus on the grill. I believe that the most iconic of these outdoor cookers is the classic black Weber kettle grill. When I was a kid, my father had one and we loved it. There was something about the smokey taste from the charcoal and wood chips that made every dish – from burgers to salmon – that much better.


For that reason, every time I see this Weber ad it makes me smile. And, before you ask, I have danced in front of my grill! Enjoy!

Count Down To Memorial Day

Memorial Day is right around the corner so it is time to start planning your holiday weekend – and more importantly your cook out menu. Like everyone else, my plans are set and include a barbecue with family and friends. This is an annual tradition and something I look forward to every spring. With that, the challenge is keeping the event fresh each year. No one likes to attend the same party every Memorial Day so I encourage you to put a little more thought and creativity into your menu this year.

Here are a few twists on the cook out classics to give you some inspiration:
Hamburgers
-Blue cheese and bacon burger
-Barbecue sauce, caramelized onions, and bacon burger
-Jalapeno peppers, fresh onions, and pepper jack cheese burger

Hot Dogs
-The German Sheppard: Sauerkraut and diced fresh onions
-The Boston Terrier: Baked beans, cheese, and caramelized onions
-The Hawaii Beach Dog: Pineapple chutney
-The Mutt: A little bit of everything

Potato Salad
-Red-skin potato salad
-Dijon potato salad
-Grilled potato salad

Beverages
-Summer seasonal beers (the smaller the brewery, the better)
-Strawberry mojitos
-Sangria (see my May 24 ’09 post)

Desserts
-Individual strawberry short cakes
-Homemade ice cream
-Key lime pie (see my July 26 ’09 post)

This Memorial Day, be creative…and have fun. Enjoy!