You are browsing the archive for 2012 July.

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by jonstern

Fried Cajun Soft Shell crabs

July 23, 2012 in Cajun, Cooking, fried

In the late Spring and early Summer many delicacies show up in local fish markets. Soft shell crabs are one of my favorites. I love the fact that you can eat (almost) the entire thing, they get really crispy, and theres no picking for 1/2 and hour to get one bite. Handling them is also easy because they can’t pinch you! And if you’ve ever had your finger crushed in a crab or lobsters claw, it hurts like a bitch and they don’t let go.

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by jonstern

Homemade fresh ground burgers. Best you’ve ever had.

July 18, 2012 in beef, Cooking

In my search for the perfect burger, it is hard to beat Shake Shack and Five Guys, one, a NYC boutique shop with a few locations, the other, a national chain. Both have a solid commitment to freshness and quality ingredients. After trying many high end burgers from Shake Shack, Five Guys, In and Out, Smash Burger, Corner Bistro, and many other restaurants, I almost gave up. Their balance of flavor and texture was impossible to recreate at home, until now. A few weeks ago, I was discussing my dilemma with my mom and she mentioned she had a meat grinder, hidden in her cupboard that she would let me try out.
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Homemade barbecue sauce.

July 16, 2012 in barbecue, Cooking, grill, ribs, sauces

Making your own BBQ sauce is much better than the store bought stuff. You can control the sweetness, spiciness and heat and leave out all the preservatives and high fructose corn syrup. I like to make it in small batches and use it all up so it’s nice and fresh.
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Country style triple root mash

July 11, 2012 in Cooking, side

I love a nice mash. But regular potatoes are boring. Amp up the flavors with a few root vegetables instead of just one. The earthiness of celeriac with the sweetness of the parsnip and texture of potato creates a complex and balanced side dish that will lift up your main course to heights never achieved. Your family and friends will notice the difference.
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Spicy Mexican Chipotle Sauce That Will Knock Your Socks Off

July 11, 2012 in Cooking, Mexican, sauces

Warning! This sauce is goooood. It’s much better than that gooey chipotle “mayo” you get at Mexican restaurants. It’s cool from the sour cream, tart and bright from the lemon and super fresh tasting from the cilantro. And the smokiness from the chipotle is not to be beat.
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Homemade pasta. Made by hand with no pasta machine. Just like your Italian grandma.

July 9, 2012 in Pasta

Homemade pasta

Most of us have gotten though life with boxed pasta and been pretty happy. We spend a buck or two on a box of our favorite shape, throw it in some hot water, crack open a jar of sauce, and then we’re done. Well, it’s time to end this pattern of mediocrity! We deserve better!
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Planked salmon with mashed potatoes and grilled romaine

July 6, 2012 in Cooking, grill, seafood

Ahhh Summer. Fresh seafood, vegetables and many opportunities to try new things on the grill. Now that I have scrubbed by BBQ clean and are ready to go, a few experiments are in order. This year, i really want to take advantage of everything my local vendors have to offer
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