Crab Cakes

Crab meat can be intimidating for those of us not lucky enough to live in areas where crab is plentiful, but don't be afraid! Crab meat in a can tastes fantastic and saves the work of breaking down whole crabs – plus, it's is easy to find! Our Crab Cakes with Lemon Dill Tartar Sauce recipe is perfect for getting you started. Large chunks of luscious crab meat are carefully blended with crackers, spices, mayo, and egg. Lightly fried, these cakes are crisp on the outside, and tender on the inside. Serve them with our lemon dill tartar sauce on a bed of Bibb lettuce, or alongside a simple coleslaw.

Crab Cakes with Lemon Dill Tartar Sauce
Makes 8 patties

Crab Cake Ingredients:
1 lb Dungeness or jumbo lump crab meat
1 cup finely crushed saltine crackers, (about 20 crackers)
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 large egg, beaten
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon celery salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon tabasco sauce
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/4 cup vegetable oil, for frying
Lemon wedges, for serving

Lemon Dill Tartar Sauce Ingredients:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon dill pickle relish
1/2 tablespoon minced shallot
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon dill

Directions:
1. In a medium bowl pick through the crab meat, inspecting and removing any shells if necessary.

2. Use a food processor to break down the saltine crackers until they create a fine crumb. Lightly toss the crab meat with the crumbs.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, celery salt, black pepper, paprika, kosher salt, lemon zest, tabasco sauce and parsley until combined.

4. Gently fold in the mayo mixture with the crab meat, trying to keep the large lumps of meat as intact as possible.

5. Carefully form the crab mixture into patties roughly 4-5" diameter and 1" thick. Be careful not to pack them too firmly. Place the cakes on a rimmed tray lined with wax paper. Cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

6. Meanwhile, make the tartar sauce by whisking together all of the tartar sauce ingredients. Cover and refrigerate.

7. Once the crab patties have chilled, remove from the refrigerator. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil until it begins to shimmer. Working in multiple batches, add the individual crab cakes to the skillet, being careful to not crowd the pan. Cook the cakes over medium heat until the patties are golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes on each side. Repeat until all cakes have been cooked. Serve the crab cakes immediately with lemon wedges and tartar sauce.

Marinated Flank Steak

Treat Dad to delicious steak from the grill! Perfectly grilled meat is a great way to anchor a celebration meal! Our version of tender flank steak is filled with savory flavors from the marinade and grilling process itself. The steak is further enhanced with the fresh herbal flavors of a tantalizing chimichurri sauce, and the bursting freshness of blistered cherry tomatoes.

Marinated Flank Steak With Chimichurri & Blistered Cherry Tomatoes
Serves 4

Ingredients:
1 (2 lb) flank steak
8 oz cherry tomatoes

For the Marinade:
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 small lime, juiced (about 1/8 cup)
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Chimichurri:
1 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley (stems are ok)
1 cup fresh cilantro (stems are ok)
2 garlic cloves, peeled
1 small shallot, halved (about 2 tablespoons)
1 small jalapeño pepper, quartered, seeds removed
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
3/4 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Directions:
1. WHISK THE MARINADE ingredients together until combined, and then pour over the flank steak. Chill and marinate in a sealed container or bag for 1 hour, or up to overnight. Allow the steak to come to room temperature for about 20 minutes prior to grilling.

2. PREPARE THE CHIMICHURRI SAUCE. In a powerful blender or food processor, combine all of the chimichurri ingredients and pulse until well combined but still with some texture to the sauce. Set aside until ready to serve with the cooked steak.

3. GRILL THE STEAK! Fire up the grill, preheat the grill to high. Place the steak on the grill, and cook for 3-4 minutes, flip once, and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Continue grilling and flipping until the internal temperature reaches 135°F for medium-rare.

4. REMOVE THE STEAK FROM THE GRILL, and let it rest for 10 minutes to let the juices set and reabsorb.

5. WHILE THE STEAK RESTS, PREPARE THE BLISTERED CHERRY TOMATOES. Toss the tomatoes in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. In a cast iron skillet on the stovetop or in a grill basket on the grill, cook the cherry tomatoes. Sear and toss until the tomatoes begin to blister, and just begin to crack open. Remove from the heat.

6. When ready to serve, cut the steak into thin strips slicing against the grain.

7. Serve with a generous spoonful of chimichurri sauce and several blistered cherry tomatoes.

Spicy Tuna Bowl

We love food that tastes good and looks good too! Poke (pronounced poh-KAY) means 'to cut crosswise into pieces' — so sharpen your knives! Poke is a common Hawaiian dish, brought to the islands by early Polynesian settlers. This recipe highlights the fresh flavors of jewel-like raw ahi tuna. Also known as yellowfin tuna, the freshness and quality of the fish are key to this dish, so make sure to find high-quality, sushi-grade tuna, and plan to prepare the poke bowls the same day you purchase the fish for maximum flavor!

Spicy Tuna Poke Bowl
Makes 2 bowls

Tuna Marinade Ingredients:
1 teaspoon minced shallot
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon mirin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
1 teaspoon crushed seaweed (nori)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/2 pound sushi grade ahi tuna, cut into 1/2" cubes

Sushi Rice Ingredients:
1 cup white sushi rice
1 cup water
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon white sugar
1 teaspoon salt

Spicy Mayo Ingredients:
3 tablespoons full fat mayo
2 tablespoons sriracha
1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

Bowl Ingredients:
1/2 English cucumber, peeled and diced into 1/2" cubes
1 avocado, sliced
3 green onions, cut on the bias
1 teaspoon black sesame seeds
1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Seaweed (nori), cut into strips
Pickled ginger (optional)

Directions:
1. Combine all of the marinade ingredients except for the tuna in a large bowl. Whisk to incorporate. Add the cubed tuna to the marinade and gently toss the fish in the marinade to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 60 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, prepare the rice. Rinse the rice in a colander until the milky water runs clear. Combine rice and water in a medium saucepan, cover, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cook for an additional 15 minutes, until the rice is soft and fluy and the water has been absorbed. Remove from heat and cool until the rice is warm, but not hot.

3. While the rice is cooling, combine the vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer until the salt and sugar have dissolved, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and carefully stir the vinegar into the rice.

4. Combine the spicy mayo ingredients in a bowl, and whisk to incorporate.

5. Assemble the poke bowls by layering the rice on the bottom of a shallow bowl, then adding a portion of marinated tuna next to the cucumber, avocado, green onion, and nori. Drizzle with the spicy mayo, sprinkle with the sesame seeds, and serve with pickled ginger if desired.

White Cheddar Pimento Deviled Eggs

Do you love, or even crave deviled eggs? Some quick egg math: How is it possible that we can only eat one, maybe two fried eggs, but can easily consume an entire plate of deviled eggs (one plate = roughly twelve eggs)? In one sitting? No _problem? That answer is best left up to others! All we have to say is that this recipe makes 24 halved eggs, so it ultimately serves?.?.?.? two. Enjoy!

White Cheddar Pimento Deviled Eggs
Makes 24 filled halves

Ingredients:
12 hard-boiled eggs
3/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 (4 oz) jar finely diced pimento peppers, drained
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1-1/2 cups finely grated sharp white cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon minced shallot
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne

Garnishes:
Paprika
Black pepper
Chives, chopped

Directions:
1. Place the cold eggs in a large saucepan and add cold water, enough to cover the eggs by at least 1-inch.

2. Bring the water and eggs to a boil over high heat. Once the water boils, cover the eggs with a lid and remove from the heat. Let the eggs stand for 12 minutes – set the timer! (Be careful not to go over 12 minutes. It’s the extended exposure to heat that turns the yolks green.)

3. After the 12 minutes are completed, pour out the hot water and replace with cold water. As the cold water warms from the eggs, replace with more cold water. Once cooled, the eggs are ready to use, or may be refrigerated.

4. Carefully peel the eggs. Slice the eggs lengthwise, and carefully remove the yolks, placing them in a medium-sized mixing bowl.

5. Use a pastry blender or fork to quickly mash the yolks. Continue mashing the yokes with a fork until they have completely broken apart. (For ultra-smooth yolks, grate the yolks on a fine grater.)

6. Mix in the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, pimento peppers, Worcestershire sauce, cheddar cheese, shallot, salt, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne into the yolks and continue to combine until evenly incorporated.

7. Pipe the filling into the egg halves with a pastry bag outfitted with a wide tip, or a plastic bag with a corner snipped away. Garnish the eggs with paprika, black pepper, and chives.

Wilted Spinach Salad

It's time to enjoy spring greens! Learn how to make the perfect soft-boiled egg and maximize your salad making skills with our take on a classic wilted spinach salad. Jammy eggs, crispy bacon, and wilted spinach come together with creamy goat cheese, crunchy breadcrumbs, and a tangy, fresh, warm dressing. Delicious!

Wilted Spinach Salad with a Perfect Soft-Boiled Egg
Makes 4 salads

Ingredients:
For the Breadcrumbs:
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup hearty (and slightly stale) bread, pulsed into breadcrumbs
1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Salad:
1/2 lb. bacon, fried and crumbled
4 eggs, soft-boiled and halved
2 lbs. fresh spinach or baby spinach
1/2 small shallot, thinly sliced
4 oz. goat cheese, crumbled into bite-sized pieces

For the Warm Bacon Dressing:
2 tablespoons reserved bacon fat
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey
1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions:
1. Prepare the Breadcrumbs: Making your own breadcrumbs is a snap! Toss a few slices of stale bread in a food processor and pulse into a fine texture. Spread the crumbs in a single layer on a sheet pan and and pop into a 300 degree oven for 10 minutes or until lightly toasted. (Watch carefully.) Once cooled, they're ready to use on salads or casseroles.

2. In a large skillet, melt the butter and toss with the breadcrumbs. Over medium heat, stir the breadcrumbs often and toast until golden brown. Season with Kosher salt and pepper. Remove from the pan and set aside.

3. Prepare the Bacon: In the same skillet, fry the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon, and let cool on a paper towel-lined plate. Crumble. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease for the dressing.

4. Prepare the Dressing: In a small saucepan, combine the rendered bacon fat with the olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Heat the dressing until just warmed.

5. Prepare the Soft-boiled Eggs: Bring a saucepan filled halfway with water to boil. Add the eggs and boil for exactly six minutes. Remove immediately from the boiling water and cool slightly by running under cold water for about a minute. Peel and halve the eggs. Soft boiled eggs may be made ahead of time and kept in their shells and in the fridge for up to two days. To reheat, drop the pre-cooked eggs into boiling water for three minutes. Cool slightly, peel, and serve!

6. Assemble and Serve the Salad: Just before the eggs finish boiling, toss the spinach with the bacon crumbles, shallot, and the warm bacon dressing. Toss with tongs until the spinach begins to wilt slightly. Plate each dish with a serving of wilted spinach, one soft-boiled egg cut in half, a few crumbles of goat cheese, and a generous sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Baked Salmon with Asparagus

Flaky salmon, spring asparagus, and bright lemon flavors come together in this beautiful sheet pan dinner for the whole family. This menu features minimal prep time, and renders tasty, heart-healthy rewards. Great for fast weeknight dinners, make this no-hassle, one-pan meal tonight!

Baked Salmon with Lemon & Asparagus
Serves 4

Ingredients:
1.5 lb. skin-on salmon fillet
1 large bunch of asparagus (roughly 20 spears)
2 cups snow peas, trimmed
1 shallot, finely sliced
1 small lemon, sliced into rounds

Garnishes:
Chives, chopped Sesame seeds

Garlic Ginger Sauce:
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon, zested and juiced (about 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice)
1/4 cup soy sauce
1-inch fresh ginger root, finely grated
3/4 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
4 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 425° F.

2. Prep the ingredients. Debone the salmon with fish tweezers. Trim off the woody bases of the asparagus stalks. Trim the snow peas and finely slice the shallot. Slice one lemon into thin rounds.

3. Whisk the sauce ingredients together in a small bowl or glass measuring cup.

4. Lightly grease a large sheet pan. Place the salmon fillet in the middle of the sheet pan, then arrange the asparagus, snow peas, and shallot around the fish. Place the lemon slices on top of the salmon.

5. Drizzle everything with the garlic ginger sauce, turning the asparagus and the snap peas with tongs so they are fully coated.

6. Bake in the hot oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the salmon is flaky and the asparagus and snow peas are crisp tender. Remove from the oven and sprinkle everything with the chives and sesame seeds. Add additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

Spring Panzanella

Is it spring yet? Bring it on with our snappy and colorful Spring Panzanella Salad! You’ll find it a satisfying dinner, or a delightful side salad. This healthy salad is packed with spring veggies like roasted asparagus, crunchy snap peas, and super-thin, sliced radishes. Further, this salad experience is elevated with homemade seasoned croutons, creamy goat cheese, a fresh tangy dressing, and tasty garnishes.

Spring Panzanella
Makes 2 large entrée salads, or 4 side salads

Crouton Ingredients:
2-3 cups cubed of rustic loaf of bread, cut into 1-1/2” cubes
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried Herbes de Provence seasoning
1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Salad Ingredients:
3-4 cups baby arugula
1 cup snap peas, sliced on the big angle
1/2 bunch asparagus, sliced into 1 inch pieces (tossed with olive oil, Kosher salt, pepper) 4 oz goat cheese, bite sized pieces
4 radishes, thinly sliced with mandoline

Vinaigrette Ingredients:
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (zest, and then juice)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
1 teaspoon Herbes de Provence
1 teaspoon shallot, minced
1 teaspoon honey

Garnish Ingredients:
lemon zest of 1 lemon
10 mint leaves, cut into a chiffonade

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Slice the asparagus into 1” pieces. Toss with one tablespoon of olive oil and salt and pepper. Roast the asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet for 5 minutes, or until just crisp tender.

2. Prepare the cubed bread into semi-soft croutons. Melt the butter in a large skillet and mix with the olive oil. Toss the cubed bread in the skillet until evenly coated. Sprinkle with the Herbs de Provence, kosher salt, and pepper. Stir the croutons while heating until they are lightly toasted on all sides.

3. Meanwhile, prepare the snap peas by washing and cutting on a dramatic angle to reveal the peas inside.

4. Prepare the radishes by washing and cutting thin slices with a mandoline. Take care! Mandolines are super sharp, amazing tools that should be respected. We recommend to gear up for safety and use a protective glove AND the hand guard. The thin slices are so worth it!

5. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together all of the vinaigrette ingredients until emulsified.

6. Mix the salad together in a large bowl. Toss the arugula, sliced radishes, and asparagus with the dressing until coated.

7. Carefully layer in the snap peas and croutons. Top with bite-sized pieces of goat cheese and garnish with lemon zest and fresh mint.

Apple, Pomegranate, Kale Salad

Did someone say warm, fall salad? Yes, please! In this recipe, we highlight delicious fall produce like crunchy apples, hearty kale, and tart pomegranates. Paired with earthy Gorgonzola, and tangy dried apricots, this beauty is topped with sweet and spicy pecans -- a garnish so good you’ll need to make a double batch!

Apple, Pomegranate, Kale Salad
Serves 6–8

Salad Ingredients:
2 bunches Lacinato kale leaves, torn into pieces
1 bunch green kale, torn into pieces
1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
3/4 cup pomegranate arils (or 1 pomegranate)
1 Honeycrisp apple, cored and thinly sliced
1 Granny Smith apple, cored and thinly sliced
1/2 cup Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
10 dried apricots, sliced

Sweet and Spicy Pecans:
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
1 cup unsalted pecan halves

Dressing Ingredients:
1/3 cup olive oil
1 shallot, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 tablespoon maple syrup
1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 275°F. Combine the butter, cayenne, cinnamon, brown sugar, and salt in a medium bowl. Add the pecans and toss to coat. Spread the mixture on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the nuts are browned. Remove from heat and let cool. (Store any leftover pecans in a dry, airtight container for up to 2 weeks.)

2. Meanwhile, add the kale to a large salad bowl. Sprinkle with the salt and olive oil and massage with your hands for 2-3 minutes until the kale pieces start to become tender.

3. Make the dressing by heating the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced shallots and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Remove from heat.

4. Whisk together the remaining dressing ingredients. Pour in the olive oil and shallot into the dressing and stir.

5. Drizzle half of the the dressing on the kale and use tongs to toss. Arrange the pomegranate arils, apples, Gorgonzola cheese, and dried apricots on top of the salad. Drizzle the salad with the remaining dressing and top with the sweet and spicy pecans. Serve immediately.

Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Crispy Sage

Fall flavors unite in a most delightful way in this creamy, dreamy pasta!

IN THIS ISSUE, butternut squash is transformed into a tasty sauce. The naturally sweet sauce is balanced with spicy sausage, then generously topped with savory cheese and crispy sage leaves. It’s a wonderful kind of deliciousness!

Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Crispy Sage 
Serves 8 - 10 

Fall flavors unite in a most delightful way in this creamy, dreamy pasta! Butternut squash is transformed into a tasty sauce. The naturally sweet sauce is balanced with spicy sausage, then generously topped with savory cheese and crispy sage leaves. It’s a wonderful kind of deliciousness! 

Ingredients: 
1 medium butternut squash, peeled, cut in half, seeds removed 
4 tablespoons butter 
20-25 fresh sage leaves 
1 lb hot Italian ground sausage
2 tablespoons olive oil 
1 large shallot, finely diced 
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup white wine 
1 cup heavy whipping cream 
1 teaspoon Kosher salt 
1/2 teaspoon black pepper 
2 lbs pasta, ziti or another tube pasta 

Garnish: 
crispy sage leaves parmesan cheese, shaved or grated

Directions: 
1. Prep the butternut squash: Wash the squash well, cut both ends o the squash to create a flat surface. Peel the squash with a peeler. Slice in half length-wise and scoop out the seeds. 

2. Using a large pasta pot with a steamer basket, steam the butternut squash until it is fork tender, about 30-35 minutes. 

3. Remove the squash and purée with a blender or immersion blender until it is smooth. 

4. Meanwhile, in a large Dutch oven, sauté the sausage into bite-sized chunks until nicely browned. Remove the sausage from the pot. Set aside. Reserve the pot and drippings for the shallots, garlic, and the next steps in sauce making. 

5. Next, in a nonstick skillet, prepare the crispy sage leaves. Melt the butter, then sizzle the sage leaves on each side until just crisp. Place the leaves on a paper towel-lined plate to cool. Reserve the sage butter to sauté the shallot and garlic, and for adding to the sauce. 

6. Using the Dutch oven, add any remaining butter from the sage. Sauté the shallot and garlic until translucent. Add additional olive oil to sauté, as needed. 

7. Once the aromatics are softened, add 1/2 cup of white wine and simmer until the wine is reduced by half. 

8. Add the blended squash to the aromatics and stir until combined. Stir in the heavy cream. Gently simmer the sauce until the pasta is ready. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. 

9. Meanwhile, cook the pasta until al dente, reserve at least 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain well.

10. Add the pasta to the sauce. Add up to 1 cup of reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches a silky consistency. 

11. Add the sausage to the pasta. Dish the pasta, and garnish with a hearty portion of freshly shaved or grated parmesan cheese. Top each serving with several crispy sage leaves.

They're Here! Summer Vegetables Ready to Stuff

We're taking advantage of the fresh harvests found at farmers' markets, in our gardens, and at roadside stands, and are making scrumptious stuffed vegetables ready to satisfy any craving! 

IN THIS ISSUE, we stuff peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini while sharing tips for cleaning veggies properly. PLUS, a bonus recipe, stuffed jalapeños!

Three Super Tasty, Herbalicious Green Sauces

Fresh herbs are a great way to add flavor and complex character to the dishes we cook. Ranging from subtle to dominant, from complementary to defining, the availability of summer herbs is upon us! IN THIS ISSUE, we feature three, green herb-based sauces that originate from different parts of the world. Try them -- they’ll bring big flavor impact to your table!

Try Our Grilled Corn and Quinoa Summer Salad

Two grains, corn and quinoa, share an ancient history as important crops in the developing Americas. IN THIS ISSUE, we’ve made them the cornerstone of a salad that’s hearty, and nutritionally balanced enough to be the main entrée. Grilled sweet corn only gets tastier with the addition of healthy quinoa, summer-ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and a bright lemony vinaigrette.