Pork Chops w/ Mango Salsa

Didn't feel like ribs, but had a taste for pork, so I picked up a few inch thick Pork Chops. Rubbed them down with a Barbecue seasoning and tossed them on the grill. While they were getting a char, I cut up a Mango, a Habanaro, some Red Onion and Cilantro and cooked it down in some Mango Nectar for a Spicy Salsa to go on top. Along side, Red Beans and Rice and Braised Greens which made for a wonderful Southern Style Supper.

Crab Cakes, Snow Peas & Braised Cabbage

My basket tonight was Red Cabbage, Crab meat, and Snow Peas. Pretty easy easy one I think, made a dressing with a little mayo, egg, Old Bay, some fresh Parsley, and a touch of bread crumbs. Folded the Crab meat in and under the broiler for some delicious Crab Cakes. Glazed the Snow Peas with a touch of sugar, and Braised a head of Red Cabbage, shredded of course, in a Red Wine and Vegetable Stock.

Sirloin Steak with Corn Pudding and Green Beans

With Eastern Shore corn in season, I bought a few to many and had to figure out what to do with it. So, I took the corn, some sweet potatoes a few eggs, milk and seasonings and came up with a delicious Sweet Potato/Corn Pudding. That coupled with a nice Grilled Sirloin Steak (with the bone, had to have a treat for Spike!), and some Green Beans made for a simple dinner.

Grilled Salmon Cakes w/ All the Extras

The kids were in a few days ago and the weather was co-operating so out to the deck we go for an Asian inspired Barbecue. I went to favorite fish guy for some fresh caught Salmon and a few Asian ingredients. Once back home, I skinned the fish, chopped it and into a bowl with Sesame Oil, Rice Wine Vinegar, Ginger, Cilantro and an Egg. Shaped them into patties and they were ready for the grill. For those that don't do Salmon, or just wanted something else, we grilled some Chicken Breasts and Thighs as well. Next up was the Slaw, Syd tossed a head of Bok Choy with Red and Yellow Peppers a secret dressing she slipped in so I don't know what's all in it. Then, together we made Noodles and Sesame Paste, a cold pasta salad with Peanut Butter, Sesame Oil, Pepper Flakes, Green Onions. Ginger and Soy Sauce. And, if that weren't enough, we did a Sweet and Pungent Cucumber Salad. Had all the available family over for a wonderful afternoon of dining and drinks.

Veal Marsala over Pappardelle

Last night we decided on using some Veal Scaloppini and Pasta. I quick seared the Veal, then tossed a few mushrooms into the pan, seasoning as we go, of course. In goes the Marsala Wine to reduce before adding the stock to the Sauce. Back into the pool for the meat to absorb all of those wonderful flavors, then over a heaping bowl of Pappardelle. A simple side salad finished this one off!

Summer's Almost Here

Nothing better in the nice weather than a Salad. That being said, a trip to the outdoor market with Jen on a beautiful Sunday morning netted us just picked Arugula and Tomatoes (our plants haven't produced fruit yet). Layering the Greens with the Tomatoes, Mozzarella, and thin sliced Red Onion, then topped with a dressing of Lemon Juice, Olive Oil, Salt and Pepper. Quick, Easy and Delicious!!

Sausage & Shrimp Kabobs

A new twist on surf and turf; Sausage & Shrimp Kabobs. We picked up a few Hot Italian Sausages while at the market, along with some Grape Tomatoes and Red Onions, as we already had the Shrimp in the house. I made a basting sauce of Smoked Paprika, Olive Oil, Pepper Flakes, Lime Juice and Sherry Wine Vinegar. Alternating the ingredients on skewers and basting frequently while on the grill, they were quite delish!! Serve with Rice pilaf and a Salad of Fresh Arugula, Tomatoes and Hearts of Palm.