Katie Stew | A rich, simmering blend of my favorite things

January 28, 2015
by katie
1,139 Comments

Turkey Pot Pie

I love a good Pot Pie. And no, I’m not talking about drugs. A turkey pot pie! Get your minds out of the gutter people. I think it is fair to say that most things are probably better served in a pie crust. Or some kind of pastry pocket. Hence the category of foods to your right entitled, “pocket foods”. I may be a little obsessed. And a pot pie is basically a giant pocket food! Awesome! Man that looks good. I might have to go make another right now.

I fell in love with pot pies a few years ago. They are easy to make and a great way to use up some random vegetables and leftover meats you might have in your fridge. I actually made this one after Thanksgiving with some leftover turkey. But, you can just as easily use a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store, some leftover pork loin in your fridge, or whatever else is easy and tickles your fancy.

So what is a pot pie exactly?

Basically, it is a mixture of cooked vegetables and meat in a creamy gravy, baked in a pie crust. For that matter, you don’t need meat even. Vegetable pot pies are delicious as well. Consider adding peas or broccoli inside for a hearty vegetable filling.

Am I giving you too many options? I think that is the point. This is a basic turkey pot pie recipe, but the options are endless. Cook some vegetables and meat, (or no meat) until cooked through- the vegetables will continue to cook in the pie crust in the oven, but not significantly and I don’t want crunchy carrots in my pie. Then you make a quick pan gravy to make it all creamy and delicious, and stick it in a pie crust and bake! You could even add cheese. I know! I just blew your mind.

And to be perfectly honest, I just use a frozen pie crust, or one of those roll out ones from Pillsbury that are always in the fridge section by the biscuits. A pot pie doesn’t need to have a million steps and be complicated to be delicious!

I think I may sound a little crazy in this post.

I can live with that. I’m crazy about pot pie.

Turkey Pot Pie

2 cups cooked turkey, diced
3/4 cup carrot, medium chop
3/4 cup celery, medium chop
1/2 onion, small dice
2 TB olive oil
1 tsp fresh sage, chopped
1 tsp fresh parsley, chopped
2 TB flour
1 1/2 cup milk
2 TB butter
2 pie crusts
1 egg

Preheat oven to 400. Put one of the pie crusts in a pie pan. Save the other to form the top. If your pie crust is frozen, leave on the counter, or on the top of your warm stove to defrost.

In a large skillet, saute carrot, celery, onion, and olive oil until vegetables are tender and onions are translucent. Add turkey, sage and parsley. When mixture is fragrant, push the filling to the sides of the pan. Add the butter to the center of the pan. As it melts, add the flour. Stir to combine. Slowly add milk to the flour and butter center of the pan, stirring constantly and quickly to combine. Try to keep it from preventing lumps. When flour is incorporated into liquid, mix everything together. Let simmer for a few minutes until the mixture thickens, then remove from heat.

Fill pie crust with mixture. Top with a second pie crust and seal the edges. Whisk egg in a small bowl with a splash of water. Brush egg mixture on top of the pie. Cut slits in the top of the pie crust for steam to escape. Put a lined baking sheet on the rack below the rack you are baking the pie on, in case of bubbling. It is easier to clean a baking sheet than the bottom of your oven.

Bake at 400 for 35-45 minutes, or until golden brown.

Enjoy!

Photographs by Jessica Yager.

January 22, 2015
by katie
1,045 Comments

Granola

Granola is generally not considered to be a very exciting thing. It is associated with health nuts and hippies and old people. But in reality, it can be a delicious snack. A homemade cereal. Something crunchy and delightful on top of your yogurt in the morning. (Or by the handful on the couch while watching movies… like I am doing right now.) And this particular recipe has more in common, flavor-wise, with an oatmeal cookie than anything else, but for some reason, it still makes me feel like I’m being healthy.

The last few years, I’ve been making gift baskets for Christmas for my friends and family, full of homemade treats. This year, one of the items in the baskets was a big bag of granola. It was a hit. I’ve been getting requests for the recipe, so I’m sharing. But, I guess this means I shouldn’t include it next year, because now everyone will know how easy it is to make!

Also, just saying, it makes your house smell awesome.

Granola recipes are very adaptable. This is a combination that I find that I really enjoy. If you don’t like fruit, don’t add it. If you prefer all Maple syrup instead of the honey/maple combination, give it a try. Many people add nuts. I just find I don’t love the nuts with my yogurt.

The point is, like most recipes, I recommend you follow the instructions once. Learn the basics from that first go, and then make it your own! You won’t believe how easy it is to put together and how quickly you’ll munch it up. Also, if you don’t have or don’t like almond extract, feel free to omit it. I like the addition. But when you first put it in the mix, it will smell overpowering. But don’t worry, once the granola cooks, it mellows out and blends in nicely. So don’t worry.

Enjoy!

Granola

3 cups oats
6 TB dark brown sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
3 TB honey
3 TB maple syrup
1/2 cup canola oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp almond extract
1/2 cup craisins
1/2 cup dried apricots

Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl. In a smaller bowl, mix wet ingredients. Mix all together and then put on parchment lined cookie sheet. Bake for 15 minutes at 300 degrees. Stir and cook for 7-12 minutes more until lightly browned.

Remove from oven and toss the granola with the fruit. Leave on baking sheet to cool. Granola will harden as it cools.

January 19, 2015
by katie
1,177 Comments

Perfect French Fries

I love French Fries. I also love cheeseburgers. Often when I am craving burger, I end up more excited about the fries in the end.

This summer when I was home in Arkansas, my parents taught me how to make perfect french fries. My mother said that my Paternal Grandfather, JB Cox, made the best french fries. He showed her how to do it. So I guess that means it is family tradition to make great fries. The key is to cook them a nice long time at a medium high temperature until golden brown after a presoak in sugar water. And to not touch them when you’re cooking. That is the hardest part. I always want to stir. It is hard to resist that urge.

I’m sharing family secrets. Doesn’t that make you feel special?

And Aioli. I love any excuse to eat mayonnaise with my french fries. Another perk of my trip to Paris. And it is great to make aioli from scratch, but sometimes, you just want to eat your fries. So, I’m sharing my lazy aioli recipe below as well.

As soon as you pull the fries from the hot oil, be sure to salt them. The salt will stick better when there is still that hot oil on the fries. In the recipe below, I tossed the fries with some fresh herbs. It makes them feel fancy. I also like using seasoned salt or some Tony Chachere’s Cajun Seasoning. Dress them however you feel.

Perfect French Fries

3 large russet potatoes, mostly peeled
1 large, high walled skillet
3 inches of frying oil
1/4 cup sugar
2 TB parsley, finely chopped
2 TB sage, finely chopped
salt and pepper

Cut french fries into even slices. Soak in water mixed with 1/4 cup of sugar for 30 minutes. Drain well. Pat dry.

Heat oil over medium high heat. Add potatoes in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry slowly for 15-20 minutes, only stirring occasionally. Remove from oil when fries are browned. Put on paper towel lined cookie sheet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper as soon as the fries come out. When all the fries are done, toss with the parsley and sage.

Lazy Aioli

1/2 cup Mayonaise
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp chopped parsley
Many turns of the pepper mill

Mix and serve.

Enjoy!

Photographs by Jessica Yager.

January 15, 2015
by katie
1,188 Comments

Cranberry Rum Punch

I can’t believe I missed it! My last post was the 300th post on my blog. And it was about Brussel sprouts.

I need a drink.

Hey look! A drink!

I also just missed the 5th year anniversary of the blog. 5 years! January 2010 I wrote my first blog post. It was a new decade and I was looking for a forum to share my favorite things. I love all the progress I’ve made here. It is a fun journey. I’ve learned how to make so many new things, have shared my passion for literature, and even the occasional work of art. Thank you to all the people who have been so supportive along the way. I’m having a ball.

And on that note, I’d like to share a drink with you.

I love a good punch. I think it is one of the keys to a successful, low key party. Unless you are planning to just serve beer and tequila, (There is nothing wrong with just serving beer and tequila.) a punch gives you a fancy cocktail option without having to stand around with a mixer and take orders. I’d rather be mingling and playing Jenga than mixing drinks, any day.
The time of year where you can get fresh cranberries at the store is shrinking. This is the perfect opportunity to grab those beautiful red balls and make something delicious.

Did I just say balls?
This drink is sweet, has a delicious tang from the cranberries and lime juice, and is an excellent color. Perfect winter drink. Great for the next time you have some friends over. Make a big batch and enjoy your night.

So, here is to my 301st post! Tip a glass and help me celebrate.

It has been a beautiful road so far. I can’t wait to see what comes next.

Cranberry Rum Punch

2 cups fresh cranberries
1/2 cup sugar
2 cups water
1 cup white rum
1/2 cup lime juice

Bring berries, sugar and water to a boil. Allow mixture to simmer until berries are bursting. Remove from heat and strain. In a pitcher, combine syrup, rum, and lime juice. Chill until cold. Serve over ice with cranberries and mint sprigs as garnish.

This recipe makes about 6 drinks. Scale up if you are more than 2-3 people…. If your party has more than 2-3 people that is. If you believe you are 2-3 people, feel free to make the whole pitcher for yourselves.

Enjoy!

Photographs by Jessica Yager.

January 13, 2015
by katie
1,235 Comments

Brussel Sprout Leaves with Chorizo and Almonds

Last week I brought you something super healthy and delicious. This time… well, it is still delicious and at least it is a vegetable. A vegetable tossed with chorizo, but still, a vegetable.

And you know what? Who cares!? This is delicious. This is the dish that will make people that don’t think they like Brussel sprouts, like Brussel sprouts. Seriously. It could change minds. Basically, you either A. tear apart what feels like a million Brussel sprouts into their tiny leafy components, or B. you go to Trader Joe’s, where I’m told you can buy bags of Brussel sprout leaves. My friend told me this as I was well into the breaking down of the Brussel sprouts, but what can you do? I took the long road and tore them apart. It isn’t a big deal, but if you have the other option, I’d take it. It would cut the time to make this in half.

The nutty green flavor of the sprouts works really well with the subtle flavor of the almonds. The nuts provide a nice crunch and the chorizo makes everything taste better. This is a great little side dish. Give it a go! It’ll make a Brussel sprout convert out of you.

Brussel Sprout Leaves with Chorizo and Almonds

1/2 cup toasted almonds, roughly chopped
6 oz Spanish Chorizo, thinly sliced if in links, or ground
3 Tb olive oil
2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
2 tsp fresh thyme
2 lb brussel sprouts, stems trimmed, halved, leaves separated
salt and pepper
1 Tb Red wine vinegar

Cook chorizo in a large skillet. If you are using sliced, cooked chorizo, cook until fragrant and crisp. If using ground, cook until cooked through. Transfer to a bowl and set aside. Wipe out skillet.

Heat oil in same skillet and cook garlic and thyme over medium heat until garlic is fragrant. Working in batches, add sprout leaves, tossing and let them wilt slightly before adding more. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until leaves are browned in spots and tender, 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and add vinegar, almonds and chorizo. Toss and taste. Add more salt, pepper, or vinegar as needed.

Enjoy!

Photographs by Jessica Yager.

January 7, 2015
by katie
1,138 Comments

Crunchy Asian Turkey Salad with Peanut Dressing

Happy New Year!

I’m back. This winter, it has been challenging for me to come to this space to write. With the holidays and the new job, I just haven’t felt like I had the bandwidth to blog. So, I’ve been sitting on all these beautiful photos from my last shoot and all these delicious recipes. But it is a new year, so I’m getting back in the game.

If you’re like most of the US, you’ve probably made some kind of New Year’s resolution. For most people, that has something to do with being better to yourself this year, eating better, losing some weight, something like that. There is a reason that you are seeing so many ads for gyms and gym equipment this time of year. I know that I always have these kind of thoughts in January. I’ve even worked out twice this week so far. And after all of the eating excess and richness of the holiday season, for the first time in months, we all might actually be excited about a salad. For me, it’s easy to say that this is one to get excited about. Sure. It’s a big bowl of raw vegetables with some shredded turkey. That kind of thing doesn’t usually get me super excited, but this salad changed my mind. The salad is so crunchy, so refreshing. And at the same time, it has a beautiful creamy sauce. Delicious. Just the thing for this time of year. Something bright and healthy and satisfying.

And this salad dressing recipe is something to file away. It is a keeper. I always love the peanut sauce in Asian restaurants, especially with the fresh rolls. Yum! Now you can make your own peanut sauce at home! I used to buy the bottles in the Asian food aisle at the grocery store, but it is so easy to make yourself, you’ll never buy it again. And the best part is your probably already have all the ingredients in your cupboard!

If you have any leftover turkey from the holidays in your freezer, this would be a great use for it. You can also buy a breast at the grocery store to roast, or even substitute chicken. Those rotisserie chickens at the grocery store are so handy! This is a great way to use them.

Just because you’re trying to eat healthy right now doesn’t mean you can’t eat well!

Crunchy Asian Turkey Salad with Peanut Dressing

From Bon Appetit

1/4 cup peanut butter
2 TB rice vinegar
1 Tsp Soy sauce
1 tsp Sriracha
2 cups shredded turkey
1 cup shredded green cabbage
1 cup fresh cilantro
1 cup fresh mint leaves
1 large carrot, shaved lengthwise
Limes

Whisk together the peanut butter, vinegar, soy, and Sriracha. Set aside dressing.

Toss turkey, cabbage, cilantro, mint and carrot.

Spoon dressing onto plate, top with salad, drizzle with more dressing, serve with lime wedges.

Enjoy!

Photographs by Jessica Yager.

December 3, 2014
by katie
800 Comments

A Collection of Tuscan Autobiographies

I miss Italy.

Sigh.

It is so cold in Seattle. There has been snow on the ground for the past 5 days, which is weird for here. I have to scrape ice off the car each morning and when I arrive at work it is near impossible to pull my bum out of that heated car seat to get inside. It is easier to get out of bed in the morning than to get out of that warm car. Man, I love seat heaters.

On Monday I was driving into work with my darling and pulled out my phone. I looked at the weather. The high for the day was something terrible like 35. I flip through the other locations in my phone… It was 61 in Siena. I miss being in Siena. It feels like a lifetime ago that I lived in Italy. I try and find little things around the house, at work, in my daily life that remind me of my time there. I don’t want the experiences, and the changes in me, to slip away, but the daily grind can be pretty mentally consuming.

I never got around to writing up some of the books I read when I was there. And now since I’ve got Italy on the brain, it seems like a good time to revisit this.

When I was in Italy, I tried to read books about Italy, specifically Tuscany when I could find them. I’ve already talked about my experiences with A Room With A View, A Death in Tuscany, and The Portrait of a Lady. But I did not limit myself to fiction. I also read three very interesting autobiographies. Under the Tuscan Sun, A Tuscan Childhood, and The Reluctant Tuscan. I have to say, I enjoyed each one of them. They were all interesting and charming in their own ways. The one thing they all agree on? The beauty of Tuscany and the kindness of the people. And interesting enough, they are all about people that were not born in Italy learning that Italy is their true home.

So, if you are looking for a way to disappear to another, sunnier, more pasta filled place in your mind, I recommend any of these books. They might just inspire you to do something crazy and new with your life too.

Under the Tuscan Sun

This is certainly the one of this collection that people will be most familiar with. Not only was it a top seller, but it was made into a movie starring Diane Lane.

Under the Tuscan Sun was written by Frances Mayes. It tells the story of how she fell in love with Bramasole, an abandoned farm villa outside of a small town in Tuscany. Frances spends the year as a professor in California and decided to buy Bramasole, a 300 year old house and spend her summers restoring the house with her boyfriend. It is a place of peace and beauty, but also one of lots of work.

There is this quote from the book that I immediately dog eared when I came across it. I want this. It is a vision of how life should be, summed up in a description of what she wants the outdoor table by her house to be like.

“I have considered my table, its ideals as well as its dimensions. If I were a child, I would want to lift up the tablecloth and crawl under the unending table, into the flaxen light where I could crouch and listen to the loud laughs, clinks, and grown-up talk, hear over and over ‘Salute’ and ‘Cin-cin’ traveling around the chairs, stare at kneecaps and walking shoes and flowered skirts hiked up to catch a breeze, the table steady under its weight of food. Such a table should accommodate the wanderings of a large dog. At the end, you need room for an enormous vase of all the flowers in bloom at the moment. The width should allow platters to meander from hand to hand down the center, stopping where they will, and numerous water and wine bottles to accumulate over the hours… If the table is long enough, everything can be brought out at once, and no one has to run back and forth to the kitchen. Then the table is set for primary pleasure; lingering meals, under the trees at noon. The open air confers an ease, a relaxation and freedom. You’re your own guest, which is the way summer ought to be.”

The book describes the small town that Frances falls in love with. It is also a detailed account of what it is like to restore Bramasole. She deals with bureaucracy, workers, the struggles of multi nation living, and learns to find great joy in the little things in life. The simplicity of Italian food, fresh produce, the smell of sheets dried on the line, and the general beauty of rustic living.

It is a lovely and inspirational tale.

The Reluctant Tuscan

This book was written by Phil Doran. Phil worked for years as a comedy writer in Hollywood. The tale takes place at a time where his career is suffering. He is getting pushed out of the industry by the young up and comers. He struggles to find work, but finds plenty of stress. His wife is a sculptor and travels frequently to Italy to train and work. She loves it there. He couldn’t imagine leaving Hollywood. On one of her trips, she buys a run down “rustic” farmhouse for them to remodel and move into. He is shocked and not terribly excited. Why move to a place where he doesn’t know the language and where he can’t get Chinese food at any time of the night? What about his work?

Turns out, his wife was worried about his happiness and health and decided the only way to save her husband and their marriage was to do something drastic.

Phil Doran writes a funny, and charming story of his move to Italy, the crazy and wonderful people he meets, the insanity of Italian bureaucracy, the beauty of family, and the importance of living your life. It is not always easy for him, but he eventually realizes the truly important things in his life and finds happiness in the Italian way of living.

This book is very similar to Under the Tuscan Sun in many ways, but where that book is full of introspection and beauty, The Reluctant Tuscan is full of characters. He tells hilarious stories about his neighbors and the ways of doing things. It is Under the Tuscan Sun told as a standup. Very fun little book.

A Tuscan Childhood

This autobiography tells the tale of Keeta Beevor. She wrote the tale at the end of her life, before she died in 1995 at the age of 84. The story is about her upbringing in Italy. Her English parents moved her and her brother to a castle in Italy at a young age. She describes growing up in Tuscany in the early 1900s as well as the effects of World War 2 on her family, friends, and property.

This was a fascinating tale. Learning about the social structures, history of wine making and olive oil making in the time period was wonderful. So much done by hand. So much done only with the help of friends and family and a town that supports each other. There is considerable charm in the story. Her father built a rooftop garden at the old castle, in the same place that was formerly filled with cannons. He was an artist. Spending a childhood frolicking through the hills of Tuscany sounds pretty magical.

This was a charming historical tale about finding yourself in Italy. Not as funny or emotional as the first two books, but interesting in a different way. If you are interested in the lives of average people in a different time period, you will enjoy this read.

Dreaming of Italy. Hope your holiday season is going well. I’m looking forward to making lots of fun gifts for family and friends over the next few weeks. Remember, gift giving is not about the money you spend, but the way you show the people you love how you feel about them.

November 17, 2014
by katie
991 Comments

Le Reve

Le Reve. In French, it translates to “The Dream”.

When I got back from Italy in August, I wanted to do something new. I had quit my job before leaving and had to figure out a new plan. I had been inspired by my cooking classes and I wasn’t ready to go back into an office setting. It was time to go for it, to try my hand at cooking professionally. So, I started applying for cooking positions around town. I would say in my interviews and letters that I had never worked in a professional kitchen, but you could see from my food blog my dedication to the culinary arts and mention that I had just completed training in Italy. I was thrilled that I got calls back. When I heard from Le Reve Bakery and Cafe, I was so excited. I had been there before and thought it was adorable. They make the most beautiful pastries and desserts and they have a very comfortable, relaxed setting.

The interview was so fun. They explained about the position. A set menu, with the addition of specials and soups created by the chef of the day each day. How perfect! Guidelines and creative flexibility. I was so excited. In my interview, I was asked what kind of omelet I would make if I could make any omelet special. I said, maybe a tomato, spinach, and goat cheese omelet. Then I was told to go make it. An on the spot challenge! And not to toot my own horn too much, but I made a beautiful omelet. A week later, and I was part of the team.

Brenton breakfast salad

I have been working as a chef now for a little over a month and I am having a ball. I didn’t know how I would feel about cooking professionally. Turns out, I love it. It is hard and the work is hot and long, but it is so satisfying. Putting out beautiful plates of food makes me feel so good. I love knowing that I’m helping people have a better day by giving them delicious food.

Strawberry cream cheese crepe with Lemon Curd topping and Blueberries

When I told my mom about this job, she said how proud she was of me. She said (paraphrasing), “Katie, you know, you and I can throw a great party. We can cook an amazing holiday dinner, and make lots of great things, but you are going to learn about something that I don’t know about food. Scaling. And that is very cool.” (Sorry mom for any inconsistencies) But it’s true. It is one thing to know how to make a lovely pot of cream of mushroom soup, but it is another to know how to do it on a restaurant scale. How many cups of pesto do you need to make each day for sandwiches? How many pounds of turkey need to be roasted? Interesting things to learn. Things I need to know if someday I wanted to create my own business.
Roasted Mushroom and Brie Soup

I’m especially glad to be getting my start somewhere that creates such quality. All of the baked goods are fresh every morning. We roast our own turkey for sandwiches and make all the sauces and dressings. It is very fresh, very clean, and very tasty. It is food that is easy to be proud of.Turkey and Gouda Crepe topped with Arugula salad and Balsamic tomato salad

I have made so many fried eggs, omelettes, sandwiches, and gallons of soup in the last month that I can hardly believe it. I can now whip up a perfect omelette in 3 minutes flat.

French Omelette filled with mozzarella, tomato, and spinach- topped with fresh pesto

I am so glad that Le Reve gave me a chance to strut my culinary stuff. I’m learning a lot and having a great time doing it. Also, the rest of the staff have been very supporting and fun to work with. It is a great team to be a part of.

I’m living the dream.

If you’re in the Seattle area, come by some weekend and I’ll make you something tasty.

November 13, 2014
by katie
1,012 Comments

Paris

I am such a blessed person. I have had so many amazing opportunities over the last few years and I just want to take a moment to say how lucky and grateful I am. I have a partner who supports my dreams and ambitions. I have good friends who are talented and give me wine, advice and company. My family is wonderful and encouraging. And I’ve been able to see parts of the world that most people will never see.

Last week I was in Paris with my boyfriend. He was sent for work and I got to tag along. I spent a week viewing some of the most famous works of art in the world, eating my weight in baguettes, visiting fabulous restaurants, and making new friends. It was a lovely trip. I only wish that the whole work thing didn’t take up so much of his time. But, Paris!

And for one more moment of gratitude before I continue. I wouldn’t be writing this blog without the emotional and technical support of my sweetie. He has encourage this project all along. He has helped me travel the world and learn about myself. All that and he dances well too. I’m a lucky lady.

Ok. Back to Paris. For the most part, the weather was cold and sunny. There was some rain, but it was hard to notice or care. Paris is a beautiful city no matter what the weather. And hey, rainy days are what museums are for. Someone asked me if I came back with any new recipes. The answer is no, but I came back wanting to explore new recipes. And, I tried a number of new things. I had never had much experience with foie gras, and I had it multiple times during my stay. It isn’t my new favorite thing, but it was an interesting experience. However, apparently I love escargot! Who knew? I had it the first time we went out to dinner and two more times after that. Turns out, snails cooked in butter and herbs are awesome. I can add that to the list of things my mother will never believe I’d say.

So, I just want to share a few photos of my trip. I hope your mouth waters and your imagination soars.

Eiffel TowerVeal shank with white bean ragout
One of the million beautiful pastry displays I saw.And the Macaroons. Everywhere. The view of Paris from the top of the Eiffel tower. Once, the tallest structure in the world. This is one of my favorite pieces of art I saw. The famed “Winged Victory of Samothrace” in the Louvre. So stunning. And so amazing that something this old has survived so long for us to appreciate. It was carved sometime around 200 BC and wasn’t discovered until the mid 1800s. Can you believe something like this was just sitting outside for 2,000 years? I am awed that it survived so long for us to appreciate today.The Louvre at night. More beautiful pastries. Don’t you just want to stuff these all in your face? These were some beautiful gelled fruits I saw in a candy store. I had never seen fruit preserved this way. They were beautiful, but very, very sweet. Escargot! They were served often in the shell, filled with butter and herbs. We were given little tongs to hold the shells and tiny forks to pull them out and eat them. Weird, wild and wonderful.

Travel helps us to learn who we are and who we can be. Take any opportunity you can to visit somewhere new and eat something new. You never know what might change your life.

October 20, 2014
by katie
1,017 Comments

Crab on the Beach

I love crab.

When I moved to Seattle, I didn’t like seafood. Crab changed my mind. Specifically, the crab cakes from Wild Ginger in Seattle. Unfortunately, they are no longer on the menu there. Tragedy. But, I now eat crab in all its forms. I love to just crack open a steamed crab and pick it apart with my fingers. On its own, or with a collection of glorious sauces like we had for this amazing beach picnic.

There are many reasons why I’m lucky to have the friends that I have. They are artistic, kind, and love food. Jessica Elizabeth, who does most of the beautiful photography for my website planned this beachside picnic for a school project she was doing at the time. She invited us along to eat and enjoy an afternoon on the beach while she took these fabulous photos.

The fare was simple. Crab, oysters, a variety of sauces, bread and butter. Oh, and wine. Of course there was wine. The guys played music. We dug into the feast. We watched the tide come in. (At one point we had to move the whole setup back about 5 feet because the water started getting too close. It was a very amusing quick shift.)
Such a lovely memory. I kept forgetting I had these pictures. Glad to share them with you now, about a year later.

Like I said, the fare was simple. Not much stuff happening here, recipe-wise. But I will share with you my favorite cocktail sauce. It is from the Barefoot Contessa and it is perfect. In fact, I even listed it once before. Also, below is a basic recipe for garlic aoli. Both are great for dipping your crab in. Or shrimp for that matter. Melted butter and lemon wedges are great, but it is good to shake it up now and then. I highly recommend you do something like this party. It is so simple and delicious. Buy some steamed crabs from your seafood department and some oysters. Make a few sauces, slice some lemons, tear a loaf of bread in half- call it a party. Perfect for a fall picnic. Let your friends get dirty. Get your hands in it. Lick your fingers. Clean your hands with lemon juice.

Enjoy your friends. Enjoy your food. Enjoy your life.

Cocktail Sauce

1/2 cup chili sauce (recommended: Heinz)
1/2 cup ketchup (recommended: Heinz)
3 tablespoons prepared horseradish
3 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon Siratcha
black pepper

Mix and serve.

Roasted Garlic Aoli

To roast a head of garlic, slice off the top of the head, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap in foil. Cook at 400 degrees for 30 minutes. Squeeze the cloves out of the head. Smash with about 3/4 cup of mayonnaise. (Do not use Miracle Whip.) Salt and pepper.

Photographs by Jessica Yager.