Summer is on its way and we’re feeling the heat here in Florida. To cool things down, I decided to make a dish that’s not only refreshing, but easy. It even jiggles. Yes, it’s a Jello-O® salad! Jell-O has its origins in gelatin (around since the 15th century), but I recently learned that the sweet, dessert…
lime
The Best Smoked Mullet Spread
I recently hosted a workshop called “The Amazing Mullet” at Historic Spanish Point in Osprey, Florida. The organization is all about preserving and celebrating Florida’s past, and this was part of a learning series called the Frances Newton Culinary Institute, highlighting dishes using seasonal fish and produce. We discussed Mullet’s impact on Florida’s Gulf coast…
Lime, Honey & Rosemary Popcorn
When I was a kid my mom made popcorn in her pressure cooker pan (without the valve, of course) on the stovetop, and that pan always made a perfect batch. Today, I still like to cook it at home — finished with just a simple dusting of salt (or none at all, for that matter)….
Roasted Shrimp with Lemongrass, Lime & Cilantro Sauce
A tasty sauce adds flair to whatever you pair it with, and it even has the potential to become the star of the dish. When pairing a sauce with something, I try to not create flavor competition. Basically, if I’m making a zippy, very flavorful sauce, I tone down its partner. The same is true if…
Zingy Fruit Salad with Whipped Coconut Cream
Fresh fruit salad is one of those “staples” in the dessert family. It’s easy to prepare, pretty, delicious and always welcomed by your loved ones (well, unless they were hoping for a big, gooey, chocolate cake. . .). While strawberries are still in season, I thought it would be nice to share a recipe for…
Tasty Thai Salad with Shrimp
Many months ago I was having one of those days when I just couldn’t bear to cook another meal, after about 22 in a row (yes, this does happen sometimes). So, hubby took me to our favorite Thai restaurant for dinner and it was wonderful to just sit back and enjoy a yummy meal without…
The Best Smoked Mullet Spread
Gotta love a Mullet. . .the fish, not the hairdo! But if you’ve ever tried to catch one, you know that nabbing one with hook and line is nearly impossible, because they’re vegetarians. As a matter of fact, in the last ten years, I’ve caught only one and even that was a lucky break because…
Refreshing Watermelon Gazpacho
Summer in Florida can be intensely hot, so I take any opportunity to prepare meals that don’t require a stove or a grill (not as easy as you might think!). Gazpacho is a perfect dish because it’s easy to make and you can be creative and flexible with the ingredients, depending on what you have…
Grilled Shrimp & Basil Lime Watermelon Salad
April thru July is watermelon season in Florida, so we’ve been enjoying it at our house. To me, crisp, juicy watermelon screams Summer. It’s also packed with vitamins C and A, as well as, potassium, which keeps your blood pressure down and hydrates you after a workout. That’s all great stuff but, today, I’m focusing…
Seared Hogfish with Ginger Lime Butter
Hogfish! It’s a reef fish that likes rocky bottoms throughout Florida’s coast, and it’s in the Wrasse family (which means it’s delicious). It’s unusual-looking in that it has a long, hog-like snout that allows it to feed on bottom-dwelling crustaceans, but its crimson color is amazing. This fish is hard to catch on hook &…
Coconut Snapper with Lime Cilantro Butter
I’ll just say it. I LOVE Snapper! And I especially love the Queen Snapper my hubby brought home from a recent Gulf of Mexico offshore trip. Aside from being especially delicious, Queen Snapper is a gorgeous fish — bright red (almost candy apple), with a deep forked tail and huge eyes. It’s a deep water…
Mutton Snapper with Basil-Lime Dressing
My husband and his pals fished offshore recently and had one of those “epic” days. Almost 100 miles off the Gulf Coast can produce exciting results, and this day was definitely a winner. Mutton Snapper, African Pompano, Yellowtail Snapper, Amberjack — you name it, they got it (provided it was in season). While not uncommon,…