Butter Poached Lobster, Creamy Polenta, Creole Crab Sauce

/ / No Comments

Butter poached lobster has to be one of the greatest foods on earth and to me is essential for a Holiday feast. The inspiration for this dish is the classic low-country dish of shrimp and grits, except with a more international flair. Replacing the grits, traditionally made of ground hominy, with Italian polenta, made of course ground corn meal. The sauce is a classic Creole sauce of the holy trinity, the Creole version of mirepoix (peppers, onions and celery as opposed to carrots, celery and onion), with fresh tomatoes, Creole spices and of course our delicious crabmeat to guild the lily.

Haddock en Papillote with a Crab Salsa Verde

/ / No Comments

For this dish I am utilizing the classic French technique of steaming fish, or other items, enclosed in a paper packet. For this recipe I am using a filet of local haddock, a sustainable member of the cod family, with mild firm flesh and a moist texture. The fish is set on a bed of thinly sliced Winter citrus, shaved fennel and julienned leeks, then tightly sealed in parchment. These can be made ahead and should be cooked just before serving and cut open tableside for a dramatic presentation. TO add an extra layer of flavor, dimension and color I added a classic Italian Salsa Verde, a puree EVOO with fresh herbs, anchovies, capers and garlic, with the addition of some of delicious crabmeat to make it extra special and even more delicious. We hope you enjoy.

Prosciutto wrapped Crab stuffed Shrimp

/ / No Comments

Jumbo shrimp, which are split and stuffed with a creamy crab stuffing, wrapped in prosciutto and sautéed until crispy on the outside and filled with delicious creamy crab and perfectly cooked shrimp. These are perfect as an appetizer, entrée or to elevate your surf & turf. For a season theme I placed them with on a bed of butternut squash “noodles” with Fuji apples sautéed in brown butter with sage and basil.

Crab Au Gratin

/ / No Comments

This delicious, creamy hot crab dip is a staple in New Orleans and will be a welcome addition to your table. With the start of Lent, seafood dishes are added to many menus and home meals. This included at my favorite and oldest steakhouse in NOLA, Charlie’s, which was owned by friend, Matt, for years following Katrina. This dip was the only addition or change in their menu in 50 years and became a customer favorite almost overnight. The combination of jumbo lump crab meat, melted cheese and Creole spices take this crab dip to new levels. Served with butter toasted crostini of a good French baguette.

Crab’scargot

/ / No Comments

What is the best part of the classic escargot dish, the warm, bubbly garlic and parsley butter of course. Well, although most people love the garlic butter, it is the snails that some might not love. So let’s replace the snails with some of our beautiful jumbo lump crab. A simple, easy recipe first course that your guests will love and will only take minutes to prepare (and can be made ahead and heated when ready to serve). Some toasted baguette for dipping is essential for this one!

Crab Imperial with Shaved Fennel, Clementine and Roasted Beet Salad

/ / No Comments

Crab Imperial is a classic dish first appearing on menus in Baltimore in the later part of the 19th century and was first published in a cookbook in 1939. There are many versions, some with breadcrumbs, some with a roux, some with peppers and onions. I went very classic and very simple, however, used our best of the best Jumbo Lump crabmeat and boy does it shine. In the end this Crab Imperial is basically a baked crab cake mix without and breadcrumbs and can easily be an excellent gluten free or Keto option. It is paired with a very bright, beautiful and refreshing salad of beets, shaved fennel, clementine segments and pickled red onions.