Haddock en Papillote with a Crab Salsa Verde

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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.

Fettuccini with Crab Caponata and Anchovy-Garlic Breadcrumbs

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Caponata is a classic Sicilian antipasto relish dating baked to 1709 which is thought to be of Spanish origins. Caponata is basically a sweet and sour version of the classic French dish ratatouille. The combination of roasted eggplant, fresh tomatoes, red onion and garlic. The flavors are amplified with the sweet and sour flavors of green olives, Sweet golden raisins and bitter capers. I played on the Sicilian tradition of adding seafood to the caponata, sometimes using octopus, lobster, swordfish or even grated dried tuna. For our recipes we are adding our delicious crabmeat, whose sweet, delicate flavors will pair perfectly with the earthy, sweet and sour flavors of the caponata. The addition of toasted breadcrumbs with anchovy paste and garlic add both crunch and an umami punch to the dish. I hope you enjoy.

Jumbo Lump Crab Cake with Asparagus, Roasted Lemon Hollandaise and Jumbo Lump “Crab Cake Bites”

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Want to wow your guests, well here you go. The top of the line crab cake, the Cadillac of crab cakes (do people still use Cadillac as a barometer of luxury?), the whole Jumbo Lump crab cake with fresh brioche breadcrumbs. Add the classic pairing of steamed asparagus and hollandaise. For the hollandaise we upped the ante a bit by roasting the lemon before squeeze into the sauce, giving a deeper, more mellow citrus flavor. And to gild the lily a bit you can garnish the plate with a few of your soon to be favorite, and dead simple, bites, pieces of whole Jumbo Lump crabmeat simply dusted with some buttery seasoned brioche breadcrumbs, the flavor of a crab cake reinvented.

Crab Club Sandwich and Avocado Crab Salad

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In NJ, where I live, Diners are a way of life and there is one on every major corner. And they all have a club sandwich or a variety of them. Well, this is a next level version of that idea. Buttery toasted brioche bread, lemon scented fresh crab salad, crispy bacon and ripe tomatoes. And instead of the standard fries or side salad I bring you a quick and easy crab and avocado salad with a punch of flavor and color from some quick pickled red onions. One can of crab and 2 dishes for 4. For this recipe I used our Super Lump crabmeat (aka broken jumbo lump), however, any grade will work for these recipes. It’s not just for crab cakes!

Crab and Farro Salad

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Crab isn’t just for crab cakes! Maybe you have heard me say that once or twice.  Well check out this Mediterranean inspired salad with Farro, a delicious ancient grain with a firm texture and nutty flavor. Here we use two really cool, on trend, ingredients, preserved lemon and harissa. A mélange of vegetables, some roasted some raw, toasted pine nut and of course…Crab!