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Gift wrapping by Kari Shea

Gift Ideas

Much like my father, I’m an easy person to give gifts to. I’m appreciative, see the thought and time behind any gift, and recognise that a gift isn’t just about the recipient but also about the giver in that moment.... Continue reading →

(Friends + Food) – Furniture = Picnic!

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Picnic season is upon us! In my mind it is always a good time for a picnic. You can spread out in front of your hearth on a snow day or dine on an enclosed porch on a rainy day, but I know we all love when the weather cooperates to make a picnic outing possible. I adore picnicking! To me, it is all about setting aside distractions (TV, phone, daily life) and enjoying the company of good friends, while eating delicious food and appreciating being outside. I look for excuses to turn a normal outing into a picnic feast, whether it be an afternoon fishing or a morning at the beach. Though, there are still traditional picnic moments. For the past seven years, I gather with a group of friends for at least one evening of al fresco dining. It is amazing how so many things can change in our lives over the years, but every picnic dinner has the same memories of relaxation and fun. Continue reading →

I’m Not Crabby, but My Dinner Is

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You know it’s crab season when the nice table linens are replaced with yesterday’s newspaper. Anyone living within a day’s drive of the Chesapeake Bay has a special appreciation for crab that is only paralleled by France’s passion for cheese. These days, Maryland-style crab cakes pop up on menus from Toledo to Tucson. Personally, I’d much rather try that city’s specialty, but I like knowing the crab cake has fans from sea to shining sea. Blue Crab is the usual choice for Mid-Atlantic cuisine since the crabs have taken a liking to the Chesapeake Bay. The Blue Crab also has a fancier name, Callinectes sapidus. The first part means beautiful swimmer in Greek and the second part means savory in Latin. Though Blue Crab is local, many other types of crab (eg, Dungeness, Snow, Alaska King) are available thanks to the marvels of modern-day shipping efficiency. In general, all crabs should be eaten within 24 hours if raw or live and within 48 hours if cooked. Whether it’s a hot day or a chilly evening, this week’s recipes pay homage to the savory Blue Crab. Without hesitation, the Chesapeake Crab Cakes are the first listed in the column and the first to disappear from a dinner plate. If you can’t get to Chincoteague Island or Maryland’s Eastern Shore, then this recipe will take you there! Cool off with Crab & Avocado Salad, which has a tangy citrus dressing that is barely there so you can enjoy the natural flavor of the crab with the smooth avocado to balance out the spice. A crab column wouldn’t be complete without Maryland Crab Soup. This recipe went through rigorous critiques to become what it is today. Turn a snack or appetizer into a seaside experience with Kathy’s Crab Puffs. Easy to make, they’re an instant crowd pleaser. Continue reading →

For the Man Who Brings Home the Bacon

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What do you get for the man who has everything? Food, of course! This Father’s Day, you can spoil your favorite dad with delicious dishes featuring bacon. It has a reputation as a family food. Something you cook up for a breakfast at home or to top a burger in a greasy spoon spot. But really bacon can also be refined. It has a secret life in refined social circles as a delicate way to add a meaty flavor without the density of chops or ground meat. Naturally, dad will have to taste test all the delicious dishes made in his honor, but don’t let him help with the clean up. For a bit of surf n’ turf this weekend, make Shrimp in a Blanket. This dish is an excellent starter for a special meal or ideal for cocktail parties. There is such a thing as summer comfort food, you can find it in a bite of the Bacon Zucchini Bake. It goes well with rice on the side and a grilled meat or fish as the main meal feature. Both that and the Pomme de Terre Gratinée are ideal for pot luck dinners. The Gratinée is a favorite family dish that, in a pinch, can also be made with leftover ham. All three of these recipes can be made with turkey, beef, pork, veal, or meatless bacon. Each will bring its own distinctive flavor to the dish and cater to your dietary preferences. Continue reading →