Girl Crush

Christina Hendricks at the Emmy's.  Perfection!

Clam Bake For Dummies.

Having just returned from my UBER-relaxing vacation to the Outer Banks, I definitely have seafood on the brain.  Part of me is dying to buy a ton of fresh crabs & clams, a gi-normous pot and host a good ol' fashioned clam bake!  But then I remember that I'm weird about having to kill creatures that are alive when you purchase them and...oh yeah I live in the city.  Here are some delicious summer recipes that are simple, quick and have a clam bake essence.

Buttery Crab Bake
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 stick of butter, melted
2 pounds crab meat
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper

Combine all ingredients in small glass baking dish.  Bake for 25-35 minutes or until slightly golden brown. Can be served with dishes listed below and also fabulous with steak or pasta!

French Potato Salad
2-1/2 pounds fingerling or small new potatoes, halved (quartered if large)
1/4 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons vinegar - sherry or white
1 small shallot, minced
1/2 medium red or yellow onion, sliced
Salt & pepper to taste
  
Directions

1. You could boil the potatoes but that takes forever!  It's easier to microwave them in batches of up to 6, which takes about 15-17 minutes for larger potatoes.  Just make sure they are fully cooked through.
2. In large bowl, whisk together oil, mustard, vinegar, shallot & season with salt and pepper. Add potatoes and onion and toss to combine. Best serve at room temperature but can be stored refrigerated.

 Corn, Tomato & Avocado Salad 

1 large package frozen corn
6 roma tomatoes, cut into large chunks
2 ripe avacadoes, cut into large chunks
1 medium white or yellow onion, finley chopped
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 balsamic vinegar
Salt & pepper to taste

Directions

1. Thaw corn and combine with tomatoes, avocados and onions. 
2. Add olive oil, vinegar, and salt & pepper.  Serve immediately or chilled.