EASY ENTERTAINING: MAKE SEAFOOD CEVICHE

Ceviche is a seafood staple in coastal regions of Spanish or Latin American countries. Refreshing and delicious, it has recently become popular in American restaurants. Because ceviche is healthy, simple and really flavorful, it will become a go-to when you are having friends over; it's perfect for margaritas after work or a great make ahead starter to kick off burger night with the neighbors. Best of all, ceviche is simple, unique, and super-fast! Use a firm white fish that will hold its shape. Cut into uniform size pieces so the fish cooks evenly in the marinade.

SIMPLE SEAFOOD CEVICHE

INGREDIENTS

1 pound red snapper or other fish cut into 1/4 inch cubes

3/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/2 red onion, diced

1 small tomato, diced very small

1/2 cup red pepper, diced very small

1/2 cup yellow pepper, diced very small

1 jalapeno pepper, stems/seeds removed, diced very fine

4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced into a paste or grated with a microplane or grater

Pinch of cumin

Pinch of cayenne pepper

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped 

DIRECTIONS

In a large zip top bag, add the fish with enough lime juice to cover. Marinate for 20 minutes.

Wisk the remaining ingredients except the cilantro together in a bowl along with 1/4 cup of the lime juice from the marinade. Remove the fish from the marinade and add to the mixture, stirring gently to combine. Chill completely, at least one hour. Stir in the cilantro just before serving.

Serve in a chilled glass with wedges of lemon or lime, and tortilla chips.

NEW ENGLAND CLAM CHOWDER RECIPE FROM FOOD NETWORK STAR CHEF MICHELE RAGUSSIS

If you watched Season 8 of Food Network Star, you undoubtedly remember Chef Michele Ragussis. I could think of no better person to go to for a recipe on National New England Clam Chowder Day than Michele. She is an expert on New England cuisine. Her pilot for Food Network, My New England, highlights her love of the region and her passion for cooking the seafood found in its waters.

This is Michele's award-winning New England Clam Chowder recipe. It's like a trip to the New England coast in a bowl... comforting, rich, and rustic. Note that Michele indicates using frozen clams if you cannot find fresh. I know you'll enjoy this recipe- it is one of the best clam chowders I've ever eaten. Thank you, Michele, for allowing me to share it! Read more about Michele in my interview or on her blog: Chef on a Pier

MICHELE’S NEW ENGLAND CLAM CHOWDER

INGREDIENTS

1 pound (4 sticks) butter

1 1/2 white onions, diced

5 stalks celery, sliced thin

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons clam base* or clam juice

4 potatoes (Idaho or Russet), peeled and cut into 1/4-inch cubes

2 pounds fresh chopped clams **

4 cups heavy cream

2 to 3 tablespoons chopped fresh dill

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

A few dashes of your favorite hot sauce

1 loaf crusty bread, for serving

* Find clam base at the seafood market or substitute clam juice, found at most grocery stores

**Look for fresh clams at your local seafood market, or use high-quality frozen clams

DIRECTIONS:

In a deep stockpot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions and celery and saute until translucent, about 4 minutes. Sprinkle in the flour and stir. Let the flour cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Whisk in 8 cups water and the clam base and whisk vigorously, making sure there are no lumps from the flour. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce to a simmer. Stir in the potatoes and chopped clams. Simmer for 20 minutes. Add the cream, dill, and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Bring back to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook until thickened, another 20 minutes. Check for seasoning, add a few dashes hot sauce, and serve with your favorite crusty bread.

Recipe copyright Michelle Ragussis, 2011

FAVORITE RECIPES: CEDAR PLANKED SALMON

Grilling on cedar or other wood adds a lot of flavor to your fish and makes for a great presentation also. I first had this preparation when I lived in Seattle and couldn’t wait to introduce it to friends back home. I'd kinda forgotten about it until my recent trip to Alaska where I had planked salmon almost everyday... it is so good and very simple to make. Your guests will rave; serve it directly on the plank but put down some brown paper or a drop cloth to protect your table.

As you can see, I did not soak my planks long enough or I had the heat too high when I cooked these. This was my first try. Since then, I've learned to keep the heat regulated so I don't burn up the planks and I can reuse them over and over!

Prep Time: 2 hours

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Special equipment: Cedar Planks for grilling- one for each piece of fish

4 Salmon fillets (make sure any bones are removed)

1/2 cup olive oil plus 1 tablespoon for the planks

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

1/4 cup lemon juice

1 teaspoon lemon zest

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 teaspoon dry mustard

1 tablespoon butter, room temp

Directions:

Get the cedar planks from your favorite culinary, grocery or hardware store. Soak the planks in water for at least two hours before grilling. I've added a little bourbon to the soak but it didn't seem to do much to the flavor.

Next, while your planks are soaking, add all ingredients except the salmon to a zip top bag. Add the salmon about an hour before grilling. Keep it chilled until grilling.

Heat coals to medium-high heat (hold your hand over for a 3 count) Remove the planks from soaking. Place on the grill to dry slightly and then lightly rub planks with a little olive oil to keep fish from sticking. Remove the fish from marinade and place on the planks. Top with a lemon slice if you like. Grill with the top closed for 12-15 minutes-this will depend on the size and thickness of your fish. If you have a large piece of fish, you may have to cook it longer. Grill until the salmon flakes easily. Mist any flare ups or if the edges of the plank start to catch fire.

Click to read all about my adventures in Juneau, Alaska...  You'll want to put this trip at the very top of your bucket list.