My Summer Staycation

            "In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer."

                                                           -- Albert Camus

 

     It is mid February and most of the country is covered in snow with frigid temperatures and biting winds that make the idea of a beach day almost inconceivable. The long gray days of winter can begin to wear on a soul when spring seems so far away. Most of us can not escape to a tropical island until spring comes along so I thought I'd serve up a little summer vacation in tonight's post.

     I took a ride to the ocean the other day and as I watched the seagulls soaring and the puppy dogs at play in the waves, I wished I could share this summer moment with those who are feeling the weight of an abominable snow season. How could I convey the spirit of such a day and remind my friends that summer will be here soon with flowers and vegetables blooming in the garden and a pitcher of lemonade to be sipped on the porch. 

Beginning to cook the veggies

     My solution is of course to provide you with a summer beach picnic in the midst of the depths of winter. So get out those Beach Boy records, lay a blanket on the floor make some lemonade and enjoy a taste of summer on a winter night.

I  sometimes use these. They are terrific

Crab Cakes 

Dice

½ onion

½ yellow pepper

½ red pepper

 Add

¼ -1/2 tsp hot sauce

½ Worcestershire sauce

½ tsp old bay

½ tsp salt

½ tsp pepper

cook till soft

cool completely

When the veggies are cool 

add  

2 eggs

¼ cup mayo

½ cup panko bread crumbs

½ lb flaked crab

They look good so far

Blend the cooked (cooled) mixture with the eggs mayo and crab

Form into cakes

Pan fry in butter and oil
Total Under $7.00 
not bad for a summer vacation.

Crab Cakes transport ~ a dinner by the sea

I served the crab cakes with
a diced red onion and tomato salad
tossed in a blood orange vinaigrette