Tantalizing Thursday-Delectable Delaware

Welcome to Tantalizing Thursday on Chief 187™Chatter.

This week the NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers invade Delaware to race at Dover International Speedway.

I must admit, I was unsure of what my research would turn up as I wasn’t overly familiar with Delaware’s delicacies.

But I was thrilled that my search led me to scrumptious selections that were easy to recreate and packed a punch of flavor and satisfaction.

In my house we love seafood so this first recipe caught my eye for its clean and simple ingredients and high yield of taste.

Scott Ure's Clams And Garlic
Recipe found on http://allrecipes.com/recipe/scott-ures-clams-and-garlic/detail.aspx
Provided by: Scott Ure
"So simple, but so good - steamed clams served in their own liqueur. Serve with crusty Italian bread, or over pasta."

Ingredients:

50 small clams in shell, scrubbed
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup white wine
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

Directions:

1. Wash clams to remove any dirt or sand.
2. In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add garlic; sauté for 1 minute, or until tender. Pour in the white wine. Boil until wine has reduced to half its original volume.
3. Add clams, cover, and steam till clams start to open. Add butter, cover, and cook till most or all of the clams open. Discard any that do not open. Transfer clams and juice to 2 large bowls. Sprinkle with parsley. Serve.

There is something luscious about steamed clams. As the creator states, served with a crusty baguette or over pasta, this meal is fantastic. Add a tossed salad and the meal is refined!

Next, Delaware, known for several kinds of seafood, has a plethora of blue crabs.


Delaware Blue Crab Boil
Recipe found on http://allrecipes.com/recipe/delaware-blue-crab-boil/detail.aspx
Provided By: IMANKAY
"Dig into these Delaware blue crabs boiled in exotic spices. Add your favorite veggies, and treat yourself to a wonderfully delicious crab feast!"

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons dill seed
2 tablespoons mustard seed
2 tablespoons cumin seed
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons paprika
1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
2 sprigs rosemary
10 sprigs thyme
3 sprigs dill
2 sprigs sage
1/2 bunch parsley
30 live, hard-shell blue crabs


Directions:


1. Crush the dill seed, mustard, and cumin in a spice grinder or with a mortar and pestle. Pour the spices into a 5 gallon stockpot along with the chili powder, paprika, red pepper flakes, rosemary, thyme, dill, sage, and parsley. Fill the pot 3/4 full with water, and bring to a rolling boil over an intense flame.
2. Add the blue crabs, cover the pot, and boil until all of the shells turn red, and the meat is no longer translucent, about 20 minutes. Stir the crabs occasionally as they boil to ensure even cooking.

This recipe can be used with any kind of crabs.


After all of that seafood, dessert is in order! With berries coming into peak season (and a short one at that), this recipe should fit the bill for utilizing the abundant crops.


Scrumptious Strawberry Shortcake
Recipe found on http://allrecipes.com/recipe/scrumptious-strawberry-shortcake/detail.aspx
Provided By: sal
"Serve with whipped cream on top."

Ingredients:

3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup white sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 cup butter
2/3 cup heavy cream
1 egg, beaten
3 cups sliced fresh strawberries
3 tablespoons white sugar


Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a large bowl, mix flour, 1/4 cup sugar, baking powder and cream of tartar. Cut in butter with pastry blender or two knives. Stir in cream and egg. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead 2 minutes. Press into a half-inch thick sheet. Cut into squares. Place on baking sheets.
Bake in preheated oven 20 minutes, or until golden. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons sugar over sliced berries.
Let shortcakes cool before splitting and filling with sugared berries.



A wonderful way to end any meal during June or any time you can find fresh strawberries.


Delaware offers treasures from the sea that are simple to prepare and outrageously delicious. Using fresh ingredients from the region you live in will often yield the best possible dishes.

Fresh, local, and in season is the best way to cook no matter where you are.

Thank you for reading this sampling of great recipes from Delaware.

Please join me tomorrow for the week ending and extremely popular Friday Music Blog on Chief 187™Chatter.