Summer Days

By Lori Powell

Ribs are so delicious and summer is the best time for them since they are messy, necessitating a picnic table and the outdoors to consume them properly. All ribs are pretty scrumptious, and I usually like mine super-meaty, like country style ribs.

But baby back ribs are making a comeback at my house. Since they are not as meaty, they don’t take as long to cook and the upside is that there is a lot more bone to meat – yes, upside, since the bone adds flavor.

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Mom’s Potato Salad is a Family Favorite

By Lori Powell

I love my mom’s potato salad which is a version of my nana’s. Mom just made some last weekend when my brother came to visit from Australia, but not enough. Seems that there is never enough of this family favorite, sooo I had to make it for myself the other day since my comfort craving hadn’t been satisfied.

It is the perfect side dish for a picnic or Fourth of July BBQ and it’s my go-to summer comfort food. (Remember that the salad has mayo so it’s best to keep it cool by simply placing the serving bowl in a larger bowl filled with ice, so it stays chilled while outdoors.)

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Double Dipping

By Lori Powell

Double Dippers are a must-have to beat the heat. I don’t own a pool so for me, “dipper” means dips to have on hand at this time of the year when the days are long and hot, and BBQ smoke is permeating everyone’s backyard.

My go-to dips are freshly made guacamole and salsa. Each time I make them I change it up a bit depending on what I might have on hand and what looks good at the grocery store or farmers’ market.

For the guacamole, seek out avocados that yield slightly to pressure but are not too soft. Simply halve them, remove the pit and with a large spoon, scoop out the flesh into a bowl.

Just recently I discovered another use for my pastry blender that has sharp steel blades. It’s the perfect tool to chop and mash avocados.

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In the Mood for Chowdah

By Lori Powell

I seem to be in a fish mood as of late. And sometimes, what is available to me as “fresh” is not looking all that great… or that fresh.

Not all fish keeps well frozen but some companies do get it right. One is Cozy Harbor of Maine’s frozen lobster meat, It’s the perfect dinnertime solution for making fish cakes, lobster salad or yes, lobster chowdah.

Also, since all of the work is done for you (cooking, shelling and cleaning), you have more time to actually enjoy this delicious concoction.

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Fish Tacos – the Perfect Meal for One

By Lori Powell

Fish Tacos...where have you been all my life! They are so delicious and so fast. Must-haves are good tortillas, great wild-caught fish and herbs. The rest is garnish!

I was developing a fish recipe and had some leftover cooked…yes, leftover fish can sing and this filet did.

Fill a good-quality taco shell with some great leftover or fresh-cooked fish, fresh herbs (fill with whatever you have on hand in the garden or otherwise...improvise, improvise), lovely, perfectly ripe avocados and some fresh lime and dinner is…so glad I stayed home!

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