New England summers have always meant copious amounts of seafood for me. And this year is no different — so as soon as the temperatures hit that comfortable level where grilling outside can be accompanied with eating outside, we picked up some littleneck clams to grill.

Our local butcher shop, which also features a nice selection of fresh fish, had piles of clams in the display case when the kids and I stopped in after soccer practice on a recent Saturday. We were buying burgers for dinner, and house-made hot dogs for lunch. But when the kids said, “Mommy, can’t we get some clams too?” I didn’t hesitate for a second. It’s seafood time!

I love making clams on the grill. You heat the grill up, and put the scrubbed-clean clams directly on the grates (always remember to wash your clams to remove sand and grit from the shells!). Sometimes, I will also put a pan of beer to infuse them with a little steamy ale, but you don’t have to. Then you wait for them to cook. It’s so incredibly simple and when the clams open, they are ready to be removed to a serving plate.

As they near completion, you can also whip up a quick garlic butter sauce that’s amazing with the salty, meaty littleneck clams we prefer. It’s magical.

My kids are huge clam fans too. They are the first in line to swipe a fried clam from my plate when we head to a favorite seafood shack in the summer. And if you put a plate of clams out, they will both reach for them instantly.

It’s good. I love that they enjoy seafood as much as I do.

Are you a fan of clams?

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Sunday was to be the day that I decorated our porch for the holidays with lights and merriment. But then I spent hours Christmas shopping and returned as darkness was setting in. (For the record, that happens starting a little after 4 pm these days … the December darkness is a little maddening, to be frank.) Still, I wanted to follow through with my plans. The supplies were gathered. The stick on hooks hung and the lights plugged in. I even created and attached the bow for my wreath (a little task that means big money savings). The lighted garland around the door stayed put for about 20 seconds. Then the hooks fell, one at a time. I tried again with fresh sticky strips. Again, they fell. Shawn tried. And they fell again.

At least the wreath is up, right?

Sometimes, our best efforts don’t get the results we want. Sometimes, we do the same thing we’ve done before and it doesn’t work. But that’s okay — it’s life. You live, learn and grow. And, then you decide to hang the garland somewhere else so that it doesn’t keep falling. Plans change, and that’s okay. You just kind of have to roll with it.

Or you make a delicious little crostini that marries those creamy, salty, crispy flavors and textures you love. Ok, maybe that’s not a solution to the lights problem per se, but they are pretty, tasty and easy — a trifecta of goodness.

This appetizer is simple yet elegant. It’s the kind of thing that you can be proud to serve at any dinner party or holiday party — or even to bring along to parties. The salty smoked salmon is topped with tarragon-laced egg salad and served on a crispy crostini. It’s so easy, and yet so delicious too.

If you are making this for a party, make the egg salad ahead of time (you can make it up to a day in advance) and cut the salmon into pieces so all you have to do is bake the crostini and assemble them. Easy peasy.

Are you all decorated for the holidays yet?

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Disclosure: Although I am a member of the Hellmann’s Real Foodies team, all opinions are my own and I wasn’t compensated in any way for creating this recipe.

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One summer weekend a few years ago, I lured a few good friends from New York with the promise of a home cooked dinner and some girl time (as well as seeing my two little ones, who they love). During the course of cooking, I asked them to go pluck some herbs from the herb garden just outside the back door. As they exited the house, scissors in hand, I could hear them talking and giggling as they tried to decipher which of the herbs I wanted from the varieties planted together in the box.

In that moment I felt so … crunchy. There were herbs outside my back door. And a vegetable garden thriving about 100 feet back. But crunchy or not, the results were worth it.

Later, as we ate, they remarked on how the herbs really made one of the dishes — a risotto. And indeed it did, fresh herbs are bright and lively. They bring so much life to dishes. Same goes for zests and freshly squeezed juices and vegetables plucked from the garden.

When I started working on this dish — a reimagining of my favorite Salmon Cakes recipe — I wanted it to be easy to make but also bright, flavorful and exciting. I wanted it to be something that you take a bite of and clamor for more. The combination of fresh thyme, fresh lemon juice on top and lemon zest and green peppers tucked inside the filling make this dish unmistakably good.

Yes, it sounds all fancy — Salmon Cakes En Croute — but really it’s just simple, delicious goodness. Stir together the filling. Divide it equally between four rectangles of flaky Pillsbury Crescents dough, and fold it up. Bake, and then finally dress with the lemon and thyme.

As for the herbs on the back porch? It’s been a few years since I last did that — but I think this coming spring I might have to revive my back porch herb garden. There’s something wonderful about being able to step out back and cut the herbs you need and have them on a plate just minutes later.

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Disclosure: I was compensated for the creation of this recipe by Pillsbury but all opinions, ideas and flavors are my own.

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Thanksgiving is now less than a week away. But we’re going to take a tiny break from all the Stress-Free Thanksgiving discussion to talk about something equally important: Friday night fun. Just about every Friday, the kids and I dash off to the library for books and movies after school. And when we return, we pop a movie in and have a little fun family time.

And what goes with that fun family time? Well, popcorn – natch. But also pizza.

Takeout can get pricey — especially when your son seems to be in an inhale-everything-in-sight phase (we’re working on that one …). But making it at home? It’s quick, easy and economical. And you can really have fun with the toppings. This Garlicky Shrimp, Spinach and Asiago Pizza version is practically addictive.

I think I might just be a white pizza addict. Like seriously — I will take a cheesy slice sans sauce (or maybe with sauce for dipping) any day. And bonus points if it comes with plenty of delicious garlic and bold cheese.

This one is super simple because I use a premade dough from Pillsbury that only needs to be unrolled. For the toppings, you need to saute the garlic and shrimp, then just pile everything on the dough and bake. It’s ready in about 20 minutes — including the prep time.

What do you like on your pizza?

Garlicky Shrimp, Spinach and Asiago Pizza
serves 4

1 Pillsbury Classic Pizza Crust
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 lb jumbo shrimp, peeled, deveined and cut into quarters
1/2 cup baby spinach
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
1/2 cup shredded asiago

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease a nonstick baking sheet with butter. Spread out the pizza crust on the baking sheet. Bake for 8 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add the shrimp and cook, stirring frequently, until opaque – 4-6 minutes.

Sprinkle the mozzarella over the partially baked crust. Top with the garlic and shrimp (including the oil!). Tear the spinach into smaller pieces and sprinkle on the pizza. Top with asiago. Bake for 7-10 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheeses are melted.

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Disclosure: I was compensated by Pillsbury for creating this recipe but, as always, all opinions are my own.

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Dr. Seuss once wrote, “Remember that life’s a great balancing act,” and with every passing year, I nod in agreement more and more. This quote sticks in my head, particularly as I zip from work to school to sporting events to library to kitchen with the kids. It seems like so much of our life is spent on the go, heading to or from one thing or another. And that’s not a bad thing. I am all for a full and active life. But sometimes at the end of the day, you just want to curl up and do nothing.

That rarely happens — there is always more to be done.

Still, you can help the balance tilt closer to center by choosing easy dishes for dinner when you’re so busy. It’s a logical choice — something simple that takes the pressure off. This shrimp dish? Ridiculously simple.

This recipe is based on a basic method for sauteing shrimp that I use often. Start by cooking the just-seasoned raw shrimp in a little olive oil. Add a little liquid (white wine is a fave), cover and cook for a few minutes. Then uncover and let the liquid evaporate. Done, and all it took was about 10 minutes. It always yields tender, juicy, well-seasoned shrimp. With the addition of Chinese five-spice seasoning, these get a sweet-spicy twist that’s irresistible.

So, yes, shrimp is a great choice for a super quick meal — especially when your kids love shrimp like mine do.

After a day of sporting events this weekend, the kids and I dashed into the grocery store for a few things for dinner. They didn’t know it, but shrimp were on the menu. Shrimp cook so quickly and are always a huge hit. When we neared the fish counter, Paige looked at the display and then turned to me, “Mommy, can we have shrimp? They’re my faberite.” It was so easy to say yes.

Sauteed Five Spice Shrimp
serves 4

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 lb raw jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 tsp Chinese five spice seasoning
salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp dry white wine

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and season with Chinese five spice, salt and pepper. Let cook, flipping once, until almost opaque (about 5 minutes). Add the wine and cover. Cook for 2 minutes. Uncover and cook until the wine evaporates, stirring occasionally. Serve immediately.

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“Winter was not kind to my body this year.” Those words escaped my lips at the beach last week. It erupted forward before I could self-censor myself and tuck the sentiment away. My cousins, to whom I spoke, quickly tried to argue with compliments, a sweet gesture but the scale doesn’t lie. I’ve put on more weight than I am comfortable carrying around. I hate it. And I especially hate the constant battle with my weight. What happened to the days when my weight was constant? (Yes, I know the answer: age, time, kids, work, stress, rinse, repeat.)

Then one of my cousins suggested we all try the Mediterranean diet, which is more a lifestyle or eating philosophy than diet. I’m familiar with the principals of the Mediterranean diet, which I have loosely followed for several years. In the past few months, I’ve been lax about it … Perhaps that’s to blame for the weight gain. Anyway, I agreed. We’re trying it.

The Mediterranean diet is inspired by the actual diet of folks in the Mediterranean region.  Before modeling my own diet after it, I researched it a bit and read The Mediterranean Prescription. Basically, you eat lots of fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds and whole grains. Olive oil is used freely. You can dairy in moderation. Fish is eaten several times a week, along with some poultry. Healthy fats and red wine are ok too — in moderation. Red meat is seldom had.

As far as eating styles go, this is something I can really get behind. It’s natural to me to eat lots of fruits and veggies. And 12-grain bread is my absolute favorite. The challenge for me is to eat enough fish. And to eat red meat seldom (I typically have it once a week). But these are things that I can overcome.

Our conversation and collective decision inspired me to pick up flounder fillets when I was at the store this weekend. Flounder is a low mercury fish, and these thin wild-caught fillets were perfect for the recipe I had in mind. This is something I’ve made a few times, using whatever white fish I had handy. It’s good with catfish fillets, cod or tilapia as well.

Basically, the fish is bathed in an olive oil garlic mixture, salted and topped with fragrant thyme. Yes, it sounds like a lot of olive oil, but in reality you don’t eat all that oil — and the flavor it gives is worth it.

Then you bake it until the fish flakes effortlessly when pricked with a fork. Serve it with lemon wedges (yes, it’s required. Lemon and fish is a must). It’s a simple recipe, but one that produces a tender, delicate fish that the kids and I love.

What about you? Do you have an eating philosophy you follow?

Oven Poached Flounder with Garlic and Olive Oil
serves 4

1 lb flounder fillets (thin fillets — about 1/4 inch thick)
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
4-5 sprigs fresh thyme (one for each fillet)
sea salt
lemon wedges

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a 9×13-inch glass baking dish with cooking oil spray. Rinse the flounder under cool water and arrange in the pan.

Whisk together the olive oil and garlic. Then pour over the flounder. Place a spring of thyme on each piece of flounder.

Salt, to taste, with sea salt.

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

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I’m mildly obsessed with superfruits, which are basically the health super heroes of the fruit world. They provide so many valuable nutrients like antioxidants and just taste so good too. Really, I can’t get enough of pomegranates, adore blueberries and crave cranberries (which are huge here in New England). Recently, I got to try another superfruit — tart cherries.

Are you familiar with tart cherries? I wasn’t until a big ol’ package of them arrived in my mailbox recently courtesy of the Cherry Marketing Institute and Kitchen PLAY. But after one sweet-and-sour taste I realized two things: I’ve had them before, and the tangy flavor is slightly addictive. They are available all year in frozen, dried  or juice form. The dried are my fave and make a great addition to salads, cookies and trail mixes. But the frozen ones are delicious too and they can be used in sweet or savory dishes.

So, what about these healthy attributes to the tart cherry? According to the Cherry Marketing Institute, more than 50 studies on tart cherries linked it to anti-inflammatory benefits, arthritis pain reduction and heart health benefits. It might even be helpful for post-workout recovery.

Honey-Tart Cherry Glazed Salmon with Rustic Tart Cherry Salsa is a great way to get some tart cherries into your diet (Psst! February is National Cherry Month). For this recipe, I used frozen tart cherries to make a slightly spicy and very zesty salsa that goes so well with the sweet Honey-Tart Cherry Glazed Salmon. The contrast of zesty spiciness and sweetness is irresistible. It’s the kind of thing that could lead to licking the plate clean … if no one is looking, of course.

Also, this is a recipe easy enough to make for a quick lunch or dinner. It’s ready in about 30 minutes, total … though you could also make it low-effort when you are in a pinch by making the salsa ahead of time. Save leftover salsa for dipping tortilla chips in or enjoying over tacos.

Have you had tart cherries before? Do you like them?

Honey-Tart Cherry Glazed Salmon with Rustic Tart Cherry Salsa
serves 4

Salsa:

1 cup chopped tart cherries (thawed from frozen)
1 small red onion, diced (about 1/2 cup)
1 jalapeno, chopped
1 tbsp honey
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp grated ginger
salt and pepper, to taste

Salmon:

1 lb salmon fillet, cut into four pieces
1/4 cup tart cherry juice (I used juice from the frozen cherries)
1/4 cup honey

In a medium bowl, stir together the ingredients for the salsa until well combined. Cover and chill until ready to serve.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with nonstick aluminum foil or parchment (foil preferred). Rinse the salmon fillets under cool water and pat dry with a paper towel. Arrange on the baking sheet.

In a small bowl, whisk together the cherry juice and honey. Spread half of the mixture over the salmon fillets, reserving the second half.

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 15-17 minutes until just about cooked through. Drizzle the second half of the tart cherry-honey mixture over the fillets and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes until slightly golden at the edges.

Serve the salmon fillets on a bed of greens with the tart cherry salsa on top. Enjoy!

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Disclosure: This post is sponsored by the Cherry Marketing Institute and Kitchen PLAY. I am being compensated for developing this recipe and also for writing this blog post. All opinions expressed are my own.

Also, there is a special giveaway going on at Kitchen PLAY right now. Here are the details:

The Cherry Marketing Institute is also sponsoring a delicious giveaway at Kitchen PLAY. Simply recreate one or more recipes from this month’s Progressive Party, post about the experience on your blog and provide a link to your post on Kitchen PLAY to enter.  All qualifying bloggers in each course will be entered to win the following prize pack shipped directly to each winner (valued at $100).

- A recipe rock- Sur La Table red measuring cup set- Sur La Table red mixing bowls, set of three- Yaritza apron- 1 lb bag of dried tart cherries
- 1 bottle of tart cherry juice
- branded cherries toteNo purchase necessary to enter. Void where prohibited. Open to US residents only. The deadline is February 29, 2012. Please review the complete contest rules before entering. Good luck!

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Clear as day, I remember the first time I had white clam sauce. I was probably 8 or 9 and out to dinner with my family at this great pasta restaurant on the Connecticut shoreline. The restaurant is not there anymore, but when it was it could be relied on for amazing, delicious housemade pasta dishes served with bread so fresh it was still warm from the oven. I remember reading the menu and wondering why the white clam sauce was so different from the red sauce, which I knew I liked. I asked and was told it wasn’t as good as the red sauce. Still intrigued, I ordered it anyway.

White clam sauce is a different world from its red counterpart. It’s nuanced in flavor, lighter in texture and ultimately lets the clams really be the star, supported by garlic and other flavors. Usually, it has butter and white wine in it to round out the flavors as well — though not always, as this recipe attests.

And yes, that first time I tried it, I did like it.

When I recently received a review copy of Cristina Ferrare’s Big Bowl of Love: Delight Family and Friends with More than 150 Simple, Fabulous Recipes, I totally and immediately gravitated to Cristina Farrare’s recipe for clam sauce. It’s a simple version made with ingredients you probably have in the pantry (plus fresh parsley). For the fresh parsley, I ran out to my herb garden and cut some to use, but it’s also readily available at the grocery store. Then, the pasta came together super fast. Less than 20 minutes later, I was taking photos of the final dish. I loved that it’s this easy and simple to make. Also, the infusion of lemon really makes it amazing.

So far, I am loving Cristina Ferrare’s cookbook. When I opened it, it instantly inspired me to get into the kitchen and try something, which is a reliable sign of a well-done cookbook.  The recipes and photos (and let’s face it: photos are a must in today’s cookbooks) make you want to try everything. And if this recipe is any indication, the flavors are worth the effort.

Cristina Ferrare’s Clam Sauce
serves 4
adapted ever so slightly from Cristina Ferrare’s Big Bowl of Love

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup loosely packed Italian parsley
1/4 tsp hot red pepper flakes
6 1/2-ounce can minced clams in clam juice
8 oz pasta of your choice cooked
1-2 tbsp lemon juice (fresh is best)
Lemon wedges for garnishing

Heat a medium sauce pan on medium-high heat on the stove for 30 seconds, then add the oil and let that heat up for a minute. Toss in the garlic, parsley and red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the garlic starts to color. As soon as it does (and not a second later!) pour in the clams and their juice. Stir well, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for 2 minutes and then remove from heat.

Toss the sauce with the cooked pasta and lemon juice in pan for 30 seconds, while set over medium heat. Serve immediately.

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this cookbook for review purposes. Any opinions expressed are my own.

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My kids love fish (me too! and tilapia is a collective favorite) and I try to have it as often as possible. Not only is it healthy, but it’s easy — to cook and to eat. In fact, I’ve been teaching them to use knives and with flaky fish, it’s an easy way for them to get a feel for cutting without having to do a ton of work …Win-win. The only hiccup with our fish eating is that one of my dogs is violently allergic to fish. So whenever we have it, he has to go outside and stay there until every last morsel has been cleaned up and disposed of. Thank goodness for electric fences (and needless to say, we only have fish when it’s sunny as a result … the things you have to consider). We had this Baked Tilapia with White Wine and Tomatoes recently for lunch and the kids really liked it, each murmuring about the flavor. But me? I loved it. I could have eaten a lot more of it, given the chance. The sweet tomatoes are complemented with the delicate flavor of the white wine, and the mild fish goes perfectly with it all. It’s blissful. Does your family eat a lot of fish? Another other pet owners with allergic pets? Get my recipe at Tablespoon.

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It’s been nearly a decade since I last ate canned tuna (and that was once … the time before that? About five years prior). I don’t eat it. I don’t like it. Usually the smell grosses me out, and honestly I would rather have fresh. But when I recently told you about the Salmon Cakes that my kids and I adore, I discovered that canned fish does have its (awesome) uses. In well-seasoned patties, it’s great.

Ever since those Salmon Cakes, I have been considering being a little more open-minded about seafood in cans. It’s inexpensive, it’s accessible and if I can create something that the kids and I like? Then that’s another serving of fish for us each week. Gotta love those Omega-3s.

So, these Tuna Cakes? Well, I wouldn’t be telling you about them if I didn’t love them. They have a strong rosemary flavor, with a wonderful meaty texture. I ate mine on a slice of French bread (open-face sandwich style). Delish! They would also be great served on a bed of salad greens.

As for my kids? They both ate every last bite without complaint.

Just try ‘em.

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