Seafood

Thumbnail image for Cajun Shrimp Bisque

Cajun Shrimp Bisque

January 26, 2012

Mariel here. My mom presented luscious-looking Crab Ravioli on Tuesday, so I thought I’d follow suit and whip up my own seafood-inspired treat. While I typically don’t cook cajun anything, I stumbled across this delicious soup on, well, StumbleUpon. That’s the magic of these social bookmarks, they open you up to a whole wide world [...]

Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for Crab Stuffed Ravioli with a Duxelle of Mushrooms, Shallots, Red Peppers, and Pistachios

Crab Stuffed Ravioli with a Duxelle of Mushrooms, Shallots, Red Peppers, and Pistachios

January 24, 2012

Mary Anne here. When I sent Mariel the pix for this recipe, I unabashedly called it the best creation yet! Now that’s pretty big talk, considering I’ve been cobbling together culinary inspirations for more than 25 years, but seriously folks – this recipe rocks! It was born on the eve of this weekend’s snow blast [...]

Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for Simply Scampi

Simply Scampi

January 10, 2012

Mary Anne here. As I write this, the wind is positively roaring outside my window; the thermometer has plummeted into the single digits and the windchill factor boasts a cool minus 8. It’s this time of year when my body – revolting against well-intentioned New Year’s resolutions – craves all things butter. And what better [...]

Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for Shrimp Po’ Boys with a Spicy-Sweet Remoulade

Shrimp Po’ Boys with a Spicy-Sweet Remoulade

August 4, 2011

Mary Anne here. It would seem we’re on a sandwich roll here – get it? Oh whatever. From Mariel’s Crispy Chicken, Fried Egg and Prosciutto Sammie and my Classic Lobster Roll to these ridiculously rich Open-Faced Peach and Prosciutto with Brie and Arugula Sandwiches, we could practically open a deli! Thanks to the steamy temps outside, I [...]

Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for The Classic Lobster Roll

The Classic Lobster Roll

June 30, 2011

Mary Anne here. It has always astonished me that the scavengers of the sea command such ridiculous market prices. A century or so ago, these hard-shelled crawlers were actually considered peasant food, but you’d never know it if you’ve bought Lobster Rolls on the eastern tip of Long Island. Last year, fresh shelled lobster meat [...]

Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for A Boatload of New England Clam Chowder

A Boatload of New England Clam Chowder

June 2, 2011

Mary Anne here. Writing this recipe tonight reminds me of the old expression “Mad dogs and Englishmen” as it’s probably a bit insane whipping up my lazy man’s chowder amidst an early June heat wave. But I do love chowder and since summer just seems to scream for clams, I’ve dutifully transcribed my favorite rendition in [...]

Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for Farfalle with a Shrimp Pomodoro Sauce

Farfalle with a Shrimp Pomodoro Sauce

May 12, 2011

Mary Anne here. Dining al fresco is one of my favorite signposts that spring has sprung in earnest, and this creation beautifully captures the promise of warm weather staples like fresh basil and rosy tomatoes. It’s a simple repast that tastes as bright as the new season. I’ve been making this sauce in various forms [...]

Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for Crab Salad Sandwiches with a Zesty Grapefruit-Honey Dressing

Crab Salad Sandwiches with a Zesty Grapefruit-Honey Dressing

May 10, 2011

Mariel here. This weekend was one for the books. Despite the weatherman’s warnings that Saturday would be rainy and gray, Mother Nature pulled out the big guns and dished up two days of clear blue skies and 70-degree temps. My husband and I headed east to see both of our moms for Mother’s Day and [...]

Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for Beer-Battered Coconut Shrimp with Orange-Ginger Marmalade

Beer-Battered Coconut Shrimp with Orange-Ginger Marmalade

April 21, 2011

Mary Anne here. While we normally don’t pay much attention to the “suggested” recipes sent our way – we have to eat what we make, after all – Sam’s Club recently passed along a shrimpy serving suggestion that struck my fancy. Unlike the pay-for-play Panera and Nutella craze that you’ve seen splashed about the internet, [...]

Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for Soy-Glazed Black Sesame Shrimp with Soba Noodles

Soy-Glazed Black Sesame Shrimp with Soba Noodles

February 8, 2011

Mariel here. Notice anything different around here? A little more color maybe? Some fancy new fonts? An entirely new design? You better, we just sunk a decent-size chunk of change into refreshing our beloved Feast on the Cheap. It’s official, we’re coming for you Contessa, hold on to your macramé Martha, and Paula, you’re fine [...]

Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for Crab-Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Crab-Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

December 23, 2010

Mary Anne here. From the time he was a little boy, my eldest son has been wild for Portobello mushrooms, whether they’re grilled, sauteed in oil and splashed with Balsamic vinegar, or just plain raw. This past week ushered in a flurry of frantic activity in my nursing job, so my boy came home to [...]

Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for Crab Louis Salad Over Avocado

Crab Louis Salad Over Avocado

October 7, 2010

Mary Anne here. This delectable Crab Louis was created on an Indian summer day when the thermometer topped out at a sultry 89 degrees. I had purchased a pound of lump crab meat on sale at my local grocer’s and decided this salad would be the perfect salute to summer’s last gasp. While this is [...]

Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for Dressed-Up Shrimp Quesadillas with Mango and Gouda

Dressed-Up Shrimp Quesadillas with Mango and Gouda

September 23, 2010

Mary Anne and Mariel here. Recently Mariel and I enjoyed a few days alone at our little family abode and, per usual, food was at the forefront of our conversation. As we pondered what to have for dinner one night, Mariel requested that we make my “fancy quesadillas,” the ones with shrimp and Gouda cheese. [...]

Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for Smoked Salmon Challah Bites

Smoked Salmon Challah Bites

September 16, 2010

Mary Anne here. As I’ve mentioned before, the Ellicott clan was raised in a Christian-Judeo household. We were confirmed Catholics but our step-dad, George, was a devout Jew. And as he embraced our Christmas and Easter traditions with all the enthusiasm of an excited toddler, we honored his religious holidays as well – and none [...]

Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for Mango Gazpacho Topped with Crab and Avocado

Mango Gazpacho Topped with Crab and Avocado

July 15, 2010

Mary Anne here. This summertime sauna doesn’t appear to be wafting away from the Northeast anytime soon…and slaving over a hot stove has never been so unappealing. I’ve been subsisting on a steady diet of ice cubes and frozen sorbet, but sadly, while my over-heated brain craves cold empty calories, my body tells me it’s [...]

Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for Michael’s Cajun Shrimp with Quinoa

Michael’s Cajun Shrimp with Quinoa

May 2, 2010

Mary Anne here. My “significant other,” Michael, knows his way around a kitchen. When we first started dating, he actually tried to boss me around, certain that I was inept in his domain. While this preposterous notion tickled me to no end,  in truth, he really is quite an accomplished home-cook and, on those nights [...]

Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for Caribbean-Style Coconut Curry

Caribbean-Style Coconut Curry

April 9, 2010

Mariel here. A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of spending a few blissful days in Belize. While technically on assignment – just another cross I must bear as a freelance writer – I managed to thoroughly enjoy myself in spite of the balmy 85-degree weather, the sparkling sunshine and the azure bathwater lapping [...]

Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for Linguine with Spicy Red Clam Sauce

Linguine with Spicy Red Clam Sauce

February 23, 2010

Mariel here. While my mom steered clear of a set weekly menu when I was a kid, Linguine with Clam Sauce (courtesy of Progresso) was definitely part of the regular rotation. Always one of my faves, I decided to try my hand at an Italian-style red clam sauce since we only dined on white clams [...]

Read the full article →

Cornmeal Crusted Cod with Pecans and Coconut

January 19, 2010

Mary Anne here. While taking stock of my pantry and fridge last weekend, I realized I have an abundance of baking products…and unfortunately, a growing waistline to match! Post-holiday dieting is as much a tradition as the festive meals themselves, but creating appetizing dinners that are both cheap and calorie-conscious can be a challenge…. I’ll [...]

Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for Crab and Corn Soup

Crab and Corn Soup

November 16, 2009

Mariel here. I’ve noticed a trend recently on our site: my mom and I seem to be having a small love affair with soup. Never one to forgo a fad, I decided to add to our online arsenal and post my mother’s super delicious crab soup, even though it’s not the most traditional winter dish. [...]

Read the full article →

Roasted Salmon on a Bed of Leeks

August 27, 2009

Mary Anne here. Two weeks ago, I created a pasta recipe using leeks, but when I purchased them I had to buy the “bunch” and had two leftover. Given my mantra of “let no food go uneaten,” I decided to create a new recipe based on the extra leeks. I love fish – Salmon in [...]

Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for Soy-Marinated Chinese-Style Tilapia with Fresh Ginger and Scallions

Soy-Marinated Chinese-Style Tilapia with Fresh Ginger and Scallions

August 3, 2009

Mariel here. I’ve never been a huge fan of Chinese takeout. Too greasy, too slick, feels too much like lead in my stomach. However, that changed when I lived in Hong Kong for a year. Having skipped good old NYC in favor of the exotic Orient, it was time to bone up on the many [...]

Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for Risotto with Shrimp and Zucchini

Risotto with Shrimp and Zucchini

May 19, 2009

Mariel here. It’s taken me a little longer than I’d like to cobble together my first Feast-worthy recipe, but I found one that’s up to snuff. I present (healthy!) Risotto with Shrimp and Zucchini. I found the original recipe while cruising SELF ‘s website. I have to say, they do a fantastic job creating healthy [...]

Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for Japanese Miso Cod

Japanese Miso Cod

April 20, 2009

Mary Anne here. My daughter loves Japanese food, particularly Miso Cod. She asked me recently if I could create this special dish on the cheap, since it’s pretty pricey when served in a restaurant. Given the $25 price tag, it doesn’t quite fit the budget these days. My research revealed that there are few variations [...]

Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for Smoked Salmon with Dill Sauce

Smoked Salmon with Dill Sauce

April 8, 2009

Smoked Salmon with Dill Sauce Serves 12 or more and recipe is easily halved Ingredients: 1 lb. Norwegian smoked salmon, pre-sliced – $17.98 Thin sliced Pumpernickel bread; cut into rounds (three per slice) with a small cookie cutter (I use a heart shape) – $2.99 Sweet butter, softened - from stock Sprigs of fresh dill for [...]

Read the full article →

Fried Rice with Shrimp and Pancetta

April 3, 2009

Serves 6 Mary Anne here. This reheats beautifully for leftovers, although my host scarfed it down before anyone else could! Ingredients: 3 Tablespoons Peanut oil, divided - $4.49 3 large eggs, lightly beaten - from stock 1/3 lb. Pancetta, trimmed and diced (from one chunk) - $3.60 1 cup scallions, diced (including green tops) - $.45 *Plus 1 or 2 extra [...]

Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for Curried Shrimp Puffs

Curried Shrimp Puffs

March 17, 2009

Mary Anne here. These delicate sandwiches look like you spent hours slaving over them, but in reality, the pastry is one of the simplest to execute.  Stash this one as a master recipe for desserts as well.  Use the “puffs” portion of the recipe along with a pastry bag to create Cream Puffs or Éclairs [...]

Read the full article →

Smoked Salmon with Wasabi Aioli

March 17, 2009

Mary Anne here. Wasabi Mustard is a relatively new product on the market, though I found Stonewall Kitchen makes a great one that can be ordered online.  If you can’t find one in your local grocery store, simply combine Wasabi powder with white vinegar (rather than water), according to package specifications, to produce 2 Tablespoons.  [...]

Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for Crab Cakes with Jalapeno Aioli

Crab Cakes with Jalapeno Aioli

March 10, 2009

  Mary Anne here. Fluffy and light, I like to pack my crab cakes full of crab, not cake. My kids are definitely biased, but they all agree that this is one of their favorite recipes. This recipe pairs beautifully with Mango Salsa or Mariel’s Sweet Pepper Pineapple Relish. Crab Cakes with Jalapeno Aioli Serves [...]

Read the full article →