What's for Dinner, Sat., March 27, 2021

[NJCher]

Chicken sandwich with tomato and avocado on Brioche. Herb mayonnaise with marjoram.

Apricot and cashew nut salad. Has a mixture of chicory, spinach, and arugula leaves plus some cilantro leaves. I was able to get the chicory, cilantro, and arugula leaves out of the garden. The salad also has a little grated carrot and green pepper in it. I soaked the dried apricots in white wine. Pea shoots sprinkled over the top (another garden find).

The dressing for this salad is white wine from the apricots, honey, OJ, and olive oil.

Cherry-berry kombucha.

Not in the mood for dessert, so guess I'll skip that but have tea.

[PJMcK]

1. The Seafood market was open!

We're still on Ocracoke Island sprucing up the Landlady(!)'s beach rental and the seafood market opened for the first time this year.

Appetizer
Homemade stuffed clams with lemon and cocktail sauce

Salad
Spring greens topped with blanched asparagus, red onion rings and cherry tomato halves

Entree
Sole francese with white rice

Dessert
Sliced apples and brandy

Tomorrow, I'll finish painting the last room!

[Diamond_Dog]

2. How's it looking on Okracoke these days, PJ?

I visited there many years ago. It’s a wonderful place, almost lost in time, I thought. I sometimes wonder what rising seas have done to it.

(formerly Ohiogal)



P.S. that dinner sounds to die for!

[PJMcK]

3. Ocracoke is a lovely but remote island

We normally live in New York City and it's a two-day trip to get here. The capper is that you have to take a ferry boat to get on the island. So, if you're going to spend a week on the island, you really need two weeks otherwise you're only here for a few days.

About a year and a half ago, Hurricane Doria's storm surge flooded the entire island with over 5 feet of water. It's a barrier island and it's normally only a few feet above sea level. There wasn't a lot of wind but the wall of water inundated many of the homes and businesses. Our house was already on 7-foot stilts but many of the homes have been raised since then. The process of lifting a house is incredibly fascinating and if you're interested try this YouTube video:

The locals are still recovering. However, last summer was a huge success for the island in spite of the pandemic. Based on the advance bookings, it looks like the island will do at least as well as last year. The local economy needs it. The storm surge destroyed the school and the bank but they're being rebuilt.

It's a funny place because only about 700 people live here year 'round so the employment opportunities are somewhat limited. For example, there's generally only one of many professions: plumber, electrician, auto mechanic, food market, hardware store, etc. There are quite a few carpenters but that's probably due to all the repairs the homes need. The seafood restaurants are among the best I've ever eaten in. The fish and shellfish are fresh out of the ocean and the locals prepare them in some delicious recipes. There are many artists and musicians who bring a lovely creativity to the island.

The Landlady(!) bought our property about 20 years ago and built a cute two-bedroom beach box with the idea to use it during the off-season and rent it in the summers. Since we've been together, I've been here about a dozen times and love the island and its people. However, I always get roped into repairing, painting, upgrading, etc. It's exhausting and not a lot of fun! And I'm almost always here when it's cold and damp.

If you're interested in coming back one day, here's a link to the island's rental agency. They're friendly, professional and reasonable.

https://www.blueheronvacations.com

As for dinner, we're just starting to get it organized and I'm hungry!

[Diamond_Dog]

4. Wow! Thank you for the great information!

I remember we happened upon a fellow, a local, and we told him what a unique place we thought the island was. He was some what of a curmudgeon ... he said, ”GOD FORSAKEN place ya mean! My daughter lives here, one big wave and WHOOSH (he waved his hand through the air) the whole place will get wiped out!”

I loved the Outer Banks too and would love to visit again before the whole place is under water.

Had THE ABSOLUTE BEST stuffed mackerel there. I can’t remember the name of the restaurant.

Best of luck, PJ!

[FoxNewsSucks]

5. Shrimp Penne with Spanish Chorizo

Garlic bread

2001 Royal Bitch Reserve Merlot

[Bayard]

6. Turkey berders on sesame seed buns

And brownies in the oven now. Decadent!

[MissMillie]

7. spiral ham

mac & cheese
steamed broccoli


the last of the bread pudding for dessert

[Demsrule86]

8. Sounds divine. I made a huge salad with cukes, radishes, celery, carrots, almond and

dried cranberry...oh I added some chopped fresh pears to mine. I topped mine with chicken and homemade Blue Cheese dressing. I made baking powder gluten free bread because it is quick and it was surprisingly good. I had a half of egg salad sandwich. I drank water and had a latte. I made waffles this morning so no dessert tonight...will make pudding tomorrow or a cake...something.