Leftover Crab Dip Melts

If decided to try out my Chesapeake Bay Crab Party menu and you have some leftover crab dip, then you’re going to be really happy the day after the party, because using up the leftovers with these Leftover Crab Dip Melts might be even better than the dip itself. But I’m not really sure, so you should probably judge for yourself. Since it’s still RAMPS season around Philly, I’ve been using them on everything. I know it’s a little cliché to be obsessed with ramps and it might make you feel like you’re in an episode of Portlandia, but the excitement seasonal cooks have for fresh ramps is well-placed. They’re so good! And one of my favorite ways to eat them is sautéed or grilled and added to a sandwich. Here, I’m using them for the base and the onion element in my Leftover Crab Dip Melts. If it’s not ramps season or you don’t live in an area where you can get your hands on them, grilled scallions or leeks can get you a similar effect. Either way, this easy brunch, lunch or dinner of Leftover Crab Dip Melts is going to put a smile on everyone’s face. The … Continue reading

Crab Corn Chowder

It’s finally time for Crab Corn Chowder. While it’s still been gorgeous in Philly and much of me has been living the life of a fall denialist, this past Friday I took my parents out to Terrain for some fall gardening and pumpkin picking. Let’s just say that it inspired me to remember some of the reasons I love fall. And it eased my bitterness at Summer’s end just enough to encourage a little soup making. I make two styles of chowder, and I switch back and forth between the two constantly. My Skinny Clam Chowder uses potatoes as a thickener while this Crab Corn Chowder recipe uses flour. Of course the techniques are interchangeable, sometimes I use the potato method with Crab and the flour method with clams, it doesn’t matter, but it’s great to know both, because they both have their virtues. This Crab Corn Chowder is great because it’s filling and hearty but light and surprisingly low fat and calorie given its rich taste. I love Crab Corn Chowder for a welcome to fall dinner, complete with apple cocktails, rosemary rolls and Apple Cranberry Pie. 2 cups celery; diced 2 cups onions; diced 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon butter … Continue reading