Cocktail Sauce

  This cocktail sauce is highlighted by the addition of fresh horseradish and is a natural companion to seafood.  Especially good on shrimp, oysters or even hushpuppies, this sauce should contain enough heat to satisfy even the toughest of palates.

Horseradish is one of the five bitter herbs of the Jewish Passover.

 Thoroughly mix together in a small bowl:

● ½ cup ketchup

● ½ cup chili sauce

● ¼ cup finely grated fresh horseradish (or 4 tbsp. prepared horseradish)

● ½ teaspoon hot sauce

● ¼ Old Bay seasoning

● ¼ freshly ground black pepper

● Juice from 1 lemon, freshly squeezed

Serve at room temperature.

Makes around 1 cup.

Crème Fraîche

  Crème fraîche (pronounced krem fresh) is a thickened cream that is used in many traditional French dishes.  It has a tangy and nutty flavor that is similar to sour cream.  The main advantage of using crème fraîche is that, unlike sour cream, it does not separate or curdle when heated.  This makes it perfect for using as a thickener in soups or sauces.  It is also delicious on eggs, fruit and can serve as a substitute for sour cream in most recipes.  Still hard to find in many areas, a convincing facsimile can be made in your very own kitchen. 

The winner of the 1985 Belmont Stakes was a gelding named Creme Fraiche.

 

● 1 cup heavy cream, warmed to 100° F (avoid ultra pasteurized) 

● 1 tbsp. sour cream or cultured buttermilk (I have had the most success with sour cream.  Again, avoid ultra pasteurized.) 

Combine ingredients in a jar and allow to sit, loosely covered, at room temperature for 12-24 hours before refrigerating. 

Crème fraîche will keep in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks.

Snow Cream

  Though not commonly eaten in large cities, snow in rural areas can be very clean and fresh tasting.  Given that we have gotten so much snow in our area lately, I thought it only fitting to include this recipe.  One taste of this frosty treat instantly takes me back to my childhood.  There is an old wives’ tale about how you are not supposed to eat the first snowfall of the season.  Most likely you would be perfectly fine but I usually follow this “rule” anyway.

The fresher the snow you use, the smoother the texture.

• 1 cup heavy cream 

• ½-1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract or Kahlúa 

• ½ cup sugar 

• 1 large bowl of fresh, CLEAN snow 

Whisk together the first three ingredients in a bowl.  Add the snow to the mixture in doses and stir until smooth and creamy. 

Can be topped with chocolate syrup and/or maraschino cherries if desired.