olive oil

Posted by jgreghenry
ogo seaweed slaw

I am in Hawaii on the Big Island along the Kona Coast.

The ocean is wherever you look – and I can’t help but think of its relation to the food traditions of these islands.

When we think of seafood we tend to think fish first. There is fish aplenty in these islands. You can be sure of that. But there is vegetation from the sea too. It has the generic and slightly unappetizing name name of seaweed, but don’t let that moniker scare you off this delicious and healthy taste treat from the sea.

But if you just can’t get past the word I suggest you get to know this vegetable by it’s Hawaiian name, limu.

Here limu traditionally meant any type of plant living in the sea. But as Hawaiian words began to find their way into the vocabulary of English speakers that came to dominate the island limu has come to be known as any type of edible seaweed, of which there are several varieties.

One of these varieties is Ogo. Now ogo is the Japanese generic word for seaweed, but it has also been adapted by English speaking Hawaiians to mean a specific type of edible seaweed.

Today I have a seaweed salad using two types of limu: ogo and arame. More specifically I’d call it a slaw, and whether you choose to call the main component of this salad limu or ogo it is worth seeking out for the briny flavor and crunchy texture it brings.

Sippity Sup Continues »
Posted by jgreghenry
ogo seaweed slaw

Ogo is a type of seaweed indigenous to the Pacific. It can be found in most Asian markets.

Sippity Sup Continues »
Posted by jgreghenry
Orange & Rosemary Prosciutto-Wrapped Grilled Shrimp

"Wowza!" Does that phrase ever pop into your mind?

How about "Gadzooks!" or "Eureka!"? Are these the explatives that fall from your lips when faced with something so perfectly and so unexpectedly delicious?

Well, I bring this up because I have got an "Egad!" recipe for you today. Orange & Rosemary Prosciutto-Wrapped Grilled Shrimp.

One bite and you will join the chorus in "Hallelujah!".

The simplicity of their preparation makes them all the more fantastic. The fact that they are finger food makes them not just delicious but fun.

I love finger foods and make a point of bringing you frequent posts featuring them. Because there is something about finger food. It seems both sophisticated and mischievous. Finger food is party food and I am sure that is where the allure stems.

Sippity Sup Continues »
Posted by jgreghenry
Succotash and Perfectly Seared Scallops

I have a simple summer meal for you. Seared Scallops with Succotash.

It's a great warm weather dinner because it takes advantage of super sweet summer corn while it’s at its best. Besides there is no oven to turn on and very little hanging over a hot stove involved. The scallops are seared a mere 4 or 5 minutes. The succotash just a few moments longer. It could even be made ahead and served at room temperature. Further simplifying the preparation.

But I think its best served warm, with a cool and crisply acidic chardonnay. Which is no bother because two people working in tandem can get this meal on the table in 8 minutes flat, once the prep work is done.

Still, just because this is a quick cook meal does not mean you can get sloppy about the details. I am quite finicky about scallops.

Scallops should be served rare, if you cook them all the way through you are destroying their delicate nature. An overcooked scallop is a rubbery waste of money. But just because I won't submit to an overcooked scallop does not mean I want it undercooked or improperly cooked either. In fact I like quite a bit of crunchy crusty searing on my scallops.

Sippity Sup Continues »
Posted by jgreghenry
succotash with seared scallops

Succotash was a bean dish adapted by the early settlers from the Native Americans. It makes a light, flavorful and summery base for seared scallops.

Sippity Sup Continues »