Labor Day Recipes & Happy Birthday JerseyBites

Deborah Smith, Executive Editor

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August 31, 2012

Labor Day Recipes & Happy Birthday JerseyBites

Labor Day marks a very special anniversary for JerseyBites. It was on Labor Day in 2007, that I started a blog to hold all of my favorite recipes. 5 years, over 35 contributors and 1000 + posts later, here we are, at our 5th anniversary. I just want to thank all of our wonderful writers and loyal readers. I am humbled daily by the passion exhibited over JerseyBites. I know my involvement with this site and the community of foodies who make it so special has changed my life. I actually can’t imagine what my world would look like without it, so you can count on many more years to come. From everyone here at JerseyBites, we wish you a wonderful, relaxing and delicious Labor Day weekend. Deb Smith, Executive Editor

World’s Easiest Barbeque Ribs – Veronique Deblois, Morris County
Ingredients:

2 Racks baby back ribs, each about 2 pounds, back membrane removed
Tangy Dry Spice Rub – or store-bought rub
World’s Best BBQ Sauce, Ever – using about a cup, or store-bought BBQ sauce
Hickory wood chips, soaked in water

Directions:

Place charcoal on one side of the grill and light up. If using a gas grill, ensure one area is on medium-high and another on low. Temperature should be around 400 degrees.
Cut each rack in two, down the middle. Sprinkle the rub generously over the pork and massage it in.
Place a 24” long double layer of aluminum foil on a work surface and put a half rack on it. Wrap the rack well with the foil. Repeat with three remaining racks.
Put the wrapped ribs on the grill over the area with no coals or over the low heat on a gas grill. Cook for an hour with the closed lid, turning twice. Ensure not to pierce the foil.
Remove the ribs from the grill and set aside. Drain the wood chips and place directly on the coals, or in the gas grill basket. Close the lid to build smoke for 5 minutes.
Take the ribs out of the foil packets and place on a platter. Using a brush, slather the ribs liberally with BBQ sauce.
Place the ribs on the grill, bone side down, and cook for 10-15 minutes, turning once and basting the second side. Let the ribs rest for 5 minutes then cut into individual ribs. Serve with additional BBQ sauce, if desired.

Makes 4 appetizer servings or 2 entrée servings.

Grammy’s Stuffed Clams – Christine Van Arsdalen (Somerset County)

Approximately 40 (Littleneck) clams – enough to make a pint, chopped

Steam clams open and remove from shells. Save broth/juice and set aside. Clean clam shells and keep to stuff later.

Dice — 1 cup onion

1/2 cup celery

– 1 cup of Italian bread crumbs

– 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

– Paprika (to sprinkle on top)

* In a medium saucepan melt 1/4 lb. butter. Add onion and sautee
until golden. Add celery and 1/2 tsp of garlic powder. Add freshly
ground peper. Salt to taste but probably does not need any. Add
minced clams and cook for 5 minutes. Add bread crumbs slowly until
mixture thickens and moisture is absorbed. Next add 1/4 cup parmesan
cheese and cook 2 more minutes.

Fill cleaned clam shells. Sprinkle top of mixture with paprika. Bake
in 400 degree oven for 7 – 10 minutes. Serve while still warm.

Sweet and Spicy BBQ Sauce – Melissa Beveridge (Monmouth County)

This summer I’ve found myself with an excess of peaches. My sweet tooth is waning so I decided to figure out a way to enjoy all these New Jersey peaches in a savory way. I’ve been making large batches of this BBQ sauce and sharing it with my local farmers to rave reviews. Even better, it really does go with everything and it’s super easy to make. Be sure to make extra, you’ll thank me later!

Sweet and Spicy Peach BBQ Sauce

1 pound peaches, cored, and cubed
1 tablespoon chiles in adobo
1 tablespoon honey
¼ cup brown sugar
1/2 cup ketchup
salt and pepper

– Heat a saucepan to medium and put all ingredients in. Stir and let simmer for 30 minutes on low heat.
– Once cooked through, you can either put the mixture into a food processor for a creamy bbq sauce or leave it chunky. (I have large batches of both. I use the creamy BBQ sauce as a baster and then the chunky BBQ sauce as a topper).
– Goes great with grilled pork chops, ribs, pulled pork, and chicken.

Lavender Lemonade Heidi Raker (Bergen County)

¼ cup dried organic lavender
12 lemons, preferably organic and very well washed
8 cups water, 2 cups boiling, rest cold
½ cup sugar
½ cup maple syrup or honey
plenty of ice

1. Place lavender in a heat proof bowl and cover with two cups boiling water; let steep 10 minutes, drain and reserve liquid
2. Zest 4 lemons and mix with reserved lavender liquid
3. In glass pitcher, mix sugar, honey/syrup, lavender liquid and rest of water with juice from ALL lemons; mix thoroughly.
4. Fill pitcher with ice and serve with lemon slices and lavender sprigs.

Grilled Jerk Corn, Squash and Mushroom Lettuce Cups with Lime Yogurt – Michele Errichetti (Atlantic County)

This recipe is a nice “meaty” side or main for Labor Day for the vegetarians and everyone else at the party! Have a yummy Holiday. Serves 5 to 10 depending on whether it is a one of many sides.

Ingredients:

Grill Corn, Mushrooms, Squash and Scallions before cutting.
4 Ears of White or Yellow corn, shucked and cut off the cob
4 Large Portabella mushrooms cut into small squares
2 Avocados cut into small squares
4 Green or Yellow squash cut into small squares
2 Tbsps. fresh Cilantro,chopped
½ cup Greek Yogurt
1 Bunch of scallions, chopped
10 Large lettuce leaves, washed and dried
2 Tbsps. of lime juice
2 Tsps. olive oil
Salt and Pepper
1 Tsp. Jerk Seasoning

Directions:

Place corn, squash,mushrooms and scallions in a bowl and season with Jerk seasoning, 1 tbsp. olive oil, salt and pepper to taste and toss to cover evenly. Heat grill and place all veggies on till grilled. Corn takes about 12 minutes turning every 2 to 3 minutes, squash about 8 minutes and mushrooms about 8 minutes as well. Turn the mushrooms. scallions and squash half way through.
When finished place all grilled veggies cut into a large bowl and add olive oil, 1 tbsp. lime juice, salt and pepper and avocado and turn gently to coat.
Mix Greek yogurt and 1 tbsp. lime juice and dash of pepper and place in small bowl.
Use a decorative tray and arrange lettuce leaves and fill halfway with veggies and add a dollop of Greek yogurt. Even the kids may eat their veggies this fun way! Maybe…

Raspberry Barbecue Salmon – Melissa Baratta (Ocean County)

Serves 2

Ingredients
3/4 pound fresh salmon
1/3 cup fresh raspberries
1/4 cup ketchup
1 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1 Tbsp. brown sugar
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. dijon mustard
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
2 Tbsp. water

In a small pot, combine the raspberries and 1 Tbsp. water. Set over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, until the berries start to break down. Add the rest of the ingredients, except the remaining water, and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer and then reduce the heat to medium-low; cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. As the sauce thickens, add the additional 1 Tbsp. of water as needed, depending on how thick you like your sauce.

If using a cast iron skillet: Spray the pan with cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the salmon skin side down. Sear the salmon for approximately 5 minutes, until the bottom of the fish turns opaque. Slather the top with barbecue sauce, then transfer the pan to the oven and broil on high heat for another 5 minutes, until top is crispy and fish is cooked through (it should still be slightly pink in the middle and only slightly firm). Top with remaining barbecue sauce and serve.

Alternate cooking method: Spray a cookie sheet with cooking spray and lay the salmon skin side down. Broil in the oven on high heat for 5 minutes, then top with barbecue sauce and broil for another 5 minutes.

Jersey Peach Martinis to toast the end of summer – Colleen Wood (Camden County)

Schober Orchards Peach Cider is available at Collingswood Farmers Market (www.collingswoodmarket.com)” until it closes at Thanksgiving. After that visit Schober (www.schoberorchards.com) in Monroeville, NJ.

1 1/2 oz. cider
1 1/2 oz. peach vodka
1 oz. St. Germaine liquor
1 oz. cranberry juice

Shake with ice and serve in chilled glass.

Coconut Lemon Lime Bars Melissa Baratta (Ocean County)

Serves 12-15

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups flour

1/3 cup confectioners sugar

2 Tbsp. lemon zest

2 tsp. lime zest

Juice of half a lemon

3/4 cup butter, at room temperature

2 1/2 cups unsweetened, shredded coconut

1 can sweetened condensed milk

1 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, confectioners sugar and 1 Tbsp. of the lemon zest. Cut butter into the mixture with a pastry blender (use two butter knives if you don’t have a pastry blender), until mixture is crumbly. Press mixture into an ungreased 13×9 baking pan to make a crust. Bake for 15 minutes.

Sprinkle coconut evenly over the baked crust and set aside. In another mixing bowl, combine condensed milk, remaining lemon zest, lime zest and lemon juice. Spread evenly over the coconut, using your fingers to spread if necessary. Sprinkle the walnuts on top, pressing down lightly so they stick to the milk mixture. Bake again for about 15-20 minutes, until the mixture is set and the coconut starts to brown. Remove and let cool for at least 10 minutes before cutting into squares.

Here are 5 years worth of Barbecue Recipe posts for more great ideas. http://www.jerseybites.com/category/barbecue/

Foodie Things To Do This Weekend & Beyond

Jon Faronea

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August 30, 2012

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Foodie Things To Do This Weekend & Beyond

Jazz It Up Wine Festival, Saturday & Sunday, September 1st & 2nd from 12pm-5pm. Allaire State Park in Farmingdale. Sponsored by the Asbury Park Press, the event will once again feature over two dozen GSWGA wineries, sampling nearly 300 different, locally-produced wines along with great live jazz music, craft and food vendors and the ability to tour Allaire State Park’s historic 19th century village. Click for more details.

Wildwood Restaurant Week, Through Friday, August 31st. Enjoy delicious courses from local Wildwood restaurants fro just $30. Click here for more information.

St. Bartholomew/ UNICO Italian Festival, Friday – Monday, August 31st – September 3rd. 4:30pm – 10:30pm each day. Held at 2032 Westfield Ave, Scotch Plains, NJ. This family feast features nightly live music, rides, games, and Italian food including favorites like pizza, pasta, zeppoles, clams, mussels, and calzones. This years entertainment features live music by the Mike Aramondo Band. 908.322.5192

Feast of St. Joseph, Friday – Monday, August 31st – September 3rd. Saint Joseph Church, Lodi, NJ. The festival will be celebrating it’s 98th Anniversary this year. This family event features traditional Italian festival food, exciting nightly entertainment, thrill rides, and games of chance. 973.779.0643

Linden’s September to Remember | Street Festival & Classic Car Show, Saturday, September 1st from 11am-7pm. Street festival, classic car show, eating contests, dozens of vendors, food, games, Chuck Leonard deejay-ing in front of City Hall, face painting, kids’ activities, lots more.

BBQ & Craft Beer Festival, Saturday & Sunday, September 1st & 2nd. Monmouth Park. Ribs, pulled pork, brisket – it’s all back and better than ever, served up by some of the Garden State’s best BBQ joints. In addition, cool off with a cold one in the beer garden. More information.

West Cape May Jersey Tomato Festival, Saturday, September 1st from 9am-5pm. Featuring Jersey fresh grown tomatoes, Tomato jewelry, tomato soups, tomato tacos & all things tomato, fine vendors, South Jersey Artists, handmade jewelry, and stained glass. Located in Wilbraham Park. Call 609-884-9325 for information.

Pig Skin Pig Roast Family Tail Gate, Sunday, September 2nd from 1pm-5pm. Get ready for the NFL Season Opener while benefiting seven local food pantries as the Southern Ocean Community Foundation along with the Southern Ocean Chamber of Commerce partners for some great bbq, fixings, prizes and team spirit. Held at the Doc Cramer Field in Manahawkin. Click for more info.

Scandinavian Fest, Sunday, September 2nd from 10am-6pm. Vasa Park, Budd Lake, NJ. An all-day celebration of Scandinavia at its best – where you’ll discover the customs, history, food and ethnic variety of the six Nordic nations: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. Click for more details.

Wines of New York and New Jersey | Tasting Class, Sunday, September 2nd from 2:30pm- 4:30pm. This 2-hour event will be held in the Napa Room at the Crystal Springs Clubhouse, Crystal Springs Country Club, Hardyston followed by a tour of the resort’s 135,000-bottle, Wine Spectator Grand Award-winning wine cellar. Tickets are $30; social members, $25. Call 973-827-5996, ext 3 for reservations.

And Beyond…

Hoboken Italian Festival, Thursday – Sunday, September 6th – 9th. This is the 85th year of the feast in Hoboken. The origin of the feast dates back over 800 years in Molfetta, Italy. The procession through the streets is how we honor that tradition. Enjoy the feast fun! The vendors, the entertainment and the procession, but the real highlight of the feast has to be our famous fireworks. Click for more info.

35th Annual Greek Festival, Thursday – Sunday, September 6th – 9th. St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, Union, NJ. Enjoy the tastes and sounds of Greece under the tents, rain or shine! Homemade foods such as mousaka, pastitsio, roasted lamb, souvlaki and gyro as well as homemade pastries including baklava, loukoumades, and galaktonbouriko. Live music, Folk dancing, zeibekiko contest, and free dance lessons! Greek Import Boutique. Don’t forget to bring the kids to the rides and games!

An Evening in the Vineyards | Wine Tasting Fundraiser, Friday, September 7th from 6pm-9pm. CentraState Healthcare Foundation sponsors this event. The event will feature a sampling of more than 70 wines from around the world, craft beers and unique spirits, all coordinated by Max’s Beer, Wine and Liquor. Great Restaurants, Freehold, will provide catering. Proceeds will support the Linda E. Cardinale Multiple Sclerosis Center. Click for more details.

Taste of Medford, Saturday, September 8th from 12pm-3pm. Held at Kirby’s Mill. Enjoy great foods from local restaurants, live music, entertainment and working mill demonstrations. Click for more information.

Lavallette Heritage Day Festival, Saturday, September 8th from 9am-5:30pm. Free Admission, Held at Philadelphia Avenue and Bay Blvd. 200 outdoor booths, Food Vendors, Entertainment, Children’s Games, Live Bands, Antique Car Show and the Ocean County String Band.

Edison’s Fall Family Spectacular, Saturday, September 8th from 2pm-11pm. Papaianni Park (Municipal Complex) will be transformed into a giant outdoor festival with fire works, over 100 merchandise and craft vendors, kids’ activities, great festival food, local merchants and civic groups and live music and entertainment. Come hungry and enjoy the pizza, zeppoles, sausage and peppers, popcorn, cotton candy, shish ka bob, kettle corn, BBQ and more great food along the street.

Feast of San Gennaro at the Jersey Shore, Saturday & Sunday, September 8th & 9th. Downtown Belmar. The festival will feature plenty of Italian foods, wines, games and activities, starting with the traditional procession of the statue of San Gennaro, benefiting The FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties. Look for eating contests, dancing, games for young and old, live entertainment and exciting special guests. Click for more info.

The Art of Food Festival, The Riverdale Art Center will host, with the Community FoodBank of New Jersey and its Food Service Training Academy, this event to prepare elegant dinners at the Glenburn Estate, 211 Hamburg Turnpike, Riverdale. This event will feature a gourmet dinner on September 8 and September 10 from 6-9pm and September 11th from 7-9:30pm, and a barbecue on Sunday, Sept. 9th, from 1-4pm. Students from the Food Service Training Academy will work with a different local executive chef each day to help prepare and serve meals. Tickets for the dinners are $75; $35 for the barbecue. Call 973-513-9250 for more info.

Seafood in Seaside Festival, Sunday, September 9th from 10am – 7pm. Grant Ave, Seaside Heights. Mouth watering seafood specialties from local restaurants. They will be serving a variety of seafood, such as, sushi, clams, shrimp, calamari, crab cakes, seafood kabobs, and blackened scallops just to give you a sampling of what will be offered. The festival features all day musical entertainment from bands such as local favorite, Shorty Long. Shoppers will be able to browse artists and crafters merchandise and a flea market with over 80 vendors.

Beach Plum Festival, Sunday, September 9th from 9am-4pm at Island Beach State Park. The celebration will include beach plum picking and jelly making demonstration, arts and craft show, food and entertainment, children’s games, bird banding demonstration, environmental and non-profit exhibits, and a kayak raffle. Click for more info.

Philadelphia National Candy Gift & Gourmet Show, Sunday – Tuesday, September 9th-11th. Atlantic City Convention Hall. America’s largest trade show dedicated to the retail confectioner, is sponsored by the Retail Confectioners Association of Philadelphia. There will be confectionery, snack, ingredients, display, packaging, and equipment companies from around the world. The who’s who of confectionary professionals in attendance. Educational seminars to expand your horizons. Click for more info. and register.

An Evening in Normandy, Culinary Workshop, Tuesday, September 11th from 6pm-9pm. Culinary Workshops Offer Taste of Global Cuisine at Atlantic Cape. The home of Taillevent, chef to kings and author of France’s first cookbook, this region, located near the coast and its abundance of lush orchards and dairies, dictates the cuisine that is rich with seafood, butter, cream, fruit and meat. The menu will include Moules Normande, Veal Calvados, Pear and Camembert Salad, and Creamy Apple Tart for dessert. To register, call 609-343-4829 or visit www.atlantic.edu/conted.

Living Social’s Craft Beer & Food Truck Festival, Saturday, September 15th. Brooklyn, NY. I don’t normally post NY events but this one is big and for a great cause! Unlimited 5-ounce tastings of craft beer, top-notch food trucks, DJ dance party, art, games, and more—all at Skylight One Hanson. A portion of all proceeds will go to benefit Move For Hunger. There are two sessions: 12-4pm & 6-10pm. Click here for all the great details.

Sickles on the Road: Discover the Best of Edible Princeton, Saturday, September 15th from 9am-6pm. Spoil yourself this fall and join Sickles On The Road for a day of culinary discovery in Princeton! Hosted by Kirsty Dougherty, On The Road Tour Director and Sickles’ Chef Carol Maxwell, this is an insider’s look at the burgeoning culinary scene of Princeton and a chance to try your hand at mozzarella cheese making! More info. here.

Festival of the Sea, Saturday, September 15th from 10am-7pm. Presented by the Asbury Park Press is a street fair located in the heart of downtown Point Pleasant Beach, on Arnold & Bay Avenues, where visitors sample dishes by area’s finest restaurants (from clam chowder to lobster to steak); wine garden, arts & crafts, pony rides, antiques, health, business and non-profit booths, kiddie games and live entertainment.

Fall Family Festival, Saturday, September 15th from 9am-4pm. JFK Blvd. & Promenade, Sea Isle City. Sand Sculpting: Demonstration & Contest, 9am to 12pm; Seaside Market & Food Court, 9am to 4pm; Children’s Activities and Live Music, 10am to 3pm.

Atlantic City Seafood Festival, Saturday & Sunday, September 15th & 16th. A two day extravaganza of fun, food and entertainment celebrating the treasures of the Atlantic Ocean while highlighting our sea side city. The festival will offer event goers the opportunity to treat their taste buds to a large variety of dishes prepared by area restaurants and culinary personalities. Click for more details.

WineFest 2012, Saturday & Sunday, September 15th & 16th from 12pm-5pm. Held at Valenzano Winery in Shamong, NJ. Sample award winning, local, wines from seven New Jersey wineries, while enjoying live entertainment. There will also be local restaurants providing food and cheese tastings, try grapes right from the vine, children’s activities, helicopter rides and much more.

Delicious Orchards Apple Fest, Saturday & Sunday, September 15th & 16th. Colts Neck, NJ. Applefest is fun for all ages! Some of the things planned are: Live Music, Antique Car Show, Free Food Samplings, Clown Entertainment, Fun Games and more.

Champion of the Grill | BBQ & Blues Festival, Sunday, September 16th from 12pm-5pm. Sussex County Fairgrounds, Augusta. Get your ears and appetites ready for bbq tastin’ and the blues. Free admission, free parking, free tasting, and free music plus a classic car show, motorcycle show, vendors and exhibitors.

South Jersey Food Swap, Friday, September 21st from 7pm-9pm. Held at Bellview Winery. Swap locally produced foods with your community. All items must be homemade, homegrown or foraged. You can bring all the same item or several difference items. Click for more details.

Great Grape Harvest Celebration, Friday, September 21st. Renault Winery. Enjoy a cooking of the goose dinner. This is a multi course tasting menu featuring various wine tastings. This event is highlighted by the rare opportunity to taste the grape, the juice and the wine. For more information and to RSVP, call 609-965-2111.

SJ Oktoberfest, Friday, September 21st from 7pm-10pm. Held at Wedgwood Country Club in Turnersville. This event will feature German craft beers and wines from the region’s top beverage distributors and festive food sampling from the area’s finest restaurants, food suppliers and chefs. Look forward to great German-inspired foods and libations, Oom-Pah music, DJ party and dance songs, contests and prizes and much more.

QUE by the SEA, Friday – Sunday, September 21st – 23rd. Grant Ave, Seaside Heights. The highlight of the event, the Barbeque State Championship will exemplify good, old-fashioned American fun. This competition will feature contestants from throughout the tri-state, who provide the best overall BBQ in four categories including chicken, ribs, pork, and brisket. Large food vendors will be selling tasty barbeque specialties along Grant Avenue, artists and crafters, as well as retail vendors will contribute to the experience of the event. All day musical entertainment includes Seaside Heights’ favorites, Little Bit of Heaven and Shorty Long to name a few. Beer will be available for purchase. Click for more details.

Greek Festival, Friday – Sunday, September 2st – 23rd. St. Barbara, Toms River. There will be authentic Greek food and Greek pastries, loukoumades, Souvlakia, and Gyros. There will also be drinks, dancing by GOYANS and youth groups, music, rides and games. Click for more info.

Summit Wine & Food Festival, Friday- Sunday, September 21st – 23rd. This event features Food Network & Bravo celebrity chefs, Sommeliers, top winemakers and wineries. Enjoy chef’s demonstrations, wine expert seminars, wine tastings, food and wine dinners, mixology cocktail, spirits and beer presentations. Click for more info.

Wildwood Crest Seafarers Celebration, Saturday, September 22nd at 10am. A vibrant street festival featuring live music, family and children’s entertainment, dozens of craft vendors, food and more. Along Sunset Lake from New Jersey to Miami Aves. during the day. Cap off the day with a live concert and fireworks display at the beachfront. Click for more information.

Oktoberfest at Crystal Springs Resort, Saturday & Sunday, September 22nd & 23rd. Vernon, NJ. This year the event with have a bigger location, more events, more bands, more food, more beer… but this is still the same Oktoberfest you’ve come to love! Click for more info.

The Chester Lions Oktoberfest Fundraiser, Saturday, September 29th from 12pm-8pm. Keeping with tradition, the Oktoberfest will focus on celebrating traditional music, native dress and a special Oktoberfest beer only available for a short time. There will be a nice selection of German food as well. Click here for more details.

Italian Festival, Saturday, September 29th. Enjoy the many great shops at Smithville while experiencing everything Italian.

Chowderfest, Sunday, September 30th from 11am-4pm in Beach Haven, LBI. This family fun festival features live music, activities and unlimited Chowder tasting with the opportunity for each ticket holder to vote for their favorite red and white chowder. The event is nestled in Beach Haven surrounded by beautiful views of the bay and plenty of year end discounted shopping. It has become a tradition for family and friends to gather together to say good bye to summer and welcome in the fall.

Italian Street Festival, Friday – Sunday, October 5th – 7th in Seaside Heights. The Italian festival features performers straight from Italy. Savor a weekend of delectable Italian specialties, arts and crafts, entertainment, and a parade that is bound to delight young and old alike. The festival begins Friday at 4:00 p.m. and continues through Sunday. The Columbus Day Parade starts at 1:00 pm Sunday on the Boulevard.

Medford Oktoberfest, Saturday, October 6th from 3pm-7pm. Held at Ironstone Village. Enjoy a beer garden, food, live music, entertainment, local vendors and more.

Robert Irvine Live, Friday, October 8th at 8pm. Red Bank, NJ. This show, with Chef Robert Irvine (Food Network’s Restaurant Impossible) is a high-energy, multimedia and multi-sensory theatrical experience. More than just a cooking demo, “Robert Irvine Live” is an interactive culinary show that provides multiple opportunities for audience participation while witnessing the challenging nature of the TV show come to life right before your eyes. Click for more details and tickets.

Jersey Shore Wine Weekend, Friday – Sunday, October 12th – 14th. Asbury Park, NJ. From the creators of Jersey Shore Restaurant Week comes four great events to enjoy wine and food. Learn more about the event details here.

Porktoberfest, Saturday & Sunday, October 13th & 14th. Philadephia, PA. Pig out on a plethora of porcine pleasures—and toss back some tasty German beer while you’re at it—with this seasonal Adventure: entry to Porktoberfest: an Oktoberfest-themed afternoon filled with all-you-can-eat pork barbecue, live music courtesy of CTO Entertainment, games, and more.

Jersey Bites & “Buy Jersey Local” at Dearborn Market Sept 9th

Deborah Smith, Executive Editor

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August 29, 2012

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Join us for a Jersey Local Celebration at Dearborn Market. Jersey Bites Executive Editor, Deborah Smith, will be on hand along with the ladies from TheJerseyTomatoes.com with some unique “Jersey Apparel” like these adorable “Pork Roll Aprons.”

Come in to meet the people and places behind the delicious products Dearborn Market sells – pizza’s, cookies, cakes, chocolates, spices, honeys, ice-creams, tea’s, marinades, sauces, pasta’s, pickles and more – all produced in New Jersey and available to purchase.

Adelicacies Baked Tarts Applicious – chocolates
Born to Hula – hot sauces
E&M Honey
Fourth Creek Relish
Frankie Feds Pizza
Gerardo’s Marinara Sauce
Gourmet Kitchen hors dourves
Griggstown Pot Pies
Mamma Mia Crushed Tomatoes
Mary Ann’s Ice Tea
Mia Cucina Marinara Sauce
Patriot Pickle
And more!

This summer Dearborn Markets encouraged their customers to think Jersey Fresh by featuring special “Buy Jersey Local” signage next to all the fruits, vegetables, and specialty products that are produced right here in New Jersey.

Then in July, they held an in-store raffle where 40 lucky Dearborn customers attended a NJ Farm Tour, spending a day exploring some of our favorite NJ Farms – Larchmont Orchards, where Dearborn gets their beautiful peaches and nectarines, Bifulco Farms, where they have been purchasing their vegetables since 1970, and Lucas Greenhouses and Overdevest Nurseries where they get some of their beautiful garden center plants.

For more information, visit Dearborn Market’s website at www.dearbornmarket.com and we hope to see you there.

Dearborn Market
2170 New Jersey 35 Holmdel, NJ 07733
(732) 264-0256

Get on the Wine Train with Train

Wines

Veronique @ Food & Wine Chickie

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August 28, 2012

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Pat Monahan Stage — Train at Central Park

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to attend the Central Park concert of Train. The evening was beautiful and Pat Monahan’s voice was as powerful, captivating and full of emotion as ever. The band performed nearly 15 songs and sounded amazing. A must-attend concert for anyone.

One of the reasons I attended the event was to partake in an exclusive private wine tasting hosted backstage by the band members of their wine brand, Save Me, San Francisco Wines.

Save Me, San Francisco Wine Company is a collaboration between Underdog Wine & Spirits and the Grammy Award-winning band. Underdog Wine & Spirits works with domestic and international producers to craft wines like Cupcake, Fish Eye, flipflop, Big House and Octavin.

: Veronique Deblois, Pat Monahan and Guest

The band has three aptly-named wines: Drops of Jupiter, Calling All Angels and California-37 (the name of Train’s new album).

Here are tasting notes according to Underdog Wine & Spirits:

Drops of Jupiter Petite Sirah ($9.99): Fruit-forward, insanely loveable Petite Sirah-based Red Wine. The minute you uncork the bottle, the boysenberry fruit leaps from your glass. With soft, supple tannins, this wine is great with food or without. Serve it at cellar temperature to allow the flavors to evolve in the glass.
Calling All Angels Chardonnay ($9.99): Fruit-forward, medium-bodied Chardonnay. This wine has a fantastic citrus scent and a hint of pineapple that works great with the slight vanilla bean notes. The soft tannins and long finish make this great with both a dinner or a drink with friends. Serve straight from the cellar so flavors come alive in your glass.
California-37 Cabernet Sauvignon ($9.99): Big, bold and enjoyable Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine is driven by rich, ripe cherry flavors with a cedar and tobacco nose. Packed with soft, round tannins and a nice long finish that lingers with spicy, vanilla notes. Serve it at cellar temperature to allow the flavors to evolve in the glass.

The band donates a portion of all Save Me, San Francisco wine sales to Family House in San Francisco, helping provide a safe, secure temporary home to families of seriously ill children who are undergoing treatment far from their own homes (for more information on Family House, visit http://www.familyhouseinc.org). To kick off the effort, in April, the band surprised Family House CEO Alexandra Morgan with a check for $50,000.

The wines are readily available and at affordable prices that allow wine fans to enjoy them any time.

Here are some of our favorite New Jersey wine shops carrying the Save Me, San Francisco Wines:

Gary’s Wine – Bernardsville, Madison and Wayne
ShopRite Liquors – Rockaway, Lincoln Park
Bottle King – Hillsborough
Buy Rite Liquor – Milltown, Pompton Plains

Make a point of trying these approachable wines.

Veronique Deblois, Food & Wine Chickie: Veronique is a food and wine writer based in Morris County, NJ. As the author of the popular blog, Food & Wine Chickie Insider, Veronique shares recipes, wine and restaurant reviews and insight into the travel industry of which she’s a 15-year veteran. Follow Veronique on Twitter or like her Facebook page.

Kyushu: Exceptional Japanese Cuisine in Wallington

Deborah Smith, Executive Editor

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August 27, 2012

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Kyushu: Exceptional Japanese Cuisine in Wallington

When I received an invitation to come to a grand opening of a Kyushu, a new Sushi/Sake bar restaurant opening in Wallington, I was a bit hesitant at first because quite frankly, I didn’t know where Wallington was. (I apologize to all the fine people and establishments in Wallington.) Curious and eager to find out more about this area, I did a quick search of their location and was happy to find that it is the perfect spot for anyone heading to an event anywhere around the Meadowlands or Izod Center.

You’ll be happy to know that there was ample parking available on the street, at least on the night we were there. The bar/lounge area had a happy crowd enjoying cocktails, a lovely room with booths and in the back a sushi bar with 2 chefs busily preparing their many beautiful dishes. We sat and were immediately served some excellent sake in wooden boxes. We toasted to their success (sans the clink) sipped and watched the chefs do what they do best.

I’ve never eaten sushi like this, the quality of the fish, the combinations, the right balance of crunch and incredible sauces all added up to an unforgettable experience. I for one, was not a lover of raw fish. All that has changed. We tried only one cooked dish of shrimp , noodles and veggies and even that was served with a light not too sweet or salty broth. Excellent! The pictures tell a better story. I have tried to describe what every roll and dish was. See for yourself here….

Kyoshu is fun and has a hip vibe. The cocktails are amazing. Make this a destination for a great nite of sushi, sashimi, Japanese tapas, teriyaki, tempura, noodle dishes served with a smile by an amazing staff.

Thank you to Victor the manager and Jason the owner for this invitation. I give this place 5 stars and my friends that joined me agree. I for one, can’t wait to go back. The menu is extensive and not expensive!!

Kyushu, Exceptional Japanese cuisine and Sake bar Like them On Facebook
209 Paterson Ave, Wallington, NJ

LauriLee has been passionate about food her whole life. She spent many years in the travel business and always enjoyed dining out at many ethnic restaurants here and abroad. She is a self motivated foodie who has been cooking for over 30 years. Her recipes are based on fruits, vegetables, herbs, vinegars, various healthy oils, citrus , seafood and organic chicken and turkey. LauriLee also cooks for her daughter who is a Vegan, so we can look forward to some healthy vegan/vegetarian dishes from her kitchen. To learn more about LauriLee’s cooking classes and personal chef service, visit her website at LauriLeesHealthyCooking.net and Like her page on Facebook for great recipes and cooking tips.

Disclosure: Food and beverages were provided to all media attendees free of charge. All opinions and ideas for this post are my own. No reviews or mentions are ever promised in exchange for invitations to dine at any establishment.

Cod Almighty Chippery in Westfield

MStavrou

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August 25, 2012

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For consumers who have reached their fill of the same old food places popping up on every corner (do we really need another frozen yogurt shop?), Cod Almighty Chippery proves that thinking outside the box can be rewarded. Tucked away in a strip mall, strong word of mouth has attracted a steady stream of patrons to the restaurant since it opened two years ago.

The restaurant is run by owner and head chef Rick Andreola, who recognized the need for a casual seafood restaurant that balances both traditional and healthy dishes. Customers’ favorite dishes include the classic fish-n-chips, as well as fish tacos, the Fat Fish Sandwich, and seafood chowder. All of the food is homemade and Rick’s control over the restaurant allows him to offer daily specials that reflect what he thinks his customers will enjoy. The specials, ranging from mako shark to pulled pork, are usually some of the most popular dishes at the restaurant. Deep-fried Oreos and Twinkies are an option for people looking to end their meals on a sweet note.

The care that’s taken with the quality of food here is easy to see and taste. The battered fish is both moist and crispy, while the accompanying chips are phenomenal, cooked well and seasoned liberally with Old Bay. An order of fish tacos impressed too, delicious in its simplicity. Even something as simple as a side of baked beans, made from scratch with smoked bacon left us wanting more.

Cod Almighty Chippery is not a restaurant that’s content to sit on its laurels and is constantly looking for ways to expand its offerings. The restaurant offers catering (its buffalo wings are a big hit during football season) and more recently the restaurant began delivery. Rick did hit a speed bump with delivery as he worried about the food getting soggy before it reached its destination. The solution? Each takeout bag is poked with holes, allowing the food to breathe and keeping it hot and crispy. With that much attention paid to the quality of its food it’s easy to see Cod Almighty Chippery sticking around for many more years.

Cod Almighty Chippery

231 South Avenue East
Westfield, NJ 07090
Telephone: 908-233-5533

Michelle Stavrou, the Union County regional editor, has hop-scotched across the Garden State, growing up in Bergen County, then moving to Hoboken (after a stop over in Queens) before finally settling in Cranford. After too many years stuck in tiny kitchens Michelle finally has a kitchen that can accommodate multiple batches of cookies. Her husband and her co-workers are probably even more thankful than she is. Michelle’s baking adventures are documented here: jerseygirleats.blogspot.com.

Good Food America with Nathan Lyon Features Three of NJ’s Healthiest Restaurants

Deborah Smith, Executive Editor

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August 24, 2012

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Good Food America with Nathan Lyon Features Three of NJ’s Healthiest Restaurants

Whadda ya know, we’re not just Pork Roll, Egg and Cheese and Disco Fries here in New Jersey. “Good Food America with Nathan Lyon” on Veria Living featured Asbury Park’s own Pop’s Garage this past Saturday. The series takes viewers on a culinary adventure in search of the healthiest places to eat across America. (See the clip below.) In each episode, Chef Nathan Lyon travels the country exploring restaurants and sharing the secrets of the signature dishes that keep health-conscious foodies coming back for more. The series will make stops in California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin.

This Saturday, August 25th at 9pm ET, Nathan will take a look inside Eno Terra in Kingston, New Jersey where the philosophy is “Eat Locally, Drink Globally.” He will take a visit to the restaurant’s local purveyor, Double Brook Farm where they raise a heritage breed of pork called Ossabaw hog.

“No one knows good, healthy food like Chef Nathan Lyon,” explains Elizabeth Browde, Vice President, Programming, Veria Living. “As a leader in the sustainable and seasonal eating revolution, Nathan’s passion and enthusiasm for nutritious and delicious eating options is infectious and is sure to inspire audiences everywhere.”

On Saturday, September 9 at 9pm ET, Chef Nathan Lyon travels back to Asbury Park for some high quality, organic ingredients at Twisted Tree Café. Serving as their own purveyor, they will bake some of their vegan, breads and pastries right in shop with some help from Nathan. (pictured top)

Nathan Lyon is a classically trained chef with a degree in Health Science. He is best known to television audiences for his simple, innovative cuisine featuring fresh, seasonal, local ingredients. Chef and co-host of PBS’ Growing A Greener World, Chef Lyon was the creator and host of A Lyon in the Kitchen and among the final four on the second season of The Next Food Network Star. He recently released his first cookbook, Great Food Starts Fresh (www.chefnathanlyon.com).

Foodie Things To Do This Weekend & Beyond

Events

Jon Faronea

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August 23, 2012

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Saint Sebastian’s Italian Feast, Wednesday – Sunday, August 26th. Montclair, NJ. The 5 day event features a wide variety of fine Italian foods such as zeppole, sausage and pepper and cheese steak sandwiches, oven brick pizza and all the Feast favorites. Plenty of rides for the kids and adults as well as games, novelties, nightly entertainment will include the talents of local Italian favorites, Tommy Scala and award winning Sinatra idol, Eric DeLauroe. There will also be a 50/50 raffle. More info.

Vodkalicious | Cocktail class, Thursday, August 23rd at 7pm. Held at Stone House at Stirling Ridge in Warren. Learn how to make some great vodka cocktails and enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres. Tickets are $40, RSVP at 866-683-3586.

Buffalo’s 2012 Spicy Wing Challenge, Saturday, August 25th at 3pm. Buffalo’s Chicken Shack, Wood Ridge, NJ. They’re back and the challenge is expected to be bigger, better and if you can believe it, Hotter this year. As always, they issue the challenge to those that can both stand the heat and eat some wings. Winning is just as easy this year as it’s been every other year, just eat more than person next to you! Click for registration and details.

Canning Workshop II | Low Acid Pressure Cooker Canning, Saturday, August 25th at 9am. Whole Foods Market, Paramus. Chef Central will be partnering with Whole Foods Market in presenting our annual canning workshops. Each session begins at Whole Foods Market, where we will discuss how/when to purchase fresh produce for canning. Students will then come to the Chef Central Culinary Center in Paramus where licensed commercial canner and Chef Central Culinary Director Jim Edwards will work with them in prepping equipment and produce,followed by several hours of hands-on canning. Students will leave with all critical information on home canning as well as samples of their work. Click for tickets and details.

Bridgeton Crabfest and Beer Garden | Cohansey RiverFest, Saturday, August 25th from 10am-8pm. An all day event in conjunction with the Cohansey RiverFest. Food vendors, crab dinner, beer garden, cooking demonstrations, craft vendors, music and much more.

Chili Cooks Against Cancer, Saturday, August 25th from 11am-6pm. West Windsor. The ICS Sanctioned contest includes three chili categories – Red Chili, Verde (green) Chili and Salsa ICS Sanctioned contest includes three chili categories – Red Chili, Verde (green) Chili and Salsa. Chili Lovers? Come out and taste Chili or volunteer to be a judge, either way you’ll have a wonderful time. Kids Activities and Live Entertainment as well as beer! Click for details.

Sharrott Winery Harvest Festival, Saturday & Sunday, August 25th & 26th from 12pm-5pm. Celebration of the grape harvest. Enjoy live music on their field overlooking the vineyards. On Saturday they will have the Matt Noffsinger Band. On Sunday they’ll have Midlife Crisis. Food will be available as well as craft vendors. Of course there is the wonderful wine tasting. Admission to the festival is $10 per person, $8 in advance. Tickets can be purchased online.

Grape Stomping Festival, Sunday, August 26th from 12pm-5pm. Renault Winery in Egg Harbor City will host this fun event. Enjoy wonderful food including their “world famous sausage & peppers” and more, beer and wine, crafters, entertainment, activities for kids and of course grape stomping where you get to meet Lucy! Click for more details.

Sustenance on the Farm Dinner, Sunday, August 26th from 5pm-8pm. Morristown, NJ. Fosterfields resident farmer Rob Kibbe will provide a farm tour. The chefs will prepare an elegant farm-to-table six-course dinner centered around Fosterfields, vegetables, grass-fed meat and poultry as well as School Lunch Farms heirloom vegetables. Vegetarian and Vegan options are available. Learn more about this great event and fundraiser.

Wildwood Restaurant Week, Sunday – Friday, August 26th-31st. Enjoy delicious courses from local Wildwood restaurants fro just $30. Click here for more information.

And Beyond…

Great Tomato Tasting, Wednesday, August 29th from 3pm-dusk, Pittstown, NJ. This event includes the very popular tasting of over 60 heirloom and hybrid tomato varieties, chef demonstrations, guided educational wagon tours of the farm’s research plots, tastings of honey, basil, apples and peaches, professional advice offered by the Hunterdon County Board of Health Staff on stink bugs, mosquitoes and black flies – pesky insects near and dear to local residents, and “square foot” gardening demonstrations for those interested in small, productive gardens. Click for more info.

St. Bartholomew/ UNICO Italian Festival, Friday – Monday, August 31st – September 3rd. 4:30pm – 10:30pm each day. Held at 2032 Westfield Ave, Scotch Plains, NJ. This family feast features nightly live music, rides, games, and Italian food including favorites like pizza, pasta, zeppoles, clams, mussels, and calzones. This years entertainment features live music by the Mike Aramondo Band. 908.322.5192

Feast of St. Joseph, Friday – Monday, August 31st – September 3rd. Saint Joseph Church, Lodi, NJ. The festival will be celebrating it’s 98th Anniversary this year. This family event features traditional Italian festival food, exciting nightly entertainment, thrill rides, and games of chance. 973.779.0643

Linden’s September to Remember | Street Festival & Classic Car Show, Saturday, September 1st from 11am-7pm. Street festival, classic car show, eating contests, dozens of vendors, food, games, Chuck Leonard deejay-ing in front of City Hall, face painting, kids’ activities, lots more.

BBQ & Craft Beer Festival, Saturday & Sunday, September 1st & 2nd. Monmouth Park. Ribs, pulled pork, brisket – it’s all back and better than ever, served up by some of the Garden State’s best BBQ joints. In addition, cool off with a cold one in the beer garden. More information.