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Grilled Espresso-Marinated Flank Steak METRO photo

By Barbara Beltrami

While the grill and all things barbecued are Dad’s inviolable territory, on Father’s Day it’s necessary to get him to relinquish his squatter’s rights so that we can regale him with something special. I think if we can bribe him with a nice cold beer or maybe a margarita or two, perhaps he can be persuaded to just lounge by the pool or in the back yard, while we (under adult supervision if we are kids) baste and sear our tokens of appreciation for all he is and does, and I don’t mean just on the grill. 

It’s got to be something he doesn’t normally cook himself, something yummily unusual. Some great sides like oven fries, grilled corn on the cob, a nice green salad or garlic bread make easy accompaniments to any of the following recipes and there are also specific suggestions with each recipe.

Grilled Teriyaki Chicken

YIELD: Makes 3 servings

INGREDIENTS: 

1/2 cup soy sauce

1/2 cup dry sherry

1/3 cup vegetable oil

2 tablespoons brown sugar

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger

One 3 1/2 – 4 pound frying chicken, cut into 8 pieces

DIRECTIONS:

In a small bowl combine the soy sauce, sherry, oil, sugar, garlic and ginger. Place chicken pieces in a gallon-size resealable plastic bag and pour in liquid; seal, then tilt and massage chicken to evenly distribute marinade. Turning bag occasionally, refrigerate for at least two hours or up to 12 hours. 

Prepare grill: Oil rack and start fire. Remove chicken from bag and pat dry with paper towels, but reserve liquid for basting. Arrange chicken on rack skin side down and grill, about 30 minutes. During last 10 minutes or so of cooking, brush the chicken with the reserved marinade (if chicken starts to get too dark, turn it so skin side is up.) Serve hot or at room temperature with rice pilaf.

Sicilian Grilled Swordfish with Tomatoes and Olives

YIELD: Makes 4 to 6 servings

INGREDIENTS: 

2 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 celery ribs, finely chopped

3 tablespoons chopped pitted green olives

1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Freshly ground pepper to taste

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano

2 pounds swordfish steaks, cut 1/2” thick

2 teaspoons coarse sea salt

DIRECTIONS:

In a small bowl combine the tomatoes, onion, celery, olives, parsley and pepper. Cover and refrigerate if not serving immediately in which case let sit at room temperature 30 minutes before serving. Prepare grill, oil racks, and set grill to medium high heat. In a small bowl combine  oil, lemon juice and oregano. Brush fish on both sides with mixture, then sprinkle with salt and more pepper. Grill over hottest part of grill, turning once, about 4 to 5 minutes per side (it should flake easily when poked with a fork.) Stir tomato and olive mixture, then spoon it over the fish steaks and serve immediately with couscous.

Grilled Espresso-Marinated Flank Steak

YIELD: Makes 4 servings

INGREDIENTS: 

1 tablespoon finely ground espresso 

1 tablespoon lightly packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

3 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil

1 1/2 pounds flank steak, trimmed of excess fat, at room temperature

DIRECTIONS:

In a small bowl, combine the espresso, brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, thyme, salt and pepper; slowly whisk in the oil. With a spatula or wooden spoon, smear the coffee mixture all over the steak on both sides. Rub grill rack with oil, then preheat to medium-high. Grill steak, turning a couple of times until it is lightly charred and a meat thermometer reads 125 F, about 11 minutes. Remove to cutting board, tent with aluminum foil and let sit about 10 minutes. Slice steak across the grain and serve hot or at room temperature. Serve with a tomato and avocado salad.

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Lemon Chiffon Pie. METRO photo

By Barbara Beltrami

When I think of summer desserts, the word “chiffon” immediately comes to mind and conjures up visions of airy cakes and pies light as summer frocks or curtains riffled by summer breezes. Fruit lends them their pastel colors … raspberry and strawberry pinks, lime greens, lemon yellows and blackberry lavenders, while egg whites and/or gelatin give them their voluminous substance.  

Lemon Chiffon Cake

YIELD: Makes 10 to 12 servings

INGREDIENTS: 

2 1/4 cups cake four

3 teaspoons baking powder

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup vegetable oil

5 egg yolks

3/4 cup cold water

2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest

7 – 8 egg whites

1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 325 F. Into a large bowl sift the cake flour, baking powder, sugar and salt. Make a well in the center, then pour in oil, egg yolks, cold water and zest. Beat 2 minutes at medium speed, until very smooth.  In a separate large bowl beat egg whites with cream of tartar until stiff peaks form. With a rubber spatula, fold first mixture, a little at a time, into egg whites until completely blended. Do not beat or stir. Pour into an ungreased 10-inch tube pan.  

Bake 50 minutes, then raise heat to 350 F and about bake another 15 minutes, until top springs back when you dent it with your finger. Remove from oven, turn pan upside down on a wire cake rack and let cool completely. Gently loosen cake from sides of pan with a spatula or knife and remove from pan; turn right side up and serve with lemon sorbet.

Lime Chiffon Pie

YIELD: Makes 6 to 8 servings

INGREDIENTS: 

One  9” baked pie shell

1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin

1 cup sugar

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup cold water

1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice

4 eggs, separated

1 tablespoon finely grated lime zest

Fresh mint sprigs for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

In a large bowl combine the gelatin, half a cup of the sugar, salt, water and lime juice; add egg yolks and beat on medium speed until well blended; transfer to large saucepan and, stirring constantly, cook over low heat until gelatin dissolves, about 5 minutes. Stir in lime zest, cover and chill until mixture starts to thicken, about 30 minutes. In a large bowl, beat egg whites on high speed until foamy, add remaining half cup of sugar gradually until egg whites form stiff peaks. With a spatula, gently fold in gelatin mixture, a little at a time, until completely blended; transfer to pie shell and chill. Garnish with mint sprigs and serve with mango sorbet.

Strawberry Chiffon Pie

YIELD: Makes 6 to 8 servings

INGREDIENTS: 

1 graham cracker pie crust

One 1/4-ounce envelope unflavored gelatin

2 cups fresh strawberries, washed and hulled (local, if available)

3 large eggs, separated

3/4 cup sugar

Generous pinch salt

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

DIRECTIONS:

Prepare pie crust according to package directions. Soften gelatin in one cup cold water. In a food processor or blender puree one cup of the strawberries until smooth.  Beat egg yolks lightly, then combine with half a cup of the sugar, salt and lemon juice in top of a double boiler. Stirring frequently, cook over simmering water until mixture thickens enough to coat a metal spoon, about 5 minutes; remove from heat. Add softened gelatin to yolk mixture, stir until dissolved, stir in pureed strawberries, then set aside to cool. 

Beat egg whites until soft peaks form; gradually add remaining quarter cup of sugar, then continue beating until stiff peaks form; with a rubber spatula carefully fold into cooled berry mixture, then pour into crust and smooth with spatula. Halve the remaining cup strawberries and arrange, cut side down, in pattern over mixture. Chill until firm and serve with iced coffee or iced tea.

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The Three Village Artisan and Farmers Market kicked off the 2022 season with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Photo from Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich's office

In the latest hopeful sign that things are returning to normal, the community came out to celebrate the re-opening of the Three Village Artisan and Farmers Market on the grounds of the Three Village Historical Society in Setauket on Friday, June 3 with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Market manager Linda Johnson from Chocology Unlimited (with scissor) was joined by Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich, Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn, members of the Three Village Chamber of Commerce, the Three Village Historical Society and vendors in cutting the ribbon. 

The market featured an incredible roster of farmers, chefs, craft-makers and many other interesting and enticing vendors, including live music. 

In addition to providing space for vendors, the market made room for exhibits from local community organizations such as the Four Harbors Audubon Society, Town of Brookhaven Department of Recycling and Sustainable Materials Management and Cornell Cooperative Extension to round out the experience for visitors. 

“I encourage residents to stop down any Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. Three Village Historical Society at 93 North Country Road in Setauket. The market is open until October, and you’ll definitely find something to make your day more delicious,” said Councilmember Kornreich.

For more information, call 631-901-7151 or visit www.tvmobilemarket.com.

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Pictured from left, Port Jefferson Village Trustee Bruce Miller; Whiskey Barrel owner David Tracy; PJCC President Mary Joy Pipe; Port Jefferson Village Trustee Rebecca Kassay and PJCC Director of Operations Barbara Ransome. Photo from PJCC
From left, Lisa Bloom PJCC Membership Admin, PJV Trustee Bruce Miller, Whiskey Barrel owner David Tracy, PJCC President and owner of the East End Shirt Co. Mary Joy Pipe, PJCC 1st VP & Director of Public Relations for Mather Hospital-Stu Vincent and PJV Trustee Rebecca Kassay at the ribbon cutting. Photo from PJCC
From left, Lisa Bloom PJCC Membership Admin, PJV Trustee Bruce Miller, Whiskey Barrel owner David Tracy, PJCC President and owner of the East End Shirt Co. Mary Joy Pipe, PJCC 1st VP & Director of Public Relations for Mather Hospital-Stu Vincent and PJV Trustee Rebecca Kassay at the ribbon cutting. Photo from PJCC
From left, Lisa Bloom PJCC Membership Admin, PJV Trustee Bruce Miller, Whiskey Barrel owner David Tracy, PJCC President and owner of the East End Shirt Co. Mary Joy Pipe, PJCC 1st VP & Director of Public Relations for Mather Hospital-Stu Vincent and PJV Trustee Rebecca Kassay at the ribbon cutting. Photo from PJCC
From left, Whiskey Barrel owner David Tracy, PJCC President and owner of the East End Shirt Co. Mary Joy Pipe, and PJV Trustee Rebecca Kassay. Photo from PJCC

Members of the Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce (PJCC) joined The Whiskey Barrel for a one year anniversary ribbon cutting celebration on May 26. 

Located at 138 Main Street in Port Jefferson Village, the restaurant/whiskey bar offers whiskey, wine, tap beer and other spirits, and also feature a full menu. Now also open for brunch,  the menu includes Bourbon Peach Cobbler French Toast, Croque Monsieur and Dirty Potatoes. Additionally they won 1st place in last year’s chowder contest during the 2021 Port Jefferson Village Harvest Festival. 

The Whiskey Barrel is open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. with brunch on weekends starting at 9:30 a.m. Takeout and delivery is also available. For more information, call 631-743-9418 or visit www.thewhiskeybarrelpj.com.

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Stock photo

Theatre Three will host a food and personal care items drive in honor of Fr. Patrick Riegger for his 12 years of service and dedication to the community on Sunday, June 12 from 9 a.m. to noon. Items will  be collected at the Infant Jesus Church food pantry, 110 Hawkins St. (off Myrtle Ave.) in Port Jefferson Village.

Donations needed include juice, boxed milk, mustard, mayonnaise, ketchup, flour, sugar, Maseca corn flour, cooking oil, coffee, pancake mix (complete), pancake syrup, canned fruit, healthy snacks as well as shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors, toilet paper, baby shampoo, baby wash, baby wipes, diapers (size 4 & 6), baby powder, Desitin and lotion. Grocery store gift cards and cash also accepted. 

For more information, please call 631-938-6464.

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The Pinot Noir grape is believed to have originated in France over 2,000 years ago. Pixabay photo

By Bob Lipinski

Bob Lipinski

If there is one wine that lovers of red and white wine can enjoy with equal pleasure, it is Pinot Noir. It’s light- to medium-bodied, with little bitterness (tannin) and loaded with plenty of juicy fruit. Unlike many red wines, Pinot Noir can be enjoyed by itself, perhaps with a cracker and wedge of your favorite cheese. Incidentally, Pinot Noir likes to be lightly chilled (like most white wines).

Pinot Noir is a thin-skinned, medium acid red grape variety believed to have originated in France over 2,000 years ago. It is grown principally in Burgundy and Champagne, France, and is also grown in other regions of France and most wine-producing countries of the world. Pinot Noir is genetically unstable, meaning that it mutates: the parent vine may produce offspring with fruit different in color, size, shape, and flavors.

Some of these mutations are Pinot Blanc (Bianco), Pinot Gris (Grigio), and Pinot Meunier, among others. Pinot Noir is known as Pinot Nero in Italy and Spätburgunder in Austria and Germany.

Most of the Pinot Noir wines are made from 100 percent of the grape. While others are blended with a small amount of Syrah (for color and body). The most famous Pinot Noir blend is champagne; a combination of Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, and Pinot Noir grapes. The blend is generally 70 percent red grapes and 30 percent white grapes. A lesser-known champagne is called Blanc de Noirs, a white wine made entirely from black (red) grapes.

The Pinot Noir grape is believed to have originated in France over 2,000 years ago.
Pixabay photo

Pinot Noir pairs with ahi tuna, broiled or blackened salmon, mushrooms, root vegetables, grilled vegetables (especially zucchini and tomatoes), or even a slice of your favorite pizza.

Pinot Noir is often referred to as feminine, a nebulous term describing wines that are soft, perfumed, charming, seductive, delicate, and elegant.

Some Pinot Noir wines I’ve enjoyed over the past few months are:

2016 Lauca “Reserva” Maule Valley, Chile: Light-bodied with a bouquet dominated by spicy cherry, along with mint, coffee, and mushrooms.

2018 Murphy Goode, California: Spicy black cherry and flavors of cranberry and cola with hints, tea, and cinnamon.

2017 Domaine Anderson “Pinot Noir” Anderson Valley, California: Bouquet of blackberry and mulberry with flavors of red currants, cola, and dried fruits.

2018 La Crema “Sonoma Coast” California: Bouquet and flavor of spicy berries, pomegranate, brown baking spices, and toasted nuts in the aftertaste.

2018 Aquinas, North Coast, California: Deep ruby color; a bouquet and flavor of pomegranate, plum, sandalwood, cherries, and cranberry.

Bob Lipinski is the author of 10 books, including “101: Everything You Need To Know About Whiskey” and “Italian Wine & Cheese Made Simple” (available on Amazon.com). He consults and conducts training seminars on Wine, Spirits, and Food and is available for speaking engagements. He can be reached at www.boblipinski.com OR [email protected].

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Scallops. METRO photo

By Barbara Beltrami

Everything has gotten so expensive, and fresh fish is no exception. But if you’re going to spring for something delicate and delicious, do go for scallops.  Those nutty little nuggets of briny goodness, if prepared well, are worth the extra dollars. Whether in a ceviche where they’re marinated in citrus juice which actually cooks them, in a Grenobloise sauce, or wrapped in prosciutto or in a salad, they’re a perfect component for a light warm weather meal.

Scallop Ceviche

Scallops can be prepared numerous ways. METRO photo

YIELD: Makes 4 servings

INGREDIENTS: 

1 pound sea scallops quartered or whole  bay scallops

Freshly squeezed juice of 5 limes

1/2 cup orange juice

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

1 cup peeled, seeded and diced cucumber

2 shallots, peeled and minced

1/4 cup thinly sliced scallions

1/2 cup finely diced green bell pepper

1/2 cup diced cherry tomatoes

2 tablespoons minced jalapeño pepper

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

1/4 cup chopped flat leaf parsley

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon grated orange zest

DIRECTIONS:

In a medium nonreactive bowl combine the scallops and juices. Cover and refrigerate for one hour. Add salt and pepper, cucumber, shallots, scallions, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, jalapeño pepper, cilantro, parsley and oil; toss to thoroughly combine, then let sit at room temperature 15-20 minutes.  Drain marinating liquid and discard, cover scallop mixture and refrigerate for one hour, then divide it evenly among 4 stemmed glasses, sprinkle with orange zest and serve with bread and extra virgin olive oil.

Prosciutto-Wrapped Scallops

YIELD: Makes 4 servings

INGREDIENTS: 

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

1/4 cup chopped cherry tomatoes

2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

12 black olives, pitted and chopped

2 tablespoons chopped toasted pignoli nuts

1/4 cup olive oil

16 sea scallops

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

16 slices prosciutto

2 cups frisee, washed, torn into bite-size pieces

1 – 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350 F. Generously grease a baking dish with butter. Place tomatoes, basil, olives, pignoli nuts and olive oil in the bowl of a food processor and pulse until ingredients are finely chopped. Season scallops all over with salt and pepper, then cover with tomato mixture. Fold each slice of prosciutto in half lengthwise and wrap firmly around each scallop, then place in a baking dish. Bake about 15 minutes, until scallops are cooked through and prosciutto is somewhat crispy. In a medium bowl toss the frisee with the balsamic vinegar and salt and pepper, then place on salad plates and top with scallops. Serve with a nice chilled Sancerre.

Scallops Grenobloise

YIELD: Makes 4 servings

INGREDIENTS: 

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 pound sea scallops, rinsed, drained and patted dry with paper towels

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

6 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 lemon, peeled, all pith and seeds removed, finely diced; add capers, 

2 tablespoons capers, drained

4 white mushrooms, cleaned and diced

2-3 tablespoons white wine vinegar

2 tbsp. finely chopped fresh flat leaf parsley

Lemon wedges for serving

DIRECTIONS:

Sprinkle scallops with salt and pepper and olive oil. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, then add scallops; cook, turning once, about two minutes, till golden brown on both sides; set aside to keep warm.  In a small skillet, melt butter over medium heat; add lemon, capers and mushrooms and cook, stirring frequently, until butter begins to brown, about 3 minutes; stir in vinegar. Divide the scallops onto 4 plates, spoon butter, lemon, capers, mushrooms and fresh parsley over them and serve immediately with  asparagus

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Fresh Summer Salsa

Fresh Summer Salsa

(Culinary.net) It’s time to kick off summer with a bang. With exciting summer events like baseball, sunbathing and barbecues filling social calendars, comes a whole new array of fresh, sunny day snacks just waiting to be devoured.

If you’re in the mood for something sweet with a hint of spice, try this Citrus, Mango and Pineapple Salsa. It features fresh, fruity flavors from the pineapple, mango, lemon and lime plus a surprising bite of jalapeno. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and zesty.

This light, warm weather appetizer  is perfect for pool parties or dining al fresco. A fresh twist on traditional salsa, this recipe will have people lining up for a second scoop to help beat the heat.

Enjoy it with tortilla chips or as a topping on your favorite tacos to add a little sweetness to a traditionally savory meal.

For more fresh summertime recipes, visit Culinary.net.

Citrus, Mango and Pineapple Salsa

Recipe adapted from becomingness.com

Ingredients:

1 1/4 cup fresh pineapple, diced

1 1/4 cup fresh mango, diced

2 tomatoes

1/2 red onion, diced

1 jalapeno, finely chopped

1 tablespoon coriander

2 tablespoons lime juice

1 tablespoon lemon juice

sea salt, to taste

fresh cracked pepper, to taste

tortilla chips, for serving

Directions:

In large bowl, combine pineapple, mango, tomato, onion, jalapeno, coriander, lime juice, lemon juice and salt and pepper, to taste. With rubber spatula, mix all ingredients together.

Taste and season with additional salt and pepper, if desired.

Serve with tortilla chips.

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From left, Nancy Vallarella, Myra Naseem and Priya Kapoor. Photo from SHS

The Smithtown Historical Society is cooking up something new. 

Beginning on June 9, the Society will launch a new cooking series titled Cooking with Stars featuring local culinary professionals sharing their tips, techniques and skills while presenting trending foods, recipes and offering a taste to bring the community together. 

The cooking classes will be held outside on the property’s outdoor theater (in the case of inclement weather, presentations will be moved indoors in SHS’s Roseneath Cottage) and will run through September.

According to Priya Kapoor, Executive Director of SHS, the series was inspired by the Society’s 2021 series, Interview with the Stars. “One of our most popular interviews was with Chef Marco Pellegrini of Osteria Umbra,” said Kapoor.

Just in time for summer entertaining, the first presentation on Thursday, June 9 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. will be on platters and boards. Myra Naseem, co-owner of Elegant Eating in Smithtown, will be joined by recipe developer and food writer Nancy Vallarella, Long Island Locavore. 

“Outdoor entertaining is here. This presentation will cover three themed boards/platters that will require little to no cooking freeing hosts from the kitchen and grill. Elegant Eating has been doing that for over 35 years,” said Vallarella. 

Tickets are $20 per person in advance at Eventbrite.com, $30 at the door (cash or check).

The series continues on Tuesday, July 12 when Chef Marco Pellegrini returns to SHS to share his cooking techniques showcasing Italian favorites. 

Further cooking classes will be posted on the Smithtown Historical Society’s website, www.smithtownhistorical.org, under Events. 

The Smithtown Historical Society is located at 239 E. Main St., Smithtown. For more information, call 631-265-6768.

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Mint Clothing

Grab your fanciest hat and get off to the races!

Stony Brook Village Center is proud to announce Mint Clothing Boutique will be celebrating the release of their first private line of designs at a Belmont Stakes themed Look Book Luncheon. The luncheon will take place at the Three Village Inn on Thursday June 9 at noon until 3 p.m. (rain date: Friday, June 10, same time).

As guests enjoy their al fresco lunch, models will stroll through the gardens wearing the private line’s breathable, sustainable and easy-to-wear styles. Tickets for this event are $35 per person and include a three-course prix fix lunch. To reserve your seat, call the Three Village Inn at 631-751-0555.

Mint Clothing Boutique was created in 2004 by Joanna Mazzella, inspired by the beauty and lifestyle of the North Fork and the Hamptons. The boutique offers a unique collection of beautiful pieces from luxury clothing brands, tailored to create a refreshing shopping experience that highlights the modern woman’s lifestyle. Mint Clothing Boutique is located at 119 Main Street in Stony Brook Village and is open daily 10am to 6pm.

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