Posts in seafood
Spaghetti with Clams w/ Mike Ham

“Greetings From The Garden State” host Mike Ham is my guest this week as we gear up for Summer with a quintessential Jersey shore dish, spaghetti with clams! Mike's show is growing FAST as he talks all things Jersey with some of the incredible folks who live in the Garden State! And what's more Jersey than seafood down the shore!? I share my version of an easy, at-home spaghetti with clams so we can all have a taste of Summer at the Shore whenever we want! Mike tells us how he got started in podcasting and why Jersey just seemed like an obvious niche!

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Chef Jesse's Shrimp & Grits

My beloved friend and neighbor, Chef Jesse Jones is first up to join me in the Cucina! Check out his incredible shrimp and grits recipe!

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Bagna Cauda

This classic Piemontese dish is a family tradition for me! Mamma D joins me in the Cucina this week to walk us through, not just how to make bagna cauda, but what to serve with it and a few delightful little memories around this meal! And, watch for a cameo from my grandfather as he tells the story of the origins of bagna cauda!

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Mediterranean Orzo Salad

This light and fresh Summer salad is quick and easy to make and can be tailored to any diet! Orzo, which are small pasta, cook up in just 4-5 minutes. Tossed with fresh Summer vegetables, extra virgin olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice and you have lunch on the table! Top you salad with grilled shrimp or chicken (thanks to the folks at Traeger Grills for helping us out!), or swap in feta cheese for a vegetarian version. Vegan? Toss on some grilled tofu instead, or just add in beans like ceci. Gluten free? Swap the orzo for rice or quinoa! You get the idea.

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Mussels in White Wine & Garlic

My family LOVES mussels in white wine sauce! While it's usually a staple appetizer for Friday pizza night; we love making it at home as well! Especially because then we can add all the garlic we want! You'll be amazed at how easy it is to steam mussels in white wine and garlic! Seven simple ingredients creates the perfect meal or appetizer. You could even toss these bad boys over pasta! But my personal favorite? Soaking up that amazing sauce with a good piece of bread! Yum!

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Chef Jesse Jones New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp

Check out Chef Jesse Jones' recipe for New Orleans style BBQ shrimp! This dish makes the perfect Father's Day appetizer! Plus it's got that BIG flavor that Dad will love and Chef Jesse is known for! Watch the video, get the recipe, AND snag yourself a copy of Chef Jesse's book, POW! My Life in 40 Feasts!

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Seared Scallops w/ Toasted Brussels & Butternut Puree

What fasting? It's TECHNICALLY Ash Wednesday which, for a lot of people, means no meat. But that's no hassle when you've got beautiful sea scallops like these from Sona Far Hills Seafood! They generously gave me these and shared the PERFECT recipe for cooking them up right to make this delicious dinner! Watch the video, grab the recipe, and check them out! (p.s., it's keto friendly!)

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Calamari with Pancetta Ft. Chef Mike Carrino

Chef Mike Carrino of Pig & Prince in Montclair NJ is my special guest this week as we get ready for the Feast of 7 Fishes in the Cucina! He shares an amazing calamari recipe with us, along with tips for selecting and preparing the squid! PLUS check out what he's got going on at the restaurant at the link below!

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Spaghetti with Clams

There's something about seafood that just screams Summer for me. And since we're winding down these last lazy, hazy days, I couldn't think of a better dish to serve up than spaghetti with clams! It's quick and easy, packed with fresh Summer flavors, and great for entertaining!

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Protein Packed Tuna Salad

I may have cheated a little on the title here. This isn't tuna salad slathered in mayo. This tuna salad will actually benefit your body and keep you feeling full for HOURS! And the story of where I found it is the best part of all! (hint, got the idea in an airport!) Check out the video to see how I make tuna salad, Cucina style!

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Tequila Shrimp - Food & Wine, Dinner Special

Check out this great dinner recipe from Food & Wine Magazine’s newest book, “Dinner Special.” Watch the video and get the recipe, then head over to Youtube.com/carascucina and SUBSCRIBE to WIN a free copy of the new book!

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Lobster Rolls from Langosta Lounge

This New England classic goes ALL Jersey as Chef Marilyn Schlossbach of Langosta Lounge in Asbury Park puts her special twist on lobster rolls! Check out her recipe & step by step video! 

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Ceviche

Who doesn't love a summer dish that requires NO heat!? Ceviche is a great way to get in fresh veggies and delicious seafood without ever turning on a grill or burner. This dish is truly the magic of the kitchen as the acid in fresh citrus juices cures the fish to perfection! Try my recipe for dinner tonight!

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Salmon Sliders

These fun and easy salmon sliders make a great appetizer or small plate for a party! Even a great little bite for a picky eater to try some fish! I'll show you how to perfectly broil the salmon and make a delicious aoili to top the sliders with!

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Pasta con Sarde

This traditional St. Joseph's Day dish is full of flavor! A beautiful oil and garlic based sauce gets a kick from sardines. Topped with toasted breadcrumbs to represent the carpenter's "sawdust" and finished with toasted pine nuts! This dish is a must for everyone celebrating the "Joseph's" in their lives!

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Mediterranean Fish in Parchment Paper

I'll show you how to use this simple method to steam fish using beautiful Mediterranean flavors. Tomatoes, capers and olives mix with white wine to create a flavorful broth for the fish. This healthy meal is perfect for the start of Lent - or anytime you want to skip the meat. 

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Frutti di Mare

The Feast of Seven Fishes is almost here! aka Christmas Eve! And for many Italian Americans this is an easy way to get 4-5 fish into dinner! Plus it's a super easy, and healthy holiday feast for anyone! Learn how Cara prepares her tomato sauce, then cook your favorite shellfish in it and serve it over cappellini! Buon Appetito! Buona Natale!

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Restaurant Latour

Learn how to make this seasonal octopus dish from Restaurant Latour in Hamburg NJ. Chef Martyn Krowicka gives step by step instructions for this easy, elegant plate; as well as tips and substitutes so anyone can impress friends and family! Buon Appetito!

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