metro-billy SPAGHETT

My riff on the classic Spaghett is one of my favorite summer sips - the traditional recipe calls for just three ingredients, Miller High Life, Aperol, and Lemon - but the addition of fresh basil gives it a green brightness, taking it to a whole new level - enjoy - thump thump!

Metro-Billy Spaghett

Serves: 1 | Prep Time: 90 Seconds

INGREDIENTS

One bottle Miller High Life Beer

1/2 ounce Aperol

2 Twist of Lemon Peel

1 Basil Leaf

TECHNIQUE

Take a quick swig from the bottle of Miller High Life - add Aperol, lemon peel, and a single fresh basil leaf - sip.

shu mai DON'T BOTHER ME

This is a great, relatively simple and quick recipe if you’re having friends over for a summer dinner party or just for noshing at home on a weeknight with the family. The shrimp keeps the vibe light and healthy…perfect during the height of swimsuit season…thump thump!

Shrimp and Basil Shu Mai

Serves: 4 | Prep, Cook Time: 30 Minutes

INGREDIENTS

½ cup soy sauce

1 tablespoon rice wine

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger

½ pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

½ to ¾ cup fresh basil leaves

¼ cup chopped scallions, white parts

10 to 12 round dumpling skins

Juice of 1 lime


TECHNIQUE

Combine the soy sauce, rice wine, sesame oil and ginger in a bowl. Put half the shrimp, half the basil and all the green onions in a food processor and pulse; add just enough of the soy mixture to create a smooth paste, about 1 to 2 tablespoons. Transfer to a bowl. Roughly chop the remaining shrimp and basil, add to the bowl and stir to combine.

Place a dumpling skin on a work surface, moisten the edges with water, and place a spoonful of the filling in the center. Squeeze edges of the wrapper up around the filling, to pleat the sides; some of the filling should remain exposed. Repeat with the remaining dumpling skins and filling.

Arrange a bamboo steamer with perforated parchment over a medium an over a couple inches of water; bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Meanwhile, add the lime juice to the remaining soy mixture to make a dipping sauce.

Put as many dumplings in the steamer as you can fit in a single layer and cover the pot. Cook until the exposed filling turns pink and the wrappers are tender, 4 to 6 minutes, then transfer the dumplings to a serving platter or serve from the steamer. Serve with the dipping sauce.

seared thighs with HARISSA, DATES, AND BEETS

seared thighs with HARISSA, DATES, AND BEETS

This dish is inspired by many things - Autumn in the Ozarks, the Appleseeds Teaching Farm in Fayetteville, and seasonal ingredients that are best harvested this time of year…mainly beets. I love a slow roasted and log braised chicken, and even though this recipe tastes like it took hours to prepare, once the actual cooking begins, you can have a beautiful Fall chicken dinner in less than an hour. We like it served with mashed sweet potatoes, but it’s also divine with jasmine rice, couscous, and polenta.

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