Skinny Cooks Can't Be Trusted by Dave Kessler 

 

You may be chomping at the bit to get to the beaches in southern climes. On the other hand, you may still have late fall and early winter chores to finish before you can head south.

You could be like me and just want to enjoy some foods that remind you of the good times and good foods you have had on trips south, and not plan on leaving home to do it.

On trips to New England I always enjoyed lobster salad, and on trips south I always enjoyed seafood salad made with a combination of ingredients served on a bed of lettuce or served on some nice bread or buns.

This seafood salad always makes me remember the good times on the sandy beaches of Florida. Even if we’re having colder weather here, this salad reminds me and warms my heart and soul.

On the Beach Seafood Salad

1/2 pound cooked peeled shrimp, cut into small pieces

1/2 pound imitation crab meat, cut into small pieces

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

1/2 teaspoon fresh lime juice

2 tablespoons chopped parsley

1 teaspoon cumin

1/2 teaspoon lime zest

3 tablespoons mayonnaise

Use a chilled bowl in which to make this salad. Place the ingredients in the order given into the bowl and toss well so the liquids, herbs and spices are well distributed.

Cover the bowl and place it into the refrigerator until ready to serve. If making sandwiches, use sub buns or crusty baguettes. This makes a tasty and filling sandwich.

Those who would rather serve this as a salad should use some crusty bread or buns toasted, or maybe even fried, and chopped into nice croutons.

When I enjoy this salad I always get an extra boost just thinking about the cost of gasoline and hotels that I’m saving on, by staying home and eating like I’m Down South.

This also saves me the time and money it takes to try to find a swimsuit to fit, and I save a bundle on sunscreens so I won’t get a sunburn.

But the main thing to remember, if enjoying this at home rather than heading south, is that you must enjoy this while dining barefoot. It’s against the law to eat beach food with your shoes on, after all.

Readers with questions or comments for Dave Kessler may write to him in care of this publication.