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Modelo Crab Beignets

Add this to your summer menu!

Crab Beignets

Filling Ingredients

8oz Lump Crab Meat

4oz Jumbo Crab Meat

4oz Special Crab Meat

5 oz Mascarpone cheese

3 Garlic cloves

2 Tbsp Chives

1 tsp Sea salt

1 tsp Freshly ground Black Pepper

1 tsp Dry Yellow Mustard

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Filling Instructions

Pick crab meat for any shell.  Place all ingredients into a bowl and gently fold until well incorporated. Cover and chill for at least 3-4 hours.

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Batter Ingredients

1 ½ C All Purpose Flour

1 ½ tsp Sea Salt

1 12oz Modelo Negra lager 

1 ½ Tbsp Baking powder

¼ C Cornstarch

Mix all ingredients together and set aside.  Roll filling into golf ball sized rounds and drop into batter.  Gently spoon batter over crab ball to make sure it is evenly coated. Gently spoon beignets into 3 inches of  375°F oil in a cast iron skillet. Fry until golden brown, about 2 minutes, occasionally turning so that they are fried evenly. Serve hot with fresh squeezed lemon and sweet chili sauce.

Recipes: Senior Editor, David Robert

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Spicy Blackberry and Plum Sauce

This spicy blackberry and plum sauce recipe was a push for something different and will now be my go to condiment for the summer season.

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One of the benefits of the summer is that a lot of sweet fruit is in season.  I often run into the problem of figuring out what to do with delicate produce like berries and plums before they can go bad.  This spicy blackberry and plum sauce recipe was a push for something different and will now be my go to condiment for the summer season.  Its simple to make but the combination of flavors and spices took smoked chicken wings to an entirely different level.


Ingredients

 6 Ripe Cherry Plums or Any plum of your choice

5 Blackberries 

5 sprigs of fresh thyme 

5 cloves garlic

5 pimento seeds (allspice berries)

2 bay leaves

1 1/2 tsp ground ginger 

1c dark brown sugar 

1 cinnamon stick 

1 anise seed

1/2 tsp kosher salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 tsp red pepper flakes  

1 tsp of Texas Pete Original Dust dry seasoning

Just a teeny bit more than a cup of water 

2/3 c Apple cider vinegar 

3 dashes of soy sauce 

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For this recipe, I used cherry plums and it yields a about a cup of and a half of sauce.  I found the plums on sale at a local grocery store and have never tried them.  Outside of this recipe, I like them because the sweetness of the flesh was the same as very ripe, regular-sized plum, however it was firm as if it had just ripened.  After cleaning your produce, cut around the core; you do not want the firm bitter flesh that surrounds the pit in your sauce. 

Place all the ingredients into a medium-sized saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Be sure to stir occasionally so that the sugar fully dissolves and doesn’t burn at the bottom. Reduce to medium-low and cover.  Let the sauce simmer for about 1 hour.  Cool and place into a mason jar or an airtight container to use as a condiment.

 OR

Use this sauce on your favorite style of wings.  I used it on smoked chicken wings and it has now become one of my favorite wing flavors.  I would highly recommend trying it on wings fresh out of the air fryer or on grilled wings. Please let us know how this recipe comes out for you and feel free to put your own spin on it! Try different berry and spice combinations to create your own plum sauce flavors.

Report: Senior Editor, David Roberts

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The Sweet and Salty Salad That Should Be At Every BBQ!

In need of a refreshing summer salad? I’ve got just the thing. This easy and delicious watermelon prosciutto salad is exactly what you need to take that summer barbecue to the next level.

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In need of a refreshing summer salad? I’ve got just the thing. This easy and delicious watermelon prosciutto salad is exactly what you need to take that summer barbecue to the next level. With watermelon being in its prime season, it’s only right to use it as much as possible.

Here’s what you’ll need:

1 Package of Baby Arugula

Fresh Watermelon

1/2lb Prosciutto di Parma Thinly Sliced (You’ll definitely have leftovers!)

Shredded Parmigiano Reggiano

Balsamic Glaze

Salt

1 Lemon

EVOO

Side Note:

This salad can be paired with any melon, but the refreshing appeal from the watermelon is my favorite part about this recipe!

How to Make it:

Take the full package of baby arugula, and throw it in a bowl. Squeeze half a lemon, throw a pinch of salt, and a teaspoon of EVOO to gently coat the arugula. Now, toss it!

Take the watermelon and cut it into bit size cubes/chunks. In your favorite bowl lay the arugula down, and as much as prosciutto as wanted! Once the watermelon and prosciutto are added, add a quick layer of balsamic glaze and garnish with parmigiano reggiano. That’s it!

It seriously can’t get much easier than this, and trust me it’ll be a crowd favorite. The sweet taste from the watermelon being paired with the saltiness from the prosciutto is too good to be true. Just take my word for it!

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Photo Credits: Kaitlin Gallagher

Report: Kaitlin Gallagher

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Diet Tips for Boosting your Immunity

Boosting your immunity is crucial during these times, especially in light of the pandemic. You want to have the best immune system you can possibly have, and the only way you'll be able to do that is by getting some health advice. We have some health tips for building your immune system.

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Boosting your immunity is crucial during these times, especially in light of the pandemic. You want to have the best immune system you can possibly have, and the only way you'll be able to do that is by getting some health advice. We have some health tips for building your immune system.

1. Colorful fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are the go-to for building your immune system. They contain all the essential vitamins that will give a boost to your immune system and help keep diseases at bay.

2. Carrots, spinach and sweet potatoes: These foods contain good compounds that help in cell proliferation, or rapid growth of new cells in the body. This is a key component of the immune system's health and thus these foods are important.

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3. Vitamin C-rich foods: Vitamin C is very beneficial in the quest to keep the immune system functional and healthy. Citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons can help with inflammation and prevent infections from occurring in the body.

4. Omega-3 fatty acids: These good fats are found in nuts and seeds such as flax or chia seeds. They help build a good and healthy immune system, according to research.

5. Probiotics and fermented food: These foods are loaded with good bacteria which help in maintaining a healthy gut. The gut is where 70% of our immune system is housed, which is why probiotics such as yogurt or kombucha can be a wonderful addition to the diet.

6. Limit added sugars: Emerging research suggests that added sugars and refined carbs may contribute disproportionately to overweight and obesity. Obesity may likewise increase your risk of getting sick.

7. Stay hydrated: Hydration doesn’t directly protect you from germs and viruses, but preventing dehydration is important to your overall health. Dehydration can cause headaches and hinder your physical performance, focus, mood, digestion, and heart and kidney function. These complications can increase your susceptibility to illness.

Report: Alycia Williams


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Mac And Cheese, But With A Twist

Mac and Cheese, But With A Twist: College Edition

To all my college students out there, do you ever feel like you have exhausted all new food ideas within the first 2 weeks of the semester? One of those foods most likely includes the easy mac that you microwave and eat within 3 minutes. Mac and Cheese can become such a staple when you are in a hurry to get to class or you are too lazy to walk to the dining hall. In order to maintain your love of Mac and Cheese without getting sick of it, this recipe will allow you to brainstorm different items that you never would have thought would make a perfect combination. I know some of these items would never cross your mind to put with pasta, but don't hate it before you taste it! For this simple college recipe, all you need is ketchup, shredded cheese, some milk, salt and pepper, and some garlic powder. There is not a set amount to follow, it is simply however much you think you need of each item. I switch it up every time to give me more of a variety. This recipe can also allow you to experiment with other staple foods that every college student has in their dorm room. There is no such thing as trying all possible ways to eat Mac and Cheese. The world is your oyster, so go and explore variations of your favorite foods before school starts this year!

Report: Hannah Zaremba

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Harry Potter and the Wizarding World of the Butter Beer Recipe

Butter Beer Brought to You

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To all the Harry Potter fans out there, this one is for you. If you have ever been to the Harry Potter themed part of Disney World, you have tried the famous butter beer they serve. Since Covid-19, the Happiest Place on Earth has unfortunately closed their doors and the access to this sweet drink. With the extra time on your hands, you can make your own homemade Butter Beer right in your own kitchen! With this simple recipe, you can bring the Harry Potter World to life again. All you need is 2/3 scoops of vanilla ice cream, a melted bag of butterscotch chips, a dash of vanilla extract, your favorite brand of cream soda, and some whipped cream to top off this potion of deliciousness. Just add ice and blend away. This refreshing treat is perfect for the summer months when you're lounging by the pool or binge-watching the entire series of Harry Potter.

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photo 1: usatoday.com

photo 2: princesspinkygirl.com

Report: Hannah Zaremba

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A Martini That Lets you Have Your Cake and "Drink" It Too

Have your Cake and "Drink" it too

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Birthdays and Summertime are the perfect excuse to invite your friends and family over for a celebration. What better way to celebrate than with a signature drink for the birthday boy or girl? The Birthday Cake Martini can replace a birthday cake by how alike it tastes to a cake. For this drink, you will need the following ingredients:

1. 2 ounces whipped vodka

2. 1.5 ounces amaretto

3. 1 ounce white chocolate liqueur

4. 2 ounces half and half

5. Sprinkles

The sprinkles are a great addition to the drink as it serves the purpose of creating the "cake" look. In order to attach the sprinkles to the glass, the trick is to put honey on the rim of the glass and then proceed to add the sprinkles. Enjoy your birthday as you have your cake and drink it too.

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Images: makezine.com and berries.com

Report: Hannah Zaremba

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It’s Charcuterie Time: June Board

Our June Board Is Here, And It's Time To Grill!

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This month the charcuterie theme of choice is grilling, in honor of all those wonderful dad’s out there who think they’re ~the grill master~. Didn’t think charcuterie could be more than just a cheese board? Well, I’m happy to prove you wrong! This easy, delicious, and in my eyes, beautiful board is everything you need to make your man of choice’s day special.

A charcuterie is worth the time and effort, just looking at my masterpiece makes me happy. I’m all about self care, so treating myself to a pretty dinner and bar worthy drink is all I need in life, and I highly recommend it. Maybe, that’s why I love charcuterie so much!

Anyway, here she is! THE June Charcuterie. It may look intimidating, but trust me it’s an easy dinner. The hardest part about it is cooking the actual dinner, plating is just fun!

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The Breakdown:

You have your basics that any meat eating human will love, Chicken Skewers and Sliced Steak.

My trusty sides of choice were Roasted & Grilled Potatoes, Grilled Asparagus, Grilled Corn, and an easy Garden Salad. (As you can tell I really tried to stick to the “grill” theme!)

I even included easy appetizers too! Caprese and Bruschetta are always my favorites to work with.

And that’s it! You have your apps, mains, and sides all on one plate. It can’t get much easier than that!

The best part about charcuterie is that you can be as creative as possible. You literally can’t do it wrong, so just go for it! Even if it’s a meal for one, create an Instagram worthy dinner for yourself!

Next month I may go for a sweeter board, so stay tuned!

Photo Credits: Kaitlin Gallagher

Report: Kaitlin Gallagher

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A Taste of Summer

It tastes as good as it looks. Summer in a slice

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Temperatures are rising which calls for a delicate, refreshing, and savory recipes.

This 7 step recipe calls for only a few ingredients, but leaves an unforgettable taste in your palette ranging from Greek yogurt to olive oil and back around with orange blossom water. Did I mention it’s also beautiful? - adorned with rose petals, this makes a great treat to bring to the party or simply to decorate the kitchen counter!

For the ingredients we’ll need :

* 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

* 2 eggs at room temp

* Zest of one lemon

* 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice

* 1 cup plain greek yoghurt at room temp (leave it out for 10 min or so). I used 2% fat

* 1 cup super fine sugar

* 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted

* 3 teaspoons baking powder, sifted GLAZE:

* 1 cup icing sugar

* 1 tablespoon lemon juice

* 1/4 teaspoon orange blossom water .

The preparation is as follows :

“1 Preheat the oven at 325F. Grease and flour your pan and set aside.

1. In a large bowl mix the olive oil, eggs, lemon zest and juice, yoghurt, and sugar and lightly whisk until all ingredients are combined.

2. In a smaller bowl, sift the flour and baking powder and combine them with your fingers, then add the flour in parts to the olive oil mix (don't dump it all at once or you'll get lumps). Don't over-mix! Just gently fold the ingredients until they are combined.

3. Place the batter in the greased pan and bake for about 45-50 min, until the top is golden brown and no batter comes out when you test it with a skewer.

4. Once the cake is done, take it out, set aside, and let it rest for at least 10 minutes (if you flip it too soon it'll break). Once it has cooled down, flip it on a plate to cool fully.

GLAZE

1. Combine the icing sugar, orange blossom water, and lemon juice and mix until there are no sugar lumps (a minute or so). If it's too thick and doesn't drizzle, add a mini splash of water (just a teeny!).

2. Pour glaze over the cake and decorate with rose petals (or orange blossoms if you have any!).”

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In particular, this recipe is especially interesting as it introduces orange blossom water - which can be very new to most taste buds.In fact, orange blossom water has been originally used in the Middle East particularly for sweets, and was later used across the Mediterranean. It is made made solely from the orange blossoms on trees. How’s that for a taste of summer ?

This cake should feel and taste light, offering you an incredible start to the summer season- in quarantine or not 😉.

Report: Lara Olsson

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Keep Breakfast Simple - Quick & Delicious Recipes

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, don't skip it! 15 minute recipes or less.

Don't have much time to spare for morning meals?  Check out these recipes to quickly satisfy the most important meal of the day!


Mushroom and Egg White Omelet


Peach-Mango Smoothie


Banana and Almond Butter Pancakes


Easy Breakfast Burrito


Share you favorite recipes in the comments below or send them to info@accessbynkc.com.


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