A Word From The Other Parsimonious Chef...: We Got An App For That! Fried Zucchini Blossoms.....

Squash @ DuPont Farmers Market

The world as we once knew it is changing all around us. It's been said that bloggers are the new media and advertising on Facebook is soon to replace television commercials. I'm not sure how true either of these statements is but I will say that I am preparing for it just in case.

In speaking of the ever so changing world, there was a time when the term Apps simply referred to appetizers. Now when the term is dropped it's more likely to be in reference to Angry Birds or Words With Friends. Well for just this one day, I'd like to have a return to the days of old and proclaim this day"The Official Throwback Day"! This will be a day when an "old-head" like me can use a term like "Apps" and have the masses know that while "Angry Birds" is cool it's much better when "Apps" refers to a warm plate of loveliness that is being set down for you to enjoy.

On the menu today: Fried Zucchini Blossoms With Mascarpone & Scallop Spread

Zucchini Blossoms

Fried Zucchini Blossom with Mascarpone Spread

Zucchini Blossoms are both beautiful and delicious, the flowers blossom in the summer and can be found in Farmers Markets from June until September. While they are delicate they are able to hold up to a deep fryer once battered and create quite a tasty treat as an appetizer.

For this Menu we will need the following:

Zucchini Flowers (2-3 pp)
Mascarpone Cheese (4 oz)
Garlic (1 tsp)
Zucchini (1 ea)
Thyme (1 stem)
Green Onions (2 Tbs)
Scallops (2 feeds 4 people)
Olive Oil (.5 Tbs)
Butter (.5 Tbs)
Soda Water (1 cup)
Flour (3/4 cup)
Coarse Kosher Salt (t t)

Marinaded Scallops W/ Thyme

Diced Zucchini & Green Onions

Mascarpone Cheese

Start by marinating the scallops in the minced garlic and olive oil, then sauteing and setting them aside. Once cooled dice the scallops and set aside for later use. Add the minced green onions and time to the pan and allowing to brown slightly and setting aside. Mix in with the mascarpone cheese along with the diced scallops and sit in a small serving dish (see picture below).

Mascarpone Spread

Make the batter by adding the soda water to the flour and whisking together. Dip the Zucchini blossoms in the batter and deep fry until slightly golden in color and turning on time. Remove from the oil and allow to drain using a paper towel. Plate as seen below or in whatever way you decide to.

Star Of The Show

Batter

Fried Zucchini Blossom

Flower Girl - Dwele & Maysa

Casarecce W/ Smoked Salmon, Zucchini, Corn & Sun Dried Tomatoes

Bonus Recipe- Casarecce with Smoked Salmon, Corn, Tomatoes & Zucchini

Casarecce With Smoked Salmon & Corn...

For this we will need the following:

Smoked Salmon (4-6 oz)
Casarecce Pasta (4-8 oz)
Corn (2-3 cups)
Zucchini (1-2 cups)
Sun Dried Tomatoes (1-2 cups)
Onions (1 ea)
Green Onions (.5 cup)
Garlic (2 Tbs)
Olive Oil (2 Tbs)
Heavy Cream (1 cup)

Add the heavy cream to a pot and reduce by half, once done add salt and set aside.

Cook the pasta in accordance with the label.

Julienne the onions and sun dried tomatoes, slice the green onions and zucchini and sauté until slightly browned. Add the garlic and then the cooked pasta. Break apart the Smoked Salmon and add to the mixture. Now add the reduced heavy cream and stir in on low to medium heat for 2-3 minutes. Plate and serve as shown below.