Crab EnchiladasBlue crab season is winding down to a close here on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. But, it sure has been a great summer for them here at our house! My dad has a couple of crab pots at his boat slip, and he’s been gifting us with a few dozen almost weekly.

Last month I entered my crab and fresh corn chowder into the 49th Annual Hard Crab Derby Cooking Contest in Crisfield, Maryland. It came in 2nd with some stiff competition, which was more than an honor for this Maryland girl. There were actually several crab and corn soups entered. Which, got me to thinking that next year I wanted to do something really off the wall, that I was sure no one else would be making…

That’s where I came up with the idea for these crab enchiladas. These shrimp enchiladas are one of my favorite meals of all time, so it wasn’t a far leap to just replace the shrimp with crab meat. And, oh my lawd…so incredibly good! Richer than the shrimp version, but still extremely filling and different. If you have access to fresh crab meat, definitely give these a try. It’s an impressive dinner that’s sure to please. Can’t wait to enter these babies in next years competition!

Easy Black Bean & Cheese Nacos

Well, things are well under way in the back to school front here at our house. Andrew started kindergarten this year, and is gone all day long – not returning home until 3 in the afternoon. Which, is a long day for a kindergartner if you ask me…it was just a half day when I went to school!

At any rate, my little man gets home and is hungry for a snack. And to buy myself some time to get dinner started, I’m always happy to oblige. I usually always have the ingredients for these quick and easy nachos on hand, and the boys always love them. Cheese is something our family can never get enough of – so I use two varieties in these nachos. A cheddar for that cheesy flavor, paired with a Monterey Jack for a nice cheesy gooeyness.  And with the addition of black beans and a good veggie-hearty salsa, it’s a choice you can feel good about. Calcium, protein – two things my little ones need plenty of!

Supporting local dairy farmers is something I’m passionate about. Whether it’s the little independent dairy in my small town, or by looking for the Real Seal logo on dairy products when I’m shopping at the supermarket – I know that I’m supporting American cows, and that makes me smile. I can’t help but love those California cow commercials, can you? Get, get on the floor…

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by the good folks at Real Seal, and as always all thoughts are my own.

Mango Avocado Salsa

I love fruit-based salsas. They’re wonderfully versatile, using whatever fruits are in season and look good. And, they’re good on just about anything. On fish, on chicken, on pork, wrapped into a burrito, with tortilla chips…are you picking up what I’m putting down here?

This mango avocado variety is my hands down favorite topping for fish tacos. The sweetness from the mango, a crunch from the onion, a little bit of heat from a jalapeno, and a big dose of freshness from lots of chopped cilantro. I usually go with red onion for my salsas, but I had some gorgeous Cippolini onions from my crop share this week. They were mild and sweet, but they worked well with the salsa.

There was a slight chill in the air this morning. We still have August to look forward to, and I plan on enjoying every minute of the abundance of ripe summer fruits while they last. I hope you do too!

Grilled Pineapple Salsa

I love getting creative with different kinds of fruit salsas in the summertime. This pineapple version is one of my favorites! A quick char of fresh pineapple, paired with traditional salsa ingredients – red onion, cilantro, and fresh jalapeno, and you have yourself a damn fine salsa.

My original plan included mango in the mix, but it looked less than desirable when I cut it open – and I really liked the fact that the pineapple was the star of the show. Didn’t miss the mango one bit.

It’s fabulous on fish tacos, grilled chicken or pork chops, or on it’s own served with tortilla chips. Perfect for a summertime fiesta in the backyard!