Feeling Crabby

I'm feeling a bit crabby this morning. And, no, not because it's Monday (surprisingly!). I just came across the most fantastic, messy, and delicious dinner concept. Whether there are two of you or ten, all that's required is this past Sunday's newspaper, a hammer, wine, and a hunger for my most beloved crustacean: crab.

You'd be shocked at the deal your local grocery can give you on crab legs (we're talking a quarter of the price at a restaurant) and the relatively easy set-up and clean-up for family and friends. No dirty dishes! In fact, I just spooned some cocktail sauce and spicy mustard right on the newspaper "tablecloth"at my seat.

Last week in Watercolor, my adopted Fogelman family and I dined on these for almost an hour. We loved it so much, we're doing it again this week with more guests! And while I am not advocating ditching a burger cookout for Fourth of July, a crab cookout could be a perfectly seasonal alternative that actually requires sitting around a table for the entirety of the meal.

I highly encourage this foolproof concept, especially during the upcoming month of July. You'll be feeling crabby soon enough!

top and featured image via katie evans

Lick Ice Creams (Austin)

Need to cool off during the upcoming Fourth of July weekend? I have just the right suggestion for this unbearably hot, spectacularly sunny Austin weather. Opened just this past year, Lick Ice Creams is already making its mark for homemade local goodness in every bite.

First of all, Lick's location is prime. Situated right next to my favorite lunch and dinner spots -- Henri's Cheese Shop and Barley Swine, respectively -- you won't be able to resist a scoop after a delightful meal. However, if you're not eating at one of the two neighboring restaurants, no worries! The drive down the funky, foodie-centric South Lamar is always an enjoyable one (after passing Whole Foods/Fifth Street traffic).

The ingredients are gourmet, and the flavors are distinctive (Texas sheet cake!?). The texture is smoother than most competitors', and the store has mastered the perfect-sized scoop that neither overwhelms nor underwhelms. Might I add that there is also an awesome t-shirt selection!

I'm sure you can't go wrong with any flavor option, but I personally recommend the Strawberry Basil if you're in a fruity mood, or the Caramel Salt Lick if you're feeling super sweet.

Please share your favorite Lick flavors!

Funfetti Sprinkle Cookies

Admit it; there's a kid in each of us who craves the colorful, whimsical delight of sprinkles. And when opportunities arise to gather the family, these funfetti, buttery cookies are the perfect treat. During my time in Watercolor, Florida, my seventh-grader buddy Alex and I tried out this recipe in attempts to master a Fourth of July snack. She approves; and we're hopefully going to find red, white, and blue sprinkles for the patriotic, family-filled occasion!

Makes approximately 2.5 dozen cookies

2 1/4 cups all purpose flour, plus 1 tablespoon 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 1 3/4 sticks butter, softened 3/4 cup granulated sugar 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 large eggs 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl until well combined. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each egg addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture in small batches.

3. Stir in sprinkles. Drop by the rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets. Sprinkle a few extra sprinkles on top, if desired. Be sure to keep them at least 2 inches apart. . .!

4. Bake for 10-11 minutes until golden brown.

Bottega Cafe (Birmingham)

When my mother and I only have 36 hours down in Birmingham, Alabama, we mean serious business in the food department -- especially after a three hour drive! Having spent a less than glamorous afternoon in the car two Tuesdays ago, I craved a top-notch dinner that did not require a fine dining vibe. Luckily, Bottega Restaurant understands this distinctive request. By pairing a white tablecloth option and trendy café side-by-side -- both providing excellent cocktails and plates -- diners can choose the atmosphere they desire more. In our case, it was Bottega Café. We were very pleased.

We met the Rosenthals, my mother's childhood friends, and immediately ordered cocktails after finding a table. The spot was packed to the brim with beautiful couples and groups of all ages.

The four of us munched on marinated olives (with dainty lemon twists) and homemade, extra crispy potato chips with charred onion dip. I enjoyed the smokiness of a classic Southern starter. The drinks were fabulous too, especially Bottega's famous "Orange Thing" (first photograph), served up in a martini glass. The sweetness of orang liquor and orange juice dangerously distracts you from realizing it's a strong vodka martini!

Not that you should be surprised, but I was craving pasta. So, naturally, I ordered the garganelli with crawfish, mushrooms, squash, white wine, and basil. Sweet and savory, light yet filling. I would order it again and again.

The others ordered crab cakes. Why? Because it was Tuesday. These heaping, sizzling cakes are only served once a week -- now deemed "Crabcake Day" at Bottega Cafe -- so my fellow guests generously shared a few bites with me. I now understand why the demand is so high!

I wish every day were Crabcake Day. . .

Let's Go to the Beach

Today, I'm heading to Watercolor, Florida, and I cannot wait for the relaxation and sunshine in store. I may have eaten McDonald's already. . . but I promise I'll cook some beautiful recipes for you while I am here. Despite my inclination to pack my entire wardrobe -- I like options, people -- I chose a few colorful picks to last me throughout the vacation. Here's my chance to share them with you! I also brought a few cookbooks to experiment with while hangin' in the beach house. Have a lovely weekend!

1. NAUTICAL ESPADRILLES from J. Crew

2. SUN BREEZE SEA HAT from Anthropologie

3. JUNE SHADES from Anthropologie

4. SURF HAIR SET from Bumble and Bumble

5. EYELET CHINO PANTS from Anthropologie

6. WHITE FRINGE BANDEAU from Target

Mini Lobster Rolls

I’m always in search for the ideal lobster roll. I’ve tried many in the past (Garbo’s in Austin currently reigns); and maybe it’s just my taste, but I prefer the buttery Connecticut style over a mayo-heavy infusion. There’s something simply heartwarming about a toasty bun, steamed lobster meat, and whole lotta butta. I decided to go for my own at home and quickly learned that, yes, this high-style, party-starting appetizer is easy as ever to put together. Celebrate summer with a bite of these minis!

Makes 8 mini rolls

4 fresh lobster tails 4 tablespoons butter, melted Juice of 2 lemons 2 tablespoons assorted herbs, coarsely chopped (I used a combination of chives, tarragon, and Italian parsley) Salt and black pepper 8 mini yeast or brioche rolls

1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Using tongs, add lobster tails to water and steam until plump and bright pink, about 6 minutes. While lobster tails are steaming, prepare an ice bath in a large serving bowl.

2. Remove lobster tails and immediately place in ice bath to cool.

3. Using scissors, cut a line vertically across each lobster tail. Split open and remove meat. Cut lobster meat into ½ inch pieces and place in a small bowl.

4. Toast rolls and cut approximately 1 inch vertically, making sure to keep entire bun in one piece!

5. Meanwhile, add lemon juice, butter, herbs, and a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper to the bowl. Lightly coat lobster with butter mixture.

6. Spoon lobster evenly into each bun and serve warm.