Memorial Day has always been the starting date for my countdown to summer. During my school years, the holiday signified the beginning of my teachers slacking off a bit - giving us puzzles and dimming the lights for movies to pass the time. As an adult, it means that I can now wear white pants appropriately and soon take my runs post 8:30 PM. As a foodie, it signifies the start of grilling and crisp/cobbler season. To celebrate Memorial Day, my husband and I grilled up some burgers, buttered some corn, and savored deliciously bubbling-hot blueberry crisp.
One of the reasons why I love crisps is it’s such a versatile dessert. Don’t care for blueberries? Try blackberries, cherries, apples, strawberries, or peaches. Not only versatile, it’s also easy-peasy. You can even make extra topping, freeze it, and save it for your next crisp creation. Honestly, the hardest part about making this dessert is the hour you wait as the crisp bakes in the oven. The wonderful smell of rich butter and juicy berries wafting throughout your whole house is enough to drive you crazy.
Recipe after the jump…
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We have been getting a lot of feedback from our readers lately, which is fantastic.
Our good friend Laura, from Life on the Potomac wanted to share a few tidbits from around the web with you:
- Do you have any ideas how many veggies you can eat for 100 Calories? I had no clue FitSugar put together a chart to show you how many veggies you can eat for around 100 calories. Did you know you can eat 36 spears of asparagus for only 106 calories?
- Laura was a big fan of this pasta maker attachment on The Kitchn. I kinda like it because it reminds me of the play-doh extruder I played with as a kid. But to be honest, I like to go old school and make it by hand.
Kelly emailed us asking for recommendations on a cheap but quality dinner in the Georgetown/Courthouse/Rosslyn area. I generally feel that most (if not all) of the restaurants by the water in Georgetown are overpriced garbage. Just because you have a good view doesn’t mean you have to have expensive crappy food, does it? We suggested for a casual meal they check out TackleBox in Georgetown. If they wanted something a little bit nicer to check out two of our favorites – Guajillo and Me Jana.
@SnackDecision tweeted that I should buy my wife this PB&J Pouch. I think I learned my lesson on that one. Although, I will be attending a wedding this weekend, rocking my new (picture coming soon!) PB&J Cufflinks! Aww yeah!
@RedMangoCEO shared our review of Red Mango. CEO’s tweet about us. We’re kind of a big deal. Dan Kim, if you want to send us a bunch of free coupon’s for Red Mango to spread the word, that would be awesome.
Got a question? Need a recipe? Have an idea for a blog story? Email us at eatdrinkmore (at) gmail.com, or tweet us at EatDrinkMore
In other news…
- Equinox is opening soon. Y&H has pictures of the renovation and the new space looks amazing.
- Ripple, a new restaurant focused on locally sourced and seasonal dishes opens this weekend in Cleveland Park.
- EatMore DrinkMore went to Cantina Marina last night. Great time, it was our first time there. Great spot to have a few drinks on the water. Much less pretentious than the Georgetown scene.
- It’s Memorial Day weekend. Fire up the grill w/ one of our Lamb Burgers or check out these tips from BLT Steak on grilling an inexpensive steak dinner for four.
Last night we had a chance to check out the new Red Mango in Clarendon. Whoever opened this place is a genius. A Frozen Yogurt shop – summer, high traffic location and right next to a Yoga store (Lululemon) and a Washington Sports Club? Are you kidding me? This place is going to be printing money this summer.
It was my first time trying their yogurt and I was very impressed. The white peach was excellent and we topped it off with fresh blueberries. I love that they use fresh fruit as toppings and not the compote that you see at other establishments. The yogurt only has 90 calories and they are open till 11! I always hated that TCBY in Ballston closed at nine. 9:30 – 10:30 is prime frozen yogurt time in the summer.
For our gentlemen readers, the guy girl ratio was easily 20 to 1, and every girl in the place was in a good mood. I heard at least five different female customers say “OH MY GOD!! THIS IS SOOO GOOD!!! LOVE IT!”. It got to be comical.
So if you’re a single guy, a frozen yogurt lover, or if you want a low calorie treat to cool off from ridiculously hot summer we are having, go check out Red Mango. Say hi to me when you’re there, because I have a feeling my wife will be sending me there every night. Red Mango is certainly a million times better than the 100 Calorie Chips A-Hoy packs from Costco you are eating at home.
Red Mango – The Clarendon Commons
2831 Clarendon Blvd.
Arlington, VA 22201
Phone: 571 431 7359
sun-thurs: 10:30am-10pm
fri-sat: 10:30am-11pm
May Wine Club Selections
I ended up being out of town in (in Napa!!) during this month’s pick-up party for Screwtop Wine & Cheese Club. Since I just swung by to pick up my wine and cheese for the month, I haven’t had a chance to try the wine but the Big John’s Cajun Cheddar was awesome. I had the chance to share it with Chad and his wife (my payment for them cooking up some awesome lamb burgers.) Here are the tasting notes.
Isabel’s Cuvee Grenache Rose 2009, Eldorado, CA
A vibrant salmon pink grabs your attention. Once the glass is raised, strawberry and rhubarb mingling with tangerine exvite the nose. Juicy berry flavors balanced with bracing acidity keep our rose fresh while the chewy tannins provide substantial texture and depth. Retails for $21.99.
Cass Grenache 2008, Paso Robles, CA
Summer calls for lighter bodied reds that pair well with spicy and flavorful items from the grill. Throw some chorizo on the grill and watch this wine come alive! Retails for $24.99
Big John’s Cajun Cheddar, Beehive Cheese Company, Utah
It has buttery, full-bodied, and lively with snappy, citrus-like and fruity notes. Than hand rubbed spices warms you tongue and leaves a subtle sharp note in your mouth. Retails for $21.99 per lb.
Paninis and Wine
Last weekend I was in Napa with my girlfriends (winery post to come) so I hadn’t hung out with my husband in awhile. Since he eats nothing but frozen pizza while I’m gone, I decided to make him a nice dinner to pair with some of the wine I bought. I ended up making paninis with asiago, prosciutto and basil pesto plus strawberry, toasted walnut and feta salad. The whole thing was incredibly quick and easy and paired very nicely with my Elizabeth Pinot Noir from Baldacci Vineyards.
Prosciutto & Pesto Paninis (recipe is per panini):
2 slices of rustic whole wheat bread from Trader Joes (it is the best option for Paninis!)
3 thin slices of asiago cheese
2-3 torn leaves of basil
1-2 tablespoons pesto spread over the bread. Again, Trader Joes makes a really good jar version if you don’t want to make your own.
2-3 slices of prosciutto
Strawberry, toasted walnut and feta salad with balsamic vinaigrette
Chopped romaine, mixed greens or spinach (enough for two bowls)
Handful of sliced strawberries split between both bowls
1/3 cup of chopped walnuts toasted in a skillet split between both bowls
4 tablespoons of feta split between both bowls
Homemade balsamic vinaigrette:
Simply combine all ingredients below and whisk together
3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
3/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 clove garlic, crushed
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 pinch salt
1 pinch freshly ground black pepper
