crab cakes

Celiac's Delight: Gluten-free crab cakes from High Pointe Catering. See sidebar for recipe. Courtesy photo

Soul Kitchen Briefs

11 March - 7 April 2010


March Print Edition
Published: March 11, 2010

Dungeness Crab Cakes with Mango Relish

Gluten free recipe by Mike Lathbury, owner and chef of High Pointe Catering.

Crab Cakes
2 whole Dungeness crabs 1.5-2 lbs each
2 cup chop scallions
1/2 cup chop parsley
1.5 tbl Old Bay
1 cp ground flax flakes
1 cup Best Foods mayo
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tsp salt
1 tsp white pepper
3 eggs
Potato flour for dredging
Virgin Olive Oil

In a large mixing bowl gently combine with your fingers the crabmeat, scallions, parsley, lemon juice, and Old Bay being careful to not break up the crab lumps. Add the mayo, eggs, and flax and gently fold with a rubber spatula until it is just mixed and clings together. The consistency should allow you to form small balls that hold together and won’t fall apart.

The size of the crab cakes is up to you. For appetizers about 2-3ounces will suffice. 5oz for an entree sized portion. Form the mixture into balls then gently press down into cakes that are about 1/4 to 1/2 inches thick.

Heat a skillet with enough olive oil to cover the bottom of the pan, about 1/8 inch deep. Gently dredge the crab cakes in the potato flour and coat lightly not allowing the flour to cake up then place the crab cakes in the hot skillet. Use a spatula to loosen from the bottom so they don’t stick. When golden brown, flip to the other side and continue until golden. Remove and set on a platter ready to serve. Spoon the Mango Relish over the top and enjoy.

Mango Salsa
1 cup mango, fine dice
2 oz red bell pepper- fine dice
2 oz red onion- fine dice
1 tbl cilantro, chopped
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tbl sugar
2 limes juiced
1 tsp Sambal (a chili-based sauce)
Salt and pepper to taste

The salsa can be prepared ahead of time. Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix well. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Submit your own to soulkitchen@moonshineink.com.

New Menu, Discounts at Ristorante Montagne
Ristorante Montagne, located at the Resort at Squaw Creek, has introduced a new winter dinner menu focusing on the concept of cucina povera, an Italian phrase that means “cooking of the poor.” At Montagne, the principle is interpreted to mean “humble cooking” and has inspired affordably priced soups, salads, pizzas, pastas, and entrees including manicotti with béchamel sauce, lamb osso buco, and eggplant parmesan. In addition to the new menu, the restaurant is offering a 10-percent discount to Squaw Valley USA season passholders through April. Info: Resort at Squaw Creek, 400 Squaw Creek Road, Olympic Valley, (530) 581-6618, squawcreek.com/ristorante-montagna

Catering Company Offers Gluten Free Menus

In a country with a growing number of people who have gluten allergies, Truckee’s High Pointe Catering is catering to this trend by making gluten-free menus for all occasions. According to Mike Lathbury, owner and chef, gluten-free cuisine can be just as tempting and delicious as standard party fare, and guests will be none the wiser. See sidebar for Lathbury’s gluten free recipe for crab cakes and mango salsa. Info: (530) 414-3357, highpointecatering.com

Sushi on the Slopes
Sunday March 21
At a Diamond Peak “Last Tracks” event, skiers and riders take the last chair of the day up to Snowflake Lodge and enjoy a selection of wines and an array of hot and cold appetizers while enjoying the sunset over Lake Tahoe. At the end of the event, participants ski freshly groomed corduroy to the base area. On March 21, the resort is partnering with Yoshimi Sushi and offering a special sushi and sake tasting version of their signature event. Yoshimi will offer a sampling of nigiri, maki, and specialty items along with a variety of hot and cold sakes. There will also be an expert on hand to answer questions and provide advice on choosing the right sake. Space is limited to the first 50 people and cost is $50 per person, which  includes skiing or riding from 2:30 until 4:30 p.m. Regularly scheduled Last Tracks are held every Saturday for the rest of the season and are just $29 per person. Info: 1210 Ski Way, Incline Village, (775) 832-1177, diamondpeak.com

FiftyFifty Brew Ranked Top 25
Draft Magazine recently released their annual list of the Top 25 beers in the world, and FiftyFifty Brewing Co.’s Eclipse Barrel Aged Imperial Stout was among the best. In response to the success and demand of Eclipse, brewers Todd and Kyle Ashman will be more than doubling the production for the 2010 vintage. Brewing of the base “Totality” Imperial Stout has already commenced, and is expected to be on tap at the brewery this spring. Info: 11197 Brockway Road, Truckee, (530) 587-BEER, fiftyfiftybrewing.com

Jake’s on the Lake Specials
On Wednesday March 17, enjoy traditional Irish cuisine, drinks, Happy Hour, and live music. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., music begins at 6 p.m. On Thursday March 25 at 5:30 p.m., taste wines poured by featured winemaker Charles Krug of Napa Valley, paired with sample courses of chef Scott Yorkey’s creative cuisine to complement each wine. Price is $25 per person. Space is limited, reservations required. Upcoming full moon date nights invite guests to enjoy a four-course dinner for $79 per couple including tax and tip with selections from a special menu. Upcoming nights include Sunday March 28, Monday March 29, and Tuesday March 30. Enjoy Easter Brunch at Jake’s, opening at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday April 4. Kids may even find an Easter egg or two. Reservations recommended. Info: 780 North Lake Boulevard, Boatworks Mall, Tahoe City, (530) 583-0188, jakestahoe.com

Wolfdale’s Happy Hour Specials
From 5 to 6:30 p.m., Wednesday to Friday, Wolfdale’s Cuisine Unique is offering happy hour in the bar. Specials include mixed drinks, wine, and draft beer along with an extensive food menu that features Hawaiian poke cones, Malaysian spring rolls, sashimi of ahi tuna, cheeseburger and truffle fries, and portabella cheeseburger and fries. Info: 640 North Lake Boulevard, Tahoe City, (530) 583-5700, wolfdales.com

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