Light Summer Suppers - New England Style

New England Style

New England style cuisine is about more than clam chowder and lobster rolls. New Englanders make efficient and delicious use of their quality ingredients from the sea and land. Their heavy reliance on seafood and fresh produce makes New England an ideal inspiration for light summer suppers.

Lobster is both popular and plentiful in New England, although it's more expensive the farther away you live. However, splurging on a lobster or two and stretching it out into a salad or other dish can be a great way to enjoy it occasionally. Your seafood counter can usually steam it for you, making it easy and convenient. Try making a light lobster salad by combining lobster meat with a light citrusy vinaigrette and placing spoonfuls into endive or romaine leaves. Make a delicious lobster dip by adding to the meat a little bit of light mayo, fat free yogurt, chopped chives and green onions, the juice of a lemon, a teaspoon of minced shallot or garlic, and ¼ cup of Parmigiano. You can serve this chilled or heat in a casserole at 375 degrees until bubbly. Serve it with endive leaves, sliced fresh veggies and sliced French bread of crostini. You could also top your favorite pizza crust with lobster. Just brush crust with olive oil, sprinkle with chopped garlic, lobster meat, chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or basil, and the zest of a lemon. Cut fresh mozzarella into small cubes and scatter across the pizza. Bake at 400 until the crust is crisp and the cheese melted and gooey.

Because there is a huge Italian population in New England, pizza is a popular food. It's a wonderful vehicle for fresh seafood, and fun to make and serve to family and friends. Make or buy your own whole wheat pizza dough. For a smoky flavor and crisp crust try grilling your dough. You can top it with many different things but a clam pizza is typical in New England. You can use fresh or canned clams. Mix them with garlic, lemon juice, pepper, and chopped tomatoes and fresh herbs. Spread some light cream cheese on the crust and top with clam mixture. Sprinkle grated Parmigiano cheese on top and bake at 400 until the crust is golden brown. Serve with a spinach and arugula side salad for a perfect light meal.

Stuffed seafood is another popular dish, although generally heavy in calories. It's easy to lighten up by changing up a couple of ingredients. For a dramatic presentation and to feed a large crowd, choose two long filets of either cod or haddock. In a bowl mix together crabmeat, medium sized shrimp chopped into 2-3 pieces, 4-5 cloves chopped garlic, one finely diced sweet onion, fresh thyme, ½ cup of homemade bread crumbs, enough light mayo to make the mixture moist, the juice and zest of a lemon, and ¼ cup Parmigiano cheese. Place one filet in an oiled baking dish, spoon the filling on top of the filet, and place the other filet on top of that. Drizzle with lemon juice, olive oil, and a little bit of salt and pepper. Sprinkle some bread crumbs and cheese over top and bake at 350 for approximately 25-30 minutes. Serve with corn on the cob and sliced summer tomatoes dressed with a little sea salt and lemon juice for a refreshing summer supper.

Dessert doesn't have to be fussy or heavy. Try making dime sized cornmeal pancakes, top them with fresh blueberries and a drizzle of real maple syrup. Top with a dollop of light whipped topping or light sour cream. Another delicious treat is created by stirring maple syrup into lowfat vanilla pudding and topping with fresh blueberries and another drizzle of syrup. Make your favorite brownie recipe and let cool. Slice into squares or cut out rounds and spread with whipped marshmallow spread for an impromptu Whoopie pie; a Maine staple.

Make a unique cocktail by pureeing cranberry juice, blueberries, vodka, lemon juice, and ice. Create a sweet frozen cocktail by pureeing vanilla frozen yogurt, light rum, fresh strawberries, maple syrup, and ice. For a non-alcoholic drink that pleases the kids mix cran-raspberry juice with unsweetened ice tea and lemon wedges.

New England provides excellent inspiration for seasonal summer suppers. With just a few creative twists and your own imagination, you can have a light and healthy meal with lots of flavor and delicious ingredients that are the hallmark of the Northeast. Try some this summer and reap the rewards of New England' bounty.