tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-652083600817971769.post-47193590047776332582008-04-09T13:23:00.006-04:002008-04-10T16:19:39.408-04:00Spring into the SeasonMichael LaDuke here again, back from a week’s vacation enjoying time with my family and eating some great seafood in Hilton Head SC. OK, I will admit, one night we had steaks cooked over charcoal, but I had BBQ shrimp with them. <br /><br />As we were driving home, I began thinking about the great season that is upon us: spring. As a chef, I love spring because so many great items are beginning to come into season, and markets flourish with the first crops of beautiful local produce. Dishes become lighter, flavors more vibrant, and everything just starts to taste better as we roll out of the long winter. On a personal note, spring is a great time of year as well with Mother’s Day, school graduations, both my children’s birthdays and plenty of reasons to spend time with loved ones and enjoy special meals together. <br /><br />This year, as you plan your own spring celebrations, I wanted to share with you a few ideas for ”Culinary Cocktails.” When I have friends and family over, I always love to come up with a new drink that has a chef’s twist -- adding fresh herbs, or replacing a typical ingredient with a not-so- common one. The drinks are always the hit of the party, and are a great way to get everyone gathered around the table. Here are three drink recipes, all of which have nonalcoholic versions the whole family can enjoy.<br /><br />The first is a <a href="http://www.redlobster.com/cookbook/cookbook_recipe_print.asp?recipe=pbmt" target="_blank">Pineapple Basil Margarita</a> that uses a very cool and easy pineapple salt as a garnish, and fresh basil to give the drink a neat sweet twist. The second is a <a href="http://www.redlobster.com/cookbook/cookbook_recipe_print.asp?recipe=fmmj" target="_blank">Melon and Fresh Mint Mojito</a>. For this drink I made a juice from fresh Honeydew melon and cucumbers, and infused it with mint, for a crisp, fresh twist on a classic drink. The last drink is my favorite, a <a href="http://www.redlobster.com/cookbook/cookbook_recipe_print.asp?recipe=cbns" target="_blank">Banana Smoothie with Curry and Cinnamon</a>. A blend of curry powder is mixed with cinnamon and sugar to give your drink a smooth, spiced flavor. You will find all of these very easy to make, and the non-alcoholic versions are also fun to make with the whole family.<br /><br />So enjoy spring with some great ”Culinary Cocktails” and your favorite seafood. Thanks for reading, and please, come see what’s fresh today at Red Lobster.<br /><br />Michael LaDukeChefs Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07711591003860764060noreply@blogger.com