Frog Tales

Last night we had the opportunity to fulfill a special request for one of our guests.  This wonderful couple are both full time students, parents of two kids (age 5 & 8) and are here on their honeymoon, 10 years late ... All ready to go for the Sunset Dinner When we received John's inquiry about a candlelit romantic sunset dinner in the gazebo we were excited to try something new and have some fun with staging the gazebo and creating a wonderful menu.  Alex got to be the Caribbean Server Extraordinaire, and he did a fantastic job. The weather cooperated and even though the sunset wasn't spectacular, the setting was perfect.  They ended the evening with a "Wish Lantern" sendoff and a moonlit walk on the beach. The Menu: Caesar Salad with homemade dressing and parmesan crisp Focaccia Bread Linguini with shrimp, asparagus, artichokes, mushrooms and tomatoes New York style cheesecake with a Mango & Strawberry Coulis Caesar Salad Dressing & Pa...

I can't take credit for this recipe ... and I just love the way Anne Burrell added little insights to this recipe. Focaccia Recipe courtesy Anne Burrell Prep Time: 20 min Inactive Prep Time: 2 hr 15 min Cook Time: 30 min Level: Intermediate Serves: 8 to 10 servings Ingredients 1 3/4 cups warm water 1 package active dry yeast 1 tablespoon sugar 5 cups all-purpose flour, plus additional for kneading 1 tablespoon kosher salt, plus coarse sea salt, for sprinkling 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided Directions Combine the warm water, yeast and sugar in a small bowl. Put the bowl in a warm, not hot or cool, place until the yeast is bubbling and aromatic, at least 15 minutes. In the bowl of a mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the flour, 1 tablespoon of kosher salt, 1/2 cup olive oil and the yeast mixture on low speed. Once the dough has come together, continue to knead for 5 to 6 minutes on a medium speed until it becomes smooth and soft. Give it a sprinkle of flour if th...