Disclosure: I received a copy of The Jersey Shore Cookbook from Quirk Books to review. As always, all opinions expressed are my own.
Experience the Flavors of the Jersey Shore: A Deep Dive into The Jersey Shore Cookbook and a Legendary Lobster Mac and Cheese Recipe
As a proud Jersey Girl, born and raised, few traditions hold as much cherished significance as the annual pilgrimage “down the shore” when summer arrives. The mere thought conjures images of sun-kissed beaches, the rhythmic crash of waves, the invigorating scent of salt air, and, of course, the unparalleled culinary delights that define the New Jersey coastline.
So, you can undoubtedly imagine my immense excitement upon receiving a review copy of Deborah Smith’s captivating new book, The Jersey Shore Cookbook: Fresh Summer Flavors from the Boardwalk and Beyond (Quirk Books, 2016). Smith, the visionary founder and executive editor of the popular online food magazine, JerseyBites.com (to which I am a proud contributor), has masterfully curated a collection of 50 exquisite recipes. These culinary treasures hail from some of our state’s most celebrated shore restaurants, beloved bakeries, and talented chefs, offering a comprehensive taste of the region’s vibrant food scene.
Flipping through the pages, one recipe immediately seized my attention and culinary imagination: the irresistible Lobster Mac and Cheese from the renowned Labrador Lounge in Normandy Beach. There was simply no question about which dish would be my inaugural creation from this magnificent cookbook. After all, when envisioning the quintessential Jersey summer experience, who could possibly resist the allure of a perfectly executed, decadent Lobster Mac?
Bringing the Shore Home: A Culinary Journey Through Deborah Smith’s Vision
On a particularly chilly afternoon, wrapped in my coziest “fuzzy socks,” I immersed myself in Smith’s cookbook the moment it arrived. With each turned page, the vivid recipes and enchanting backstories effortlessly transported me back to the bustling Jersey Shore. I could almost feel the rolling waves breaking over my toes, the crisp, salty air playfully tousling my hair, and taste the delicious, fresh seafood that is synonymous with coastal New Jersey. Truly, after a day spent soaking up the sun and sounds of the beach, there’s nothing quite like indulging in a memorable shore meal.
Deborah Smith, a lifelong resident of the Jersey Shore, imbues every page of this cookbook with her profound passion for the region and the tight-knit community it embodies. Her dedication is palpable, shining through in every detail. Beyond a mere compilation of recipes, The Jersey Shore Cookbook functions as an engaging culinary tour of the shore’s dynamic dining landscape. Each featured dish and restaurant is accompanied by fascinating backstories, offering readers a glimpse into the people, traditions, and inspirations behind these beloved establishments. This thoughtful inclusion elevates the book from a simple recipe guide to a captivating narrative, celebrating the heart and soul of Jersey Shore cuisine.
The cookbook’s diverse offerings span the entire culinary spectrum, from hearty breakfasts to delectable desserts, showcasing the very best of the region’s cherished traditions and vibrant seasonal ingredients. Imagine starting your day with “Brunchwiches” featuring Pork Roll – a quintessential Jersey breakfast staple known for its savory flavor and versatility. For a lighter, yet equally flavorful option, consider the Charred Jersey Tomato Salad with Sweet Corn, celebrating the state’s renowned produce. Seafood lovers will rejoice in recipes like Seared Jersey Scallops, highlighting the bounty of our coastal waters. And to cap off any meal, the Peach Panna Cotta promises a sweet, refreshing finish, capturing the essence of summer’s fruitfulness. Are you hungry yet?
The Ultimate Summer Indulgence: Labrador Lounge’s Lobster Mac and Cheese
My unwavering love for Lobster Mac and Cheese reaches its zenith whenever I spot it on a menu, especially in the charming eateries along the Jersey Shore. It’s a dish that seems to strip me of all willpower, transforming me into an eager connoisseur of comfort food. A truly well-executed Lobster Mac isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, embodying the very best of summer’s indulgent pleasures. The Labrador Lounge’s recipe, as featured in The Jersey Shore Cookbook, stands as a shining example of this beloved classic.
This particular recipe masterfully combines a luxuriously rich, buttery four-cheese sauce—a harmonious blend of sharp Cheddar, creamy Monterey Jack, pungent Asiago, and nutty Swiss—with the bright, fresh notes of chopped chives. Generous amounts of sweet, succulent lobster meat are folded in, ensuring a delightful bite in every spoonful. The entire creation is then crowned with a golden, toasted breadcrumb topping, adding a perfect textural contrast. As this magnificent dish baked in my kitchen, the nutty, briny, and profoundly buttery aromas that filled the air were nothing short of heavenly, a testament to the simple yet profound magic of coastal cuisine.
It was a genuine challenge for my taste testers and me to resist digging into the finished dish while attempting to capture its beauty during the photo shoot! This Lobster Mac and Cheese is more than just a recipe; it’s a wonderful dish for luxurious, yet utterly relaxed, summer entertaining. It promises to impress guests with its sophisticated flavors while maintaining the comforting, laid-back vibe characteristic of shore gatherings.
The Jersey Shore Cookbook, officially released on April 12, 2016, and available for pre-order at the time of this review, quickly became an indispensable addition to my culinary library. I have no doubt I’ll be cooking from its pages all summer long, eagerly taking it with me to my favorite local farmer’s markets to gather the freshest seasonal ingredients. This cookbook truly captures the essence of summer dining on the Jersey Shore.
My sincere thanks go to Deborah Smith for creating such a wonderful addition to our cookbook collections. It’s a book that beautifully encapsulates the spirit and vibrant flavors of the beautiful Jersey Shore, allowing all of us to effortlessly bring a piece of that coastal charm into our own kitchens, no matter where we are.
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Labrador Lounge Lobster Mac and Cheese
Amanda Biddle
Reprinted with permission from The Jersey Shore Cookbook (Deborah Smith, Quirk Books, 2016)
30
40
45
10 to 15 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound macaroni (such as elbows, shells, or orecchiette, or lobster-shaped pasta if you can find it)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (to taste)
- 2 cups cooked and diced lobster meat
- Freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
- Sea salt (to taste)
- ½ cup sliced shallots
- ¾ cup chopped fresh chives
- ½ pound unsalted butter (1 cup)
- 3 cups heavy cream (divided)
- 1 cup shredded Asiago cheese
- 1 cup cubed Swiss cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- Bread crumbs (to taste)
Instructions
- Cook pasta al dente according to package directions, then transfer to a colander and drain thoroughly.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Place a metal mixing bowl over it to create a double boiler setup. Add all cheeses (except Parmesan) and 1-½ cups of the heavy cream into the bowl.
- Melt the cheeses, stirring often to prevent them from burning or sticking. If the mixture appears too stringy or clumpy, gradually add more of the remaining cream until a desired consistency is achieved. The ideal texture should be velvety and slightly loose, similar to a rich cheese soup.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a sauté pan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the chopped chives, sliced shallots, sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Cook, stirring continuously, for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the shallots become tender and fragrant. Incorporate the cooked lobster meat and continue to cook, stirring, for another 1 to 2 minutes to heat through.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the lobster mixture with the cooked pasta and stir gently to combine. Slowly add as much of the melted cheese mixture as desired, ensuring the pasta is well coated.
- Transfer the entire mixture into an oven-safe baking dish. Sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs over the top. Bake for 12 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the mac and cheese is thoroughly warm and bubbling in the center.
Notes
Nutrition Estimate
Carbohydrates: 37g |
Protein: 27g |
Fat: 58g |
Saturated Fat: 36g |
Cholesterol: 245mg |
Sodium: 544mg |
Potassium: 301mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 1g |
Vitamin A: 2115IU |
Vitamin C: 2.1mg |
Calcium: 473mg |
Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Please note that our recipes have been developed using the US Customary measurement system and have not been tested for high altitude/elevation cooking and baking.
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