Warm Weather Around the Corner

Now that it is March, spring is right around the corner. That means warm weather and barbecueing; and who doesn't love a good BBQ?

Here at Betty Crocker, we look forward to getting outside and cooking on an open flame. We also love potato salad, pasta salad, corn on the cobb, and a good old fashioned New England clambake.

Anyway, with all the snow we have had this year, I thought it would be nice to think about the summer cooking that we have just ahead of us. In order to help everyone achieve this warmer state of mind, we are having a cookout contest! We invite you to send in your favorite cookout recipes. We will choose 50 finalists, and post the recipes on our website. Then you all can vote on your favorites, with the top ten recipes winning a Weber grill!

This contest is open to every kind of recipe. Have a great marinade or rub for your ribs? Send it in. How about a great summer time beverage? Every cookout needs good drinks, so send those in too.

The only requirement is that you get your entries in by March 31. And of course, it must taste delicious. Send in as many entries as you can. Voting will continue the entire of month of April. Please send all entries to contest@notbetty.com.

In line with the summer theme, I am posting a favorite summer treat of mine: Clam Cakes. This is a simple, but delicious deep-fried treat. The best part is, most people will have all the ingredients they need already.

2 cups Gold Medal Flour
2 eggs
1 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. fresh chives or parsley, chopped
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
1 tbsp. sugar
1/2 cup milk
2 small cans minced clams
1/2 cup clam broth or liquid
2 tsp. baking powder

One of the great things about this recipe is its simplicity. First step, mix everything in a mixing bowl. Be sure to drain the clams, but save the juice. Depending on the clams, you should be able to get half a cup of juice out of one can of clams. Once everything is mixed, drop the batter, a tablespoon at a time, into a deep fryer or a pan of hot oil. Try to keep the oil around 375 degrees. The cakes should float, so make sure to flip them so both sides get golden brown. They should take about 3-5 minutes to cook. Dry them on a paper towel before serving. Then, enjoy!

Hopefully, this inspires all of you.

Good luck, and get cooking.

Betty