We’re gunna need a bigger boat.
Boy, it’s been a long time since I did a TV dinner menu, but I am sure glad that I created this one. It’s the perfect time of year for Jaws, especially since our annual beach vacation is coming up soon. Why not continue to scare and torment myself about sharks in the ocean? It is part of the thrill, after all….
Jaws is just one of those nostalgic movies that gives off that summer vibe we can all relate to (other than the killer shark part). At least here in the Northeast USA, many of us go to Amity-like little beach towns in the summer, which basically all look the same. So growing up, we could appreciate how frightening something like Jaws could be. This movie has become a tradition for us to watch as a family every summer. Classic lines, a good plot, thrill, and even a little humor. What could be better? But, then again, I’m not here to write a movie review, I’m here to cook!
Never seen jaws?
GASP! Alright, well, I won’t hold it against you, but what better way to watch it your first time than with this fun themed menu? Eh?
Not convinced yet? Let’s take a look at this tasty menu and see if it changes your mind!
Chief Brody’s Crab Cakes
Sure, there isn’t a part in the movie where chief Brody eats crab cakes. But, it being a beach themed movie, we needed some sort of seafood appetizer. Nothing more classic than a crab cake. Besides, I’m sure chief has had many crab cakes in his day. Fresh lump crab meat, crisp breading, sweet and savory old bay, the tang of mustard, fresh herbs and spices, and a squeeze of lemon. Simple, classic, and delicious.
Recipes are at the bottom of the post!
Shark Bait Sandwiches
This is an ode to the poor fellas who thought it would be a good idea to use his wife’s pot roast to lure in Jaws on the dock. Well, those of us who have seen it knows what happens.
A beautiful piece of pot roast slow cooked with onions until fork tender, and topped with a homemade bbq sauce on a soft, crusty roll.
Serve it with this Seaweed Slaw, and you’re ready to go.
Seaweed being…kale. But hey, it passes.
Recipes are at the bottom of the post!
This Amity Beach Cocktail is definitely a must. All of those Beachy, tropical flavors in a glass. Besides, who doesn’t like gummy fish floating in their cocktail?!
Recipes are at the bottom of the post!
and finally, finish off the meal with my Shark Attack Sundae. Homemade creamy vanilla bean ice cream with toasted graham crackers and a berry jam. Gory, and delicious.
Oh, and most importantly, don’t forget to go out and get your Narragansett Beer so you can “Crush it Like Quint”! They now sell the 70s edition cans, as seen in Jaws!
Well, I hope you enjoy this menu as much as we did. I leave you with this, in proper Quint form:
“Farewell and ado to you fair Spanish Ladies….Farewell and ado to you ladies of Spain”
Cheers! *Crushes Beer Can*
The Recipes:
Chief Brody’s Crab Cakes
Makes 8
What You’ll Need:
+ 1 pound fresh lump crab meat
+ 1 egg
+ 1 Tablespoon mayonnaise
+ 1 Tablespoon dijon mustard
+ 1 teaspoon worchestershire sauce
+ 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
+ 1/3 cup green onions, chopped
+ 1 teaspoon old bay
+ 1/2 teaspoon paprika
+ 1/2 teaspoon salt
+ 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
+ 2/3 cup crushed butter crackers
+ 1/4 cup flour for dredging
+ butter or oil for frying
+ lemon for squeezing
Combine everything but the butter and lemon in a large bowl. Form into 8 patties, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This will help bind them and infuse flavors. Heat a skillet over medium high heat with a bit of melted butter or oil. Dredge the crab cakes in flour and pan fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Serve with a squeeze of lemon on top.
Shark Bait Sandwiches
Makes 4
What You’ll Need:
+ 3 to 5 pound chuck roast
+ 1 onion
+ 2 large carrots
+ 2 stalks celery
+ aromatic herbs, fresh (rosemary, thyme, sage)
+ 1 cup red wine
+ 3 cups beef broth
+2 cups BBQ Sauce (Or Make Gravy From Pot Roast Drippings)
+ Rolls
Heat olive oil in a heavy dutch oven to medium high heat. Generously salt and pepper the roast, and sear all sides of the beef. Add in the remaining ingredients, and place in a 275 degree F oven. Roast for 3- 4 hours, or until the roast is tender and easily falls apart. Drain, and toss in bbq sauce. Serve on toasted buns.
Seaweed Slaw
Serves 6
What You’ll Need:
+1 small head of cabbage, thinly sliced
+ 2 large carrots, shredded
+ 4 cups kale, thinly sliced
+ 2 Tablespoons mayonnaise
+ 1 teaspoon salt
+ 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Combine everything in a large bowl and allow to sit and refrigerate for 3 hours or overnight. Serve!
The Amity Beach
Serves 1
What You’ll Need:
2 ounces blue curaçao
1 ounce vodka
3 ounces pineapple juice
1 ounce seltzer
Frozen fish gummies
Combine all in a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain, and serve with Frozen gummies.
Shark Attack Sundae
Serves 4
What You’ll Need:
+ 4 cups homemade vanilla ice cream
+ 2 cups mixed berries, fresh or frozen
+ 1/4 cup sugar
+ 1/2 cup graham crackers, crushed
To make the berry sauce, combine the berries and sugar in a pot over medium high heat. Cook until reduced by half, about 10 minutes. Place in the refrigerator until cooled. Sprinkle the graham crackers around ice cream and spoon fruit on top. Serve immediately.
A Pinch Here, A Dash There 