Cloak & Dinner: E Pluribus uNOM || 7/3/11

In celebration of the 4th of July, Cloak & Dinner kicked it old school with a collection of recipes inspired by America.  

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 Ramos Gin Fizz

Classic preparation by our lovely mixologist who needed a back rub or two after all the shaking. 

 

 Bread & Herb Butter

What would we do without Jeff Picarello in our lives to bake us delicious bread all the time?

 

 Clams Casino

Baked clam encased in a bubble of delicious herb butter and topped with a crunchy bite of bacon & a melted glob of parmesan. Delicately placed on a "sand" of crumbled oyster crackers.

 Biscuit Brisket Sliders

Taking a cue from one of my favorites, Fig & Olive, we encased these homemade buttermilk biscuits topped with a brisket smothered in a bourbon bbq sauce, in a puff of hickory smoke to awaken all the senses.  And all without a Smoking Gun!  

(Although that may be a future purchase for more smoking goodness...)

 Whiskey Smash

Why the smash?  Well naturally it's because you SMASH the basil leaf before adding it to the drink to release the oils in the leaf for that nice aromatic kick to the finish. 

 

 Pumpkin Cider Soup

All the delicious flavors of fall wrapped into a smooth & creamy soup, served table side.  In the bowl?  A dollop of creme fraiche topped with a fried sage leaf, a sprinkle of chives and a dusting of cinnamon.  And a nice dark rustic bread for dipping.

 LiberTEA

Lemonade, Tea, Basil, ALCOHOL?  Yessir, I'll have another glass.

 

 Cajun Shrimp with Okra & Tomatoes

Obsessed with the gigantic shrimp from Whole Foods, we knew a nice dusting and a quick trip to the barbie would work wonders on the shellfish. As for the Okra... Mr. Brogan did a little digging to find the perfect trip for keeping out the slime. 

 

 Fried Chicken with Cornbread Puree, Spiced Bacon & Grilled Peaches

Because nothing says summer like some good ole fried chicken.  A specialty of Mr. Brogan, these buttermilk suckers came out deliciously tender on the inside and crunchy on the outside. As for the puree, I added in a few of my own special tricks for a sweeter & homier taste.

 

 Strawberry Rhubarb Collins

So frothy & delicious, it was easy to forget that this cocktail packed a punch.  Plus, who doesn't love a touch of Rhubarb in their summer?
 

Apple Pie PopTart
Yep.
 

Cheddar Cheese Ice Cream with Bourbon Laced Caramel
It was like the second coming... the Cheddar melted beautifully into a nice and thick custard, and the lovely alcohol laced caramel did just the trick to offset the tinge of cheese-y savory with a nice note of sweetness to finish the meal. 

  Happy E Pluribus uNOM Eating!