Lisa’s passion is baking. Opening a store was a big step—one she made with support from PSEG Long Island. She earned incentives for choosing a vacant space that reduced her monthly energy costs. Now, her thriving business has made life a little sweeter for all of us.
Reduce your energy costs. Get a free business energy assessment. psegliny.com/businessassessment *Incentives, grants, and rebates will vary with every project.
With bright tulips being planted and cheerful seasonal décor on the shelves in local shops, we’re reminded that spring is just weeks away and Easter is close behind. We hope you explore and enjoy the contents of this issue - what started as a seasonal publication has blossomed into a monthly magazine, made possible by the loyalty and continued support of our readers and we are grateful for the role you play in our growth. We welcome your feedback, story ideas, and advertising inquiries - contact us today at 631.226.2636!
Winter Senior Advocate Schedules
SuffolkLegislator Tom Donnelly (D-Deer Park) is pleased to inform Islip residents about the local Suffolk County Office for the Aging Winter 2026 Senior Advocate Schedule. Senior advocates are County representatives who come out into the community and assist seniors with information gathering, completion of eligibility or recertification applications and referrals to appropriate community agencies.
“It is so important for us to provide our senior citizens with the assistance and information they need in ways that are most convenient to them. These
visits allow our seniors to connect with our County’s senior advocates right in their own communities,” said Legislator Donnelly. “I hope all those interested in the services that the Suffolk County Office for the Aging provides will take advantage of this opportunity.”
This winter, Senior Advocates will be visiting the following locations in the Town of Islip:
• Bay Shore Library, 1 S. Country Road, Brightwaters: Friday, March 20, 10 am – 12 pm
• Bishop McGann Housing, 200 Bishop
McGann Drive, Central Islip: Monday, March 30, 10 am – 12 pm
• Brentwood Senior Nutrition, 16 Second Avenue, Brentwood: Friday, March 13, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
• Connetquot Library, 760 Ocean Ave, Bohemia: Thursday, March 12, 10 am – 12 pm
Advocates assist with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP – formerly known as food stamps), Medicare Savings Program and Heating Emergency Assistance Program (HEAP) applications. They also can provide
information on Medicare, answer questions and make recommendations and referrals. For more information about available services or directions to any of these locations, please call the Suffolk County Office for the Aging at (631) 853-8200.
“For more than three decades, the Suffolk County Office for the Aging has been providing full and trouble-free access to critical services,” Donnelly said. “I am glad to see their great professional community outreach program continue and hope that every senior resident will make full use of it.”
Spring Planting Pointers
Manypeople view spring as a season of rejuvenation. That renewal may be somewhat metaphorical for human beings, but it’s literal for lawns and gardens that begin to grow anew as temperatures rise and hours of daylight increase in spring.
Each spring presents an opportunity for homeowners to get back outside and tend to their gardens. As the temperatures rise, homeowners can consider these spring planning pointers to ensure their landscapes look lush and full in the months ahead.
• Start with the soil. Soil can serve as the starting point each spring. Winter can take its toll on a garden and even overwhelm the area with debris over the colder months. Clear rocks and other debris from the area before loosening the soil. The Farmer’s Almanac recommends loosening soil to a depth of at least eight inches if planting a new garden. An existing
raised gardens can help homeowners in colder climates dry out and warm up wet, cold soils more quickly. Homeowners in such regions also can cover their beds with black plastic or cardboard prior to planting. Doing so can protect the beds from lateseason snow and spring rains and also helps to overcome erosion.
center before planting. Such a consultation can be especially useful for homeowners planting a new garden. Landscapers and garden center professionals will know which plants work in the local climate.
garden may only need to be loosened to a depth of around six inches, after which homeowners can mix compost into the soil in early spring. Compost is organic matter that provides nutrients and helps to build strong plant roots.
• Consider a raised garden in colder climates. The Farmer’s Almanac notes
• Take soil temperatures. Unpredictable weather is among the noticeable effects of climate change in recent years. That lack of predictability can make spring planting a little more tricky than it once was. Experts note that soil temperatures around 50 F are best for cool-season crops, while soil should be 60 F or warmer when planting warm-weather plants such as tomatoes.
• Work with a garden center to identify what to plant. The right plants for one region may not be ideal for another, so homeowners are urged to work with a local landscaper or garden
• Consider planting vegetables in the spring. Various garden experts note that spring is an ideal time to plant a vegetable garden. If planted at the right time, a vegetable garden can save homeowners money on their grocery bills and provide a season’s worth of fresh veggies. Lettuce and spinach are sun- and shade-friendly vegetables, which can make them good options for a spring garden. Cool-season root vegetables, which include beets, carrots and swiss chard, are some other notable veggies that can thrive in early spring. Spring is a season of rejuvenation for gardens. That’s even more true when homeowners consider some conventional planting wisdom in early spring.
Irish Soda Bread Makes The Perfect St. Patrick’s Day Appetizer
Irish cuisine may not be as widely recognizable or familiar across North America as Chinese, Italian or Mexican fare. But that doesn’t mean Irish food lacks fans and flavor. As the world prepares to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on or around March 17, individuals who want to include some popular Irish fare in their festivities won’t want to exclude this recipe for “Irish Soda Bread” from AllRecipes.com.
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease a large baking sheet.
2. Mix flour, softened margarine, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together in a large bowl. Stir in 1 cup of buttermilk and egg. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead slightly. Form dough into a round and place on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Combine melted butter with 1⁄4 cup buttermilk in a small bowl; brush loaf with this mixture. Use a sharp knife to cut an ‘X’ into the top of the loaf.
4. Bake in preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean, 45 to 50 minutes. Check for doneness after 30 minutes. You may continue to brush the loaf with the butter mixture while it bakes.
Irish Soda Bread
Yields 1 1⁄2 loaf (20 servings)
Snakes feature prominently in the legend of St. Patrick, whose feast day is celebrated every year on March 17. As the legend goes, St. Patrick drove all snakes from Ireland. But scientists and historians note that St. Patrick, who lived in the mid-fifth to early-sixth century, likely came along too late to accomplish such a feat, as evidence suggests post-glacial Ireland never had any snakes. Indeed, the ocean waters surrounding the Emerald Isle are too cold to enable the migration of snakes from other locales, which suggests the snakes in the legend of St. Patrick are symbols and not meant to represent reptiles.
Get Ready For Summer 2026: See Who's Coming To Jones Beach Theater This Year
Although winter is still here, many of us are already anticipating the arrival of spring and even the warmth and leisure of summer. As we envision long summer evenings spent around a crackling campfire, strolling along sandy shores, or enjoying time by the pool, our thoughts may turn to other experiences that make the summer season so memorable. Among these, live music holds a special allure.
The recent modernization of Northwell at Jones Beach Theater - completed in 2024 - is the largest investment in the theater’s history – a collaboration between New York State Parks and Live Nation, across three years
of planning and nearly two years of construction. A robust series of improvements and upgrades were integrated into the venue's original design.
Fans can enjoy an enhanced experience thanks to the grand new entrance for quicker entry, 7,000+ seats which have been upgraded and new premium seating experiences that have been added. Plus, there are 20% more restrooms and 30% more food and beverage outlets - there is even a new food and beverage plaza the size of a football field with seating, allowing you to sit back and relax before the show! Also, new tech upgrades include state-of-the-art LED screens
for enhanced views of performers and more.
With that in mind, here are a selection of some of the most highly anticipated concerts scheduled at the esteemed Jones Beach Theater this year, offering an opportunity to experience worldclass performances at a remarkable, local venue.
Riley Green Saturday, June 20
James Taylor Tuesday, June 23
Jack Johnson Sunday, June 28
Santana & The Doobie Brothers Thursday, July 2
Train Saturday, July 18
Dave Matthews Band Tuesday, July 21
Tim McGraw Friday, July 24
Rod Stewart Friday, July 31
Lynyrd Skynyrd x Foreigner Friday, August 21
The Fray Saturday, August 22
Chris Stapleton Wednesday, August 23
Breaking Benjamin Saturday, September 5
Warm Up With Irish Stew This St. Patrick’s Day
SIrish Guinness Stew With Lamb
Makes 6 servings
8 cups lamb or beef stock; divided 1 cup pearl barley
3 lbs. lamb shoulder, cubed Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste 3 tablespoons oil 1⁄2 cup unbleached all-purpose flour 4 stalks of celery, washed, trimmed and chopped 2 large yellow onions, peeled and chopped 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 large carrots, peeled and roughly chopped 12 fluid ounces Guinness stout 1 bunch fresh parsley 1 bunch fresh thyme 1 bunch fresh rosemary 3 large potatoes, peeled and cubed 2 teaspoons cornstarch 4 teaspoons water
t. Patrick’s Day is known for revelry. A festive atmosphere prevails each March 17, and people from all walks of life and genealogical backgrounds take part in festivities that have become celebrations of Irish culture. Cuisine is a big part of Irish culture, even if it’s not the first thing people think of when pondering the Emerald Isle. This St. Patrick’s Day, celebrants can bring a touch of Irish cuisine to their celebrations by preparing the following recipe for “Irish Guinness Stew with Lamb” courtesy of Lines+Angles.
Directions:
1. In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, bring 3 cups of stock to a boil; add barley. Reduce heat to low and gently simmer for 20 minutes. Set aside.
2. Meanwhile, pat the meat dry with paper towels. Season the meat with salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a 6 quart Dutch oven. Brown the meat on all sides over medium high heat before removing it from the pot using a slotted spoon. Sprinkle flour over it, shaking off any excess; set aside.
3. Add the celery, onions, garlic and carrots to the pot and saute until onions are soft and translucent. Add Guinness and deglaze the pot, scraping up all the caramelized bits on the bottom and sides of the pan.
4. Chop the leaves of the parsley, reserving the stems. Tie the parsley stems and several sprigs of thyme and rosemary into a bundle; drop the bundle into the pot. Chop the remaining thyme and rosemary; set chopped herbs aside.
5. Return the meat to the pot. Add the potatoes, barley and enough stock to cover the meat and vegetables. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to very low and simmer for 2 to 3 hours, or until meat is fork tender. Stir occasionally, adding remaining stock as necessary.
6. Check seasoning; adjust to taste. Stir in chopped parsley, thyme and rosemary. Mix cornstarch in water and stir. Add to stew, stirring to incorporate. Cook over low heat for 5 to 10 minutes or until stew thickens. Ladle into bowls. Serve with crusty bread and of course more Guinness if desired.
Notable Events About Spring
Spring is widely seen as a season of rejuvenation. Warmer post-winter air lifts spirits, and a variety of popular events add to the festive feel of this cherished time of year.
• St. Patrick’s Day: Although the holiday falls at the tail end of winter, celebrations often fill the month of March. Many communities host parades and lively gatherings, with Irish pubs offering music and traditional fare to help usher in spring.
• March Madness: Each March, the 68-team NCAA basketball tournament captivates
7 Signs Of Spring Allergies
Fewthings are more discouraging than enjoying warmer weather only to have spring allergies take hold. Also known as allergic rhinitis, spring allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to allergens such as tree and grass pollen, mold, and dust. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, about 25.7% of U.S. adults and 18.9% of children experience seasonal allergies, contributing to an estimated $16 billion in annual health care costs and lost productivity. Spring allergies typically peak from March to May and can linger into July. Recognizing the symptoms helps distinguish allergies from a cold and allows for quicker relief. Common signs include:
fans with buzzer beaters, upsets and busted brackets as games unfold from mid-March into early April.
• Major League Baseball Opening Day: A classic sign of early spring, Opening Day represents fresh starts, as fans return to stadiums believing every team has a chance at success.
• Spring flower festivals: Held mainly between mid-March and mid-April, these festivals showcase vibrant blooms and highlight the beauty that defines the season.
• Sneezing: Frequent, rapid sneezing fits, often after being outdoors.
• Itchy, watery eyes: Red, irritated eyes that feel gritty or tear excessively.
• Nasal congestion or runny nose: Clear,
• Kentucky Derby: Known as the “Run for the Roses,” the first leg of the Triple Crown takes place in early May at Churchill Downs, drawing massive crowds, festive fashion and timeless tradition.
• Memorial Day weekend: While honoring U.S. military members who died in service, the weekend also brings family gatherings, barbecues and marks the unofficial start of summer in many communities.
Together, these events help explain why spring remains such a special and enjoyable season.
thin mucus is typical of allergies.
• Itchy throat and ears: A scratchy sensation caused by pollen exposure.
• Allergic shiners: Dark circles under the eyes due to nasal congestion.
• Cough: A dry, persistent cough from post-nasal drip, often worse at night.
• Fatigue: Poor sleep and ongoing immune responses can cause daytime tiredness.
Although spring allergies affect millions each year, symptoms can often be managed by limiting exposure to triggers and using appropriate allergy medications.
Fish And Chips Is An Ideal Meal Throughout Lent
Lentis an important time of year for Christians across the globe. Lent is a season of sacrifice, and many practicing Christians abstain from consuming flesh meat on Fridays in the weeks preceding Easter. Abstaining from meat on Fridays throughout Lent does not require devoted Christians to avoid flavor. In fact, there are many flavorful non-meat dishes for Christians to choose from each Friday during Lent. One particularly flavorful option is this recipe for "Gourmet Fish and Chips" from Lines+Angles. In 2026, Lent is a 40-day (plus Sundays) season lasting 46 calendar days, beginning on Ash Wednesday, February 18th, 2026, and ending at sundown on Holy Thursday, April 2nd, 2026
Directions:
1. For the mushy peas: Combine the peas with the baking soda in a large saucepan. Cover with 8" water. Cover and chill overnight.
2. The next day, drain and rinse thoroughly with cold water.
3. Return the peas to a large saucepan and cover with about 0.5" water. Bring to a boil over a high heat before reducing to a simmer until tender to the bite, about 30 to 40 minutes; skim away any froth that rises to the surface and edges.
Gourmet Fish And Chips
Makes 4 servings
For the mushy peas:
12 ounces green dried peas, split
1 tablespoon baking soda
2 tablespoons butter, softened
Salt
Freshly ground black peppercorns
For the fries:
2 1/4 lbs. white potatoes, peeled
8 cups vegetable oil, for deep frying
4 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon onion powder or onion salt
For the fish:
4 large white fish fillets, approximately 2 lbs., such as cod or haddock, skinless, pin-boned
1 cup flour
1 large egg, beaten
12 fluid ounces beer, chilled
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
To serve:
2 gherkins pickles, sliced lengthwise
2 lemons
Sprig curly parsley
4. Remove from the heat and stir in the butter. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover and set aside until ready to serve.
5. For the chips/fries: Cut the potatoes into fries. Submerge in a large bowl of water as you heat the oil.
6. Heat the oil in a large, heavy-based saucepan to 285 F; use a thermometer to accurately measure the temperature.
7. Remove the potatoes from the water and pat dry with a paper towel. Place in a large mixing bowl and sprinkle
Fish And Chips Is An Ideal Meal Throughout Lent
over the corn starch, onion powder and some salt, tossing well to combine.
8. Deep-fry the potatoes until soft and starting to color, about 10 minutes. Drain on paper towel and cover loosely with aluminum foil to keep warm.
9. Increase the temperature of the oil to 355 F. Working in two batches, return the fries to the oil and fry until goldenbrown and crisp all over.
10. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels. Season with salt and cover loosely with aluminum foil to keep warm; reserve the oil.
11. For the fish: Return the frying oil to 355 F; use a kitchen thermometer to accurately gauge the temperature.
12. In the meantime, season the fish with salt and pepper.
13. Combine the flour, egg, 1 teaspoon salt, and some freshly ground black pepper in a large mixing bowl. Whisk briefly to combine before slowly whisking in enough of the beer to make a thick, smooth batter.
14. Working one by one, drop the fish fillets into the batter, turning to coat evenly.
15. Let the excess batter drip off the fish before carefully lowering into the hot oil. Deep-fry until golden-brown and crisp, about 4 minutes. Remove from the hot oil and drain on paper towel, covering loosely with aluminum foil.
16. Repeat steps 14 and 15 for the remaining fish.
17. Reheat the fries in the hot oil if needed, draining well.
18. To serve: Divide the mushy peas between ramekins and place on plates. Divide the fries into individual serving baskets and arrange next to the fish on the plates.
19. Cut the lemons in half, scoring a zig-zag pattern into them with a paring knife. Serve alongside the fish and fries, garnishing the fish with gherkin slices and some parsley sprigs
The Spring Equinox
There’s
much to celebrate on the Spring Equinox, which is also referred to as the “Vernal Equinox” or the “March Equinox” and marks the official beginning of spring, a season many people associate with rejuvenation and longer hours of daylight. One unusual aspect of the equinoxes (the Autumnal Equinox in September ushers in the beginning of fall) is these days feature the fastest sunsets and sunrises of the year. According to Earthsky.org, this phenomenon occurs because the sun rises due east and sets due west on the equinoxes, which means the setting sun hits the horizon at its steepest possible angle. That steep angle leads to a very short sunrise and sunset on the equinoxes. Traditionally, we celebrate the first day of spring on March 21, but astronomers and calendar manufacturers alike now say that the spring season starts on March 20 in all time zones in North America.
The Adventure Park At LI Kicks Off 2026 Season
The Adventure Park at Long Island, the region’s premier outdoor zipline and climbing destination, will open for the 2026 season on Friday, March 20.
A favorite spring tradition for families, teens, and thrillseekers alike, The Adventure Park invites guests to climb, zip, and explore 14 aerial trails and 49 ziplines set high among the trees.
To celebrate the season, the Park will offer special Spring Break hours from April 2–12, open daily from 10 am to 7 pm. Plus, the fun continues with the return of the popular Easter Egg Hunt in the Trees. Guests can search for hidden “eggs” while climbing through the Park’s trails, and at the end of their adventure, enjoy a sweet treat from the Park Store. The Easter Egg Hunt is free to participate in with
the purchase of a climbing ticket. The full Spring 2026 schedule and hours are now available online.
About The Adventure Park at Long Island
The 14 trails at The Adventure Park consist of various challenges in the trees, including bridges, tightropes, ladders, and 49 ziplines. Participants wear harnesses with clips that connect to the trail’s safety system, ensuring that they are always locked on to the course until they reach the end.
The main trails are designed for ages 7 to adult, and an Adventure Playground provides a low-to-the-ground adventure experience for little climbers ages 3-6 Non-climbing participants are admitted free of charge to share the experience on the ground and enjoy the
property’s nature trails and picnic tables.
The Adventure Park at Long Island is open to the general public and is located on the Henry Kaufmann Campground on Long Island. The address is 75 Colonial Springs Road, East Gate in Wheatley Heights NY. Guests are encouraged
to book ahead on the Park's website or by calling 631983-3844.
The Adventure Park at Long Island is designed, built and operated by Outdoor Venture Group.
At the YMCA Summer Day Camp, we offer the best of Adventure, Aquatics, Creative Arts, Camp Traditions, Special Activities and Trips, and Summer Learning in a safe and welcoming environment. Step away from the school year, the screens, and the routine — and press play on a summer full of laughter, movement, and magic!
VARIETY OF CAMPS FOR AGES 3-15
Kiddie, New: 3-Day Kiddie Camp - Bay Shore
Only (M , W, F), Youth, Pre-Teen, Teen, Sports Camp, Counselor-in-Training Program
CAMP OPEN HOUSE DATES
March 28, 2026: 10:00-11:30am
April 18, 2026: Healthy Kids Day
May 16, 2026: 10:00-11:30am
June 6, 2026: 10:00-11:30am
CAMP 2026 SESSIONS & DATES
SESSION 1: June 29 - July 10
SESSION 2: July 13 - July 24
SESSION 3: July 27 - Aug. 7
SESSION 4: Aug. 10 - Aug. 21*
CAMP CLOSEOUT WEEK
Don’t Mistake A Shamrock For Any Old Clover
Muchlike New York City’s Empire State Building or Egypt’s great pyramids are in their respective countries, the shamrock is an icon in Ireland that has grown to symbolize Irish heritage and culture. Many products, sports teams, and businesses with ties to Ireland feature shamrocks in their logos.
So it should be no surprise that shamrocks are also a major part of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. After all, this is a day to pay homage to Ireland’s patron saint — as well as the country itself.
The Irish are quite protective of their shamrocks, and some are quick to point out that shamrocks and certain clovers, including the supposedly lucky four-leaf clover, are not interchangeable. Some botanists will agree.
All shamrocks are clovers, but not all clovers are shamrocks. The home and garden resource
The Spruce indicates that the term “shamrock” comes from the Gaelic word seamrog, meaning “little clover.” There is no consensus as to which
species of clover is the true shamrock. However, many botanists agree that the white clover (Trifolium repens) is the shamrock. However, the lesser trefoil, or hop clover, the black medick and red clover all can be contenders.
Four-leafed clovers of any variety are not shamrocks and should not be portrayed as such. That is because the shamrock is a three-leafed sprout that was believed to be utilized by St. Patrick to demonstrate the principle behind the Holy Trinity. St. Patrick, pointing to the three leaflets united by a common stalk, used this visual analogy to spell out the mystery of Christianity’s doctrine of three entities making up one Lord: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Therefore, for all the purported good luck finding a four-leaf clover may bring — based on mythology imparted by ancient Celts called Druids — it cannot be passed off as a shamrock. Both clovers and shamrocks hold special meaning to the Irish. However, it is the three-leaf variety of clovers that defines the shamrock.
Locales With Considerable Irish American Populations
St.
Patrick’s Day celebrations are lively and greentinted affairs filled with music, dancing, food, and signature beverages like Guinness stout and Irish coffee. The phrase “everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day” has a lot of truth to it, as people from all walks of life enjoy having a little fun each year on March 17. But that fun might be amped up a little in cities with large populations of people who trace their ancestry to the Emerald Isle and locales where staples of life in Ireland are particularly accessible.
A local Irish pub tends to be a fun place to spend St. Patrick’s Day regardless of where the establishment is located, but in 2023 LawnStarter examined a wide range of variables in an effort to identify the most Irish cities in the United States. After gathering publicly available data that ranged from a city’s Irish population to its number of Irish dance schools to the amount of Irish pubs open within city limits, the team at LawnStarter came up with this list of the “Most Irish” cities in the U.S. The list is unofficial and intended to entertain as much as inform, but those looking to spend St. Patrick’s Day in a locale with a notably Irish feel can consider a visit to any of these cities:
1. New York, NY
2. Chicago, IL
3. Boston, MA
4. Philadelphia, PA
5. San Francisco, CA
6. Pittsburgh, PA
7. Denver, CO
8. San Diego, CA
9. Seattle, WA
10. Omaha, NE
Celebrants looking for cities where St. Patrick’s Day is a particularly big deal can consider a visit to these locales that LawnStarter identified as having the most St. Patrick’s Day events:
1. Chicago, IL
2. Boston, MA
3. Denver, CO
4. New York, NY
5. San Diego, CA
If it’s Irish dance performances you’re looking for, consider these cities, which LawnStarter found are home to more schools of Irish dance than other locales in the U.S.:
1. New York, NY
2. Los Angeles, CA
3. Chicago, IL
4. Orlando, FL (tie)
4. San Diego, CA (tie)
4. San Francisco, CA (tie) There’s much fun to be had on St. Patrick’s Day. And spending the day in certain locales may be even more amusing and enjoyable.
Shake Up Lenten Dinners With Variety
It’s customary for people participating in Lenten fasting to skip meat and poultry dinners on Fridays between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday. It is a sacrifice symbolic of the sacrifices of Jesus Christ. However, opting for vegetables and fish in lieu of meats doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor. “Seafood Pancakes” from “Judy Joo’s Korean Soul Food” (White Lion Publishing) are a popular Korean appetizer. Any shellfish can be
Seafood Pancakes
Makes 4 to 5 pancakes
2 ounces mussels, cleaned and debearded
2 ounces clams, cleaned
3 1⁄4 ounces rice flour
2 tablespoons cornflour
2 1⁄2 ounces self-rising flour
2 tablespoons dwengjang (Korean soy bean paste)
1⁄4 teaspoon ground black pepper
3 large pinches of sea salt
3 1⁄2 ounces brown shrimp
5 spring onions, julienned
1 teaspoon garlic, grated or finely chopped
2 red chillies, thinly sliced at an angle Vegetable oil for frying
Directions:
substituted, but the ingredients listed help keep the pancakes crispy. Enjoy this dish as a light lunch or in addition to other offerings for a tasty dinner.
1. In a large saucepan, add enough water so that it’s three-quarters full and bring to a boil. Add the mussels and clams and cook until the shells open. Remove the shellfish and set aside to cool. Retain 3⁄4 ounces of the cooking liquor then strain it to remove the meat from the shells of the mussels and clams and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, gently whisk together the rice flour, cornflour, self-rising flour, dwengjang, pepper, salt and 8 ounces of cold water and liquor from the cooked shellfish until smooth. Add the brown shrimp, mussels, clams, spring onions, garlic and red chillies (keeping the seeds, if you like more heat) and stir batter until thoroughly combined.
3. In a large nonstick frying pan, heat a generous drizzle of oil over a medium-high heat. Spoon in the batter and spread it evenly to form a pancake about 5 inches wide. Fry until golden brown and crispy on the base, about 3 to 4 minutes.
4. Carefully flip and cook for a further 3 to 4 minutes until the other side is golden. Transfer to a kitchen paper-lined plate to drain. Repeat with the remaining batter, adding more oil to the frying pan as needed.
5. Serve immediately with a favorite dipping sauce.
