"Yes, it is," says celebrity chef Diane Henderiks, "and it is all throughout all 4 of Caesars Entertainment."
Henderiks took some time with us to prepare the one of her signature dishes, Pistachio Pesto Crab Cakes with Avocado "Cream"
Through Sunday, the Atlantic City Food and Wine Festival is bringing some star chef power to the Jersey shore, in addition to Garden State native Diane Henderiks:
Andrew Zimmern
Anne Burrell
"Cake Boss" Buddy Valastro
Robert Irvine
Paula Deen
Tyler Florence
The Atlantic City Food and Wine Festival runs through Sunday, July 29th.
Diane Henderiks' Pistachio Pesto Crab Cakes with Avocado "Cream"
Serves 2: main course
Serves 4: appetizer
For the Pistachio Pesto:
3 cups loosely packed fresh basil leaves
2 tablespoons shelled pistachio nuts
1 clove garlic; crushed
1 tablespoon freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Crab Cakes:
8 ounces jumbo lump crabmeat, picked over
1 packet of True Lemon
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon finely chopped celery leaves
1/2 teaspoon dried mustard
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon plain nonfat Greek yogurt
1 egg white; beaten
For the Avocado "Cream":
1 whole ripe avocado, cut into chunks
2 tablespoons plain nonfat Greek yogurt
1 packet of True Lime
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
1 teaspoon paprika
pinch of kosher salt
1 tablespoon whole wheat flour
1 tablespoon olive oil
1. Make the Pesto: combine first 4 ingredients in food processor and process to paste-like consistency.
2. Scrape down the sides and with blade running, drizzle in olive oil.
3. Remove from food processor, stir and set aside.
4. Make the Crab Cakes: in mixing bowl, gently combine first 6 ingredients (crabmeat through paprika).
5. Whisk yogurt and egg white together and gently combine with crabmeat mixture.
6. Shape into 4 cakes (about 3 inches in diameter and about 1/4 inch thick)
7. Place on paper towel lined plate, cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
8. Make the Avocado Cream: Place all ingredients in food processor and process until smooth.
9. Cook the Crab Cakes: Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
10. Remove crab cakes from paper towel lined plate. Dust both sides of cakes with flour.
11. Heat olive oil in cast iron pan over high heat. Gently place crab cakes into pan.
12. Sear for 1 minute, flip and gently spread 1 tablespoon of pesto on top of each crab cake.
13. Remove pan from heat, place pan in oven and bake for 5-10 minutes or until heated through and browned.
14. Serve with avocado cream.
15. Enjoy!
Diane's "Lime in de Coconut" Cocktail
1 shot of vodka
1 shot of Vita Coco unsweetened coconut water
1 shot of pineapple juice
1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
ice
orange slice for garnish
1. Fill shaker with ice
2. Add vodka, pineapple juice, coconut water and lime juice.
3. Shake, strain into martini glass and garnish with orange wedge
4. Enjoy!
