Ramps!

It's ramp season in the Northeast. For those of you that are not familiar with ramps, they are a wild leek with a strong garlic/onion flavor. They grow throughout Western Pennsylvania, West Virgina, and Virgina. This time of year, there are a number of ramp festivals throughout the area. I've also noticed a number of local restaurants featuring ramp dishes on their menus.

Here is an easy recipe for Scalloped Potato's with Ramps:

6 cups sliced potatoes 3 cups ramps salt and pepper 1/2 cup chicken broth 3/4 cup heavy cream 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Spread a layer of sliced potatoes in a buttered 1 1/2-quart casserole. Add a layer of ramps and a sprinkling of salt and pepper. Keep repeating the layers, ending with potatoes. Combine chicken broth and heavy cream; pour over potatoes and ramps. Bake at 375° for 45 minutes, then top with grated cheese. Return to the oven for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted.

Hank's Frozen Custard and Mexican

Yep. That's the name of the place. Most might think that frozen custard and Mexican food are an odd mix...I know I did...But after frequenting Hank's for decades, it all seems kinda normal now. Hank's isn't a sit-down restaurant, but rather it's more like an old time drive in, just without the car service.

The burritos are really great! Not huge, but so good. I usually go for the beef and bean, spicy. After a steaming, spicy burrito or taco, there's nothing like a cool, creamy frozen custard.



The custard is so smooth and creamy, it's my favorite kind of ice cream hands down! They always serve chocolate and vanilla, and then have a daily special. In addition, they have a number of gourmet flavors, but I stick to the old standards.

Hank's is located at 2210 3rd Avenue, New Brighton, PA 15066. It's a bit of a drive, but an easy one and really makes for a nice afternoon trip. Take your GPS, and after a buritto and custard, head over to Kelly's, stick your toes in the sand and enjoy a cold one in the sun!

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