I spend a lot of time on the East End of Long Island. Apart from Shelter Island, my favorite spot is Montauk. It’s got a great local vibe, tons of great bars and restaurants and most importantly, feels a million miles from the Hamptons. When I’m in Montauk, I always do two things. I swing by Ditch Plains to get a little sun and watch the surfers hang ten. The second is an obligatory stop at St. Peter’s Catch to pick up as much smoked marlin dip as I can carry. I’m not normally a fan of smoked fish, but this dip is outrageous. You spread it on a ritz cracker, top with a jalapeno slice and you’re off to the races.

I have four Jalapeno pepper plants that produce around 40 peppers every two weeks. With the help of a friend, we put up five jars of pickled jalapeno slices the other weekend. The jalapenos are ridiculously fresh having been picked moments earlier. Can’t wait to introduce these little fellers to St. Peter…