We followed this Mediterranean-style Splendid Table recipe: https://www.splendidtable.org/recipes/whole-roasted-chicken-with-anchovies-and-olives For the chicken seasoning, we used ¼ cup pitted kalamata olives, 2 tsp anchovy paste (in lieu of 4 anchovy fillets), and a dash of olive oil; contrary to the instructions, we trussed the chicken. We also placed 1 lb of fingerling potatoes in the roasting pan… Continue reading Whole roasted chicken with anchovies and olives
Japanese seasoned salmon flakes
Our salmon fillet had too many pinbones to serve whole, so we tried this recipe: http://www.japanesecooking101.com/salmon-flakes-recipe/. We had 1 lb fillet, so we doubled the ingredients (except the salt, which we reduced to 1 tsp) and finished with a dash of freshly ground black pepper. We served this with jasmine rice and oven-roasted asparagus (also… Continue reading Japanese seasoned salmon flakes
Colombian ripe plantain and cheese cake (torta de maduro)
We tried this casserole recipe, but we had only four ripe (nearly black) plantains. For the fifth, we substituted with one ripe banana and 1 tsp flour (since plantains have a higher starch content than bananas). We used an 8x8 baking dish, which we buttered. At the end of baking, we broiled on low for… Continue reading Colombian ripe plantain and cheese cake (torta de maduro)
Cuban black beans
We tried this quick version with two 13.5 oz cans of black beans. We used two small jalapeño peppers in lieu of bell pepper. We also used a small sprig fresh oregano instead of dried. Details here: http://www.food.com/recipe/frijoles-negros-cuban-black-beans-8969 (Feb. 2017)
Crispy oatmeal chocolate chip cookies
I am a big fan of cookie recipes that include cereal. This one features Rice Krispies. http://lifemadesimplebakes.com/2014/07/crispy-crunchy-oatmeal-cookies/ (Feb. 2017)
Baked Jamaican jerk chicken
Marinate 2-3 lb whole chicken (cut up) in 2 Tbsp ¾ tsp dry jerk seasoning (because we had a 3 1/2 lb chicken, we increased to 2 Tbsp and 2 tsp) and ¼ cup neutral vegetable oil for at least 4 hours. Pour the chicken (skin side up) and remaining marinade in a 9x13 baking… Continue reading Baked Jamaican jerk chicken
Boiled ripe plantains
For a healthier alternative to fried plantains, we tried this recipe: http://www.livestrong.com/article/548364-how-to-cook-boiled-plantains/ Our modifications: we cut the ends off each plantain and then cut a tiny slit in the skin of each chunk prior to placing in lightly salted boiling water. We also partially covered the pot while the plantains cooked (approx. 13 mins). We… Continue reading Boiled ripe plantains
Simple salad with persimmon and toasted pecans
We placed prewashed mixed baby greens on a large serving plate, garnished with sliced fuyu persimmon, drizzled with fruit-infused white balsamic vinegar and olive oil, and sprinkled with toasted pecan pieces. A touch of freshly ground pepper would have been nice, too; we’ll do that next time. (Feb. 2017)
Citrus blueberry salad with almond-mint sugar
We tried this Bobby Flay recipe: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/bobby-flay/citrus-blueberry-salad-with-almond-relish-and-minted-sugar.html but we forgot to toast the almonds before pulsing them with fresh mint and sugar. Still very tasty. (Feb. 2017)
Baked tilapia in lemon caper butter sauce
We tried this recipe: http://www.deliciousasitlooks.com/2013/05/lemon-butter-baked-tilapia-with-capers.html?m=1 Our modifications: first, we used caper berries in lieu of capers. Second, we used fresh oregano instead of dry, and we increased the lemon juice to that from one whole lemon. Third, we omitted the salt to offset the briny flavor of the caper berries. Finally, we kept the garlic… Continue reading Baked tilapia in lemon caper butter sauce
Cooking Adventures 