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)

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

Lebanese eggplant, chick pea, and tomato stew (maghmour)

We tried another version of maghmour, this time a family recipe from Hadia’s Lebanese cuisine: http://www.hadiaslebanesecuisine.com/content/my-moms-lebanese-moussaka-maghmour-velvety-vegetarian-eggplant-stew-chickpeas-garlic-onions Our US measurements: 2 large eggplant (which we cut into 8 vertical pieces) and about 9 medium vine-ripe tomatoes. Our modifications: first, as a shortcut, we used a handheld blender to finely chop the onions and then the peeled… Continue reading Lebanese eggplant, chick pea, and tomato stew (maghmour)

Simple tomato butter spaghetti with toasted breadcrumbs

We followed this recipe: https://www.budgetbytes.com/2016/07/pasta-5-ingredient-butter-tomato-sauce/ Our modifications: we used 28 oz canned crushed tomato and a few sprigs fresh oregano in lieu of whole peeled tomatoes and dried oregano. We also added a dash each crushed red pepper and sugar to the sauce. The toasted breadcrumbs add nuttiness and mouthfeel to this dish. (Jan. 2017)

Pasta with roasted eggplant and tomato purée

We followed this recipe: https://smittenkitchen.com/2008/01/rigatoni-with-eggplant-puree/ Our modifications: 2 small Asian eggplants; 1 lb (1 1/3 pint) Campari tomatoes, quartered; 1 bulb garlic (peeled); and 1 lb penne (instead of rigatoni). We toasted the pine nuts at 325 in our toaster oven until lightly browned (about 3 mins). We also finished the pasta with a glug… Continue reading Pasta with roasted eggplant and tomato purée

Jamaican-style okra and bell pepper stirfry

I adapted a Chinese stirfry technique and added Dry Jerk Seasoning (see recipe below) for a Jamaican flavor. Cut one large (2 bulb) shallot into ¼ inch lengthwise slices. Separate, cut one red bell pepper into ¼ inch-lengthwise strips, removing seeds. Cut about 6 fresh large okra on a diagonal into ¼ inch slices. Set… Continue reading Jamaican-style okra and bell pepper stirfry

Simple cucumber salad

We loosely followed this recipe: http://www.coffeeandquinoa.com/2013/05/simple-cucumber-salad/ Our modifications: first, using a mandolin slicer, we thinly sliced three unpeeled Persian cucumbers (seedless mini-cucumbers) into a mixing bowl. Second, we thinly sliced one small shallot (about 2 Tbsp) in cross sections and added them to the bowl. Third, we used ¼ cup Japanese seasoned rice vinegar (Marukan… Continue reading Simple cucumber salad

Skillet cornbread with blueberries

We were looking for a not-too-sweet recipe, so we tried this: http://www.jessicagavin.com/skillet-cornbread-blueberries/ We used ¾ cup coarse yellow cornmeal and ½ cup blue cornmeal. Note: The blueberries all sank beneath the surface. What we might try next time is to wait to add the 15 reserved berries to the top of skillet after 15 mins… Continue reading Skillet cornbread with blueberries