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
Images
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
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
Jamaican broiled jerk snapper fillet
Preheat broiler on low and place oven rack 4 inches away from heat source. Place a rack in foil-lined baking sheet, and spray cooking oil on the rack. Pat dry one 10-ounce skin-on snapper fillet with paper towels. Mix 1 Tbsp Dry Jerk Seasoning (recipe below), 2 Tbsp vegetable oil, and a dash of hot… Continue reading Jamaican broiled jerk snapper fillet
Cooking Adventures 