My first experience tasting Jamaican Rum was on my last day in Jamaica. They offered it as an optional topping to spoon over deserts, oatmeal, salads, fish and pork, but my favorite way to enjoy this boozie fruit was topped over warm bread pudding and drizzled with plenty of sweet caramel sauce. Rum raisins are a delicious part of Jamaican …
Jamaican Festival Bread Recipe
Festival is a celebrated tradition in Jamaica. I’m not referring to an outdoor street party, though I adore the festive steel drum music they play near the pool. Jamaican Festival bread is a traditional bread side served with dishes like Jerk Chicken and Escovitch Fish. The actual name is Jamaican Festival Dumpling, but it looks and tastes more like a …
Jamaican Coconut Bread with Tropical Cream Cheese Dip
Once in a while, an unexpected combination of ingredients creates pure decadence. Jamaican coconut bread with tropical cream cheese dip is that unexpected recipe. You wouldn’t guess it by looking at the photograph, but one bite in and you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about. After returning from Jamaica last year, it inspired me to get creative in the kitchen. …
Persian Yogurt And Spinach Dip | Borani Esfanaaj Recipe
Borani Esfanaaj is a Traditional Persian appetizer made with Yogurt and spinach. I first tasted this delightful dish at a dinner party hosted by my gorgeous friend, Sohiela, who makes the most wonderful Persian food. The word “Esfanaj” in Farsi means Spinach and “Borani” is the yogurt part of the dip. What I love about Sohiela’s version are the fresh …
Schloof – Suryani Eggplant Dish
Last year I visited my friend Laurie in Florida for a long weekend of recipe testing her collection of recipes for my book. That is when I was introduced to Schloof, a traditional Suryani recipe served as an appetizer or side dish. To be honest, I didn’t think the usual combination of basic ingredients found in the many Mediterranean dishes …
Chinese Spicy Beef Recipe | Shaved Beef Bites
Chinese Spicy Beef is a recipe I learned to make from my friend, Rachel, who makes simple Chinese cooking look like a walk in the park. She has an incredible gift of taking basic ingredients and turning them into a feast fit for a king in less time than it takes most people to get the dishes done. This beef …
Herb Roasted Root Vegetables
I recently saw an eye-catching photo of an extra thick chocolate chip cookie with creamy melted chocolate oozing from its center. There is something about melted chocolate that convinces me to throw all restraint for eating healthy out the window. Can you relate? The same level of excitement isn’t there for me with root vegetables. Until recently, I had never …
Israeli Cheese Bourekas
Who can resist a freshly baked puff pastry filled with all kinds of yumminess? Definitely not me. I confirmed my weakness when I tasted, my friend, Vivi’s cheese filled Bourekas. After one bite I was hooked. Bourekas are delicious, breaded hand pies that originated in the Middle East. Israeli cuisine is famous for making some of the most delightful bourekas …
Four Fabulous Roasted Pumpkin Seed Flavors
Now that Halloween is over, millions of creatively carved pumpkins are about to meet their final fate. Yes, the dreaded garbage can. Hopefully, you remembered to save those delicious, health-infused pumpkin seeds for roasting in the oven. If not, no problem. You can always buy dried pumpkin seeds at your local grocery store and get roasting! Roasting pumpkin seeds are …
Huckleberry Jam Recipe: How to Make Huckleberry Jam
Huckleberries are a rare find in Minnesota, and there is only one vendor at the Minneapolis farmer market who carries them. These sought-after berries are quite a find since they are usually only available at the end of the summer and in very small quantities; at least in my area of the state. A few summers ago, I happened upon …