Mummy's Culantro Pesto

Mummy recently made a condiment which I am calling Culantro Pesto. It is a combination of fresh Culantro leaves blended with garlic, kosher salt, coarse ground black pepper, hot pepper, and vegetable oil.

Traditionally, pesto is made with olive oil, but since it has such a distinctive and strong flavor, my Mom decided to use regular vegetable oil instead. The result was delicious as well as very versatile. You can use Culantro Pesto as a condiment, for seasoning meat and seafood, as a topping for toast, on eggs, sandwiches, or on buffalo wings, just to name a few.

After blending all ingredients, she bottled it and this time we did not refrigerate it. The last time we did, the pesto got a dark discoloration. So we experimented this time and just kept it out at room temperature and this worked really well for retaining the color as well as the flavor.

Mummy's Culantro Pesto

Try It On Chicken Wings...

Give it a try...If you want a more mild flavor, just eliminate the hot pepper...

                                                                       

Deliciously Decadent Duck Liver Wrapped in Duck Skin

Hello all my Foodies out there. Ready to try something different? One of the reasons that I absolutely love writing this Blog is that I can think outside the box and color outside the lines, and if the "Food Police" show up at my door, I don't really care. Experimenting with different recipes and techniques gives me great joy, especially when it works.

I hope that this introduction has adequately prepared you for what is about to follow. I guess a good mantra for this post would be, "Do not judge a book by its cover"...

As you view the following photos, I know that some people will think, "This is just not pretty", and I may risk getting a call from my sister Anjani in Canada questioning my good judgement. But I assure you, that will not deter me from sharing what I am about to, because it is truly deliciously decadent. So I ask you to take it all in with an open mind, and imagine the amazing possibilities of what you too can create in the comfort of your own home.

Before we begin this photo journal, I would like to share a little background with you. I made curry duck for a very dear friend, Chef Willy, as a way to celebrate both our birthdays. When I was prepping the duck to season it, I trimmed off some excess skin and reserved this with the duck liver because I just knew that I wanted to dream up a recipe using these two items. I used the same seasoning marinade that I used for the curry duck, without the curry. Thus began the creation of this recipe..."Deliciously Decadent Duck Liver Wrapped in Duck Skin"...

Duck Skin Laid Out On Foil In A Baking Pan

                                                                 

Duck Liver Placed In Center Of Duck Skin

First Fold Of Duck Skin

Second Fold Of Duck Skin

I Used A Small Skewer To Secure The Duck Skin

Flip The Stuffed Duck Skin With Skewer Side Down

I Added A Couple Extra Pieces Of Duck Skin On The Sides Of The Stuffed Duck Skin

I Baked The Duck Liver Wrapped In Duck Skin At 400 Degrees Fahrenheit For 30 Minutes, Basting With The Rendered Juices Every 10 Minutes. I Drained Off The Rendered Duck Fat.

I Spooned My Special Mixture Of Vietnamese Sauce Over The Duck Skin

After Baking 10 More Minutes

Done!!! I Then Carefully Removed The Skewer Before The Taste Test

First Cut For Photo Shoot

First Bite...Deliciously Decadent!!!

Want An Extra Kick?...Drizzle A Little Sriracha Sauce Over The Top...

I hope this will inspire all Home Cooks and Food Lovers all around the world to have fun and create something amazing. If you love it...that's all that matters...Happy Cooking!!!

                                                                    

Michael's Halloween

My nephew Michael sent me some wonderful pictures via his Mummy's iPhone that I wanted to share with you. He made a Halloween Gingerbread House, carved a really cool pumpkin, and is looking fierce in his Darth Vader Halloween costume.

Michael made a beautiful Halloween Gingerbread House

Michael carved a really cool Halloween Pumpkin

Michael is DARTH VADER...

Very Cool Dude...I'm so proud of you!!!

                                                                 

Have A Great Gator Weekend!!!

Hey Guys...Today the Gators play a favorite...The Georgia Bulldogs...At 3:30 PM on Saturday 29th October, we take on the Georgia Bulldogs in Jacksonville.

To welcome in the Tailgaiting Tradition, I would like to suggest a special drink for this celebration. A Carib beer with a shot of Tequila infused with Key Lime...It's delicious!!!

                                                  

I added a small Key Lime to my Carib too...

Tequila with Key Lime

Enjoy a great GATOR weekend and have fun...Whether we win or we lose, we GATORS will always drink...GO GATORS!!!

                                                         

CHEF WILLY'S AMAZING KITCHEN

On Monday 24th October, I had the pleasure of participating in a Wine and Dine event at Saboré.
                                                           

                                                                       

Executive Chef William "Willy" Hernandez

                                                               

                                                                  
We were greeted at the door by Executive Chef William "Willy" Hernandez, his warm smile lighting up the atmosphere and inviting us to share his five course dinner with an accompanied wine pairing.

Each course was exquisitely prepared and delivered to our tables by servers who were very pleasant and efficient, adding to a memorable experience. As each dish came my way, the aromas were already delighting my senses before I had even tasted my first bite.

Preceding each course, we were given details about the wine accompanying and complimenting that specific course. Below is the menu and wine paring for the evening. All these fine wines were also offered at a special discounted price for Saboré diners that night.

Chef Willy's Menu for Saboré's Five Course Dinner & Wine Paring

                                                                     
                      
I wish I had pictures of the food to share because they were absolutely stunning, but I do have a photo of the wine that accompanied our dessert course, Caposaldo Moscato.

Caposaldo Moscato

                                                                      
Caposaldo Moscato is made from handpicked Moscato grapes from hilltop vineyards in Italy's north region. These grapes create a pleasantly sweet and lightly effervescent wine with a fragrant aroma of acacia blossoms, peaches and apricot and a clean crisp finish. It can be served chilled before, during or after dinner.

Please sign up at the Saboré website to receive their newsletter announcing special events. That way, you too can take advantage of the next "Wine and Dine with Saboré"...




                                                                       

Nothing Like A Soothing Cup Of Tea On A Rainy Day

Sorry I've been away for a few days. My birthday was last Friday 14th October and I've been celebrating in between auditions, business meetings, and training. By the way...I'm still celebrating...Cheers!!!
It's been raining and I've been enjoying it very much. I love a hot cup of tea on a rainy day because it always makes me feel warm and cozy. Chamomile is one of my very favorites. It makes me feel calm and peaceful. When I was in Canada, I found a Sorrel and Ginger Tea which is truly delightful. In Trinidad, we grew up drinking sorrel which is a fruit you can make into a fruit drink. When I took my first sip of the Sorrel and Ginger Tea, I knew it was a winner.

Caribbean Dreams Jamaican Sorrel & Ginger Tea

                                                                  
I steeped one bag of tea in a cup of hot water. This tastes good on it's own without adding anything.

A Soothing Cup Of Caffeine Free Sorrel & Ginger Tea

                                                          
Sometimes I like to add a little Agave Nectar for a sweet flavor instead of using sugar.

Add A Little Agave Nectar To Sweeten

This particular brand of tea is available at www.amazon.com

WINE TASTING FOR THE INEXPENSIVE CONNOSEIUR

I love drinking wine and for me it doesn't have to be expensive because quite frankly, I can't afford it. So here, I have compiled a list of inexpensive wines that you might enjoy...all under $10.00 a bottle.

WINE TASTING FOR THE INEXPENSIVE CONNOSEIUR

·       BOHEMIAN HIGHWAY…On its journey from the wine country hills to the Pacific, The Bohemian Highway meanders through vineyards, redwood forests, and palm groves. This wine embodies the casual, free-flowing spirit you’ll find along the way.

·       BOHEMIAN HIGHWAY CALIFORNIA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2008 is dark and concentrated, with layers of black cherry, chocolate and plum. So take a little detour, and enjoy the ride. 

·       BOHEMIAN HIGHWAY CALIFORNIA CHARDONNAY 2009 is a lightly oaked, fruit-driven wine with enticing pear and apple flavors and just a touch of refreshing citrus. Uncork, unwind and let the journey begin.

·       FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA PRESENTS ROSSO 2009: My family has always made wine. To hear it from my father Carmine, these were not fancy wines, they were everyday wines, wines that were made on the dinner table each night. Our ROSSO is made of the same spirit - a wine for everyday life. You’re always welcome at our table.

·       [ yellow tail ] : For three generations the Casella family has been making wine at their winery in the small town of Yenda, situated in South Eastern Australia. It is here that [ yellow tail ] is created with the simple purpose in mind; to make great wine that everyone can enjoy. [ yellow tail ] is everything a great wine should be with a personality of its own.

·       [ yellow tail ] CHARDONNAY: Flavors: rich tropical fruits with a creamy finish. Enjoy: with good friends & a chicken salad.

·       [ yellow tail ] SHIRAZ: Ripe cherries and strawberries, spice, and vanilla aromas. This bold Shiraz is well balanced; with subdued earthy tones and lingering fruit on the tongue. This is a classic Aussie red wine that goes brilliantly with a good steak or in front of a roaring fire. It is pure goodness in a glass.

·       CONCHA Y TORO invites you to explore the new frontier of Chilean wine. Discover and enjoy the unforgettable taste of Frontera. Our full flavored dry wines are made from the same noble grape varieties used by the world’s most prestigious producers. Ready to enjoy now, Frontera is perfect for toasting any occasion. Along the way, we hope you’ll also encounter our critically acclaimed premium wines of Marques de Casa Concha and Casillero del Diablo.

·       CONCHA Y TORO FRONTERA CHILE CABERNET SAUVIGNON/MERLOT 2007

·       CONCHA Y TORO FRONTERA MENDOZA SYRAH 2007

·       COSECHA 2000 RIOJA FAUSTINO VII PRODUCE OF SPAIN

·       ZARPADO MALBEC 2010 PRODUCT OF ARGENTINA: At Zarpado, we believe in going over the top in our approach to wines! Vivid purple color leads to an aromatic and slightly spicy nose. The palette is bold and juicy with flavors of plum and blackberry, finishing with soft tannins. Enjoy this Malbec with roasted chicken and turkey.

·       VEO GRANDE THE FINEST EXPRESSION OF CHILE CABERNET SAUVIGNON COLHAGUA VALLEY 2009: This opulent red combines harmoniously intense berry fruit flavors with fresh minty tones for a truly unique flavor: the expression of Chile. This wine pairs well with a variety of meats (grilled or roasted), cheeses, or simply on its own. Founded by Francisco Javier Errazuriz, VEO is the largest private vineyard in Chile. The vines consist of 2600 hectares in the Colchagua and Maule Valley, where the exceptional conditions produce grapes with remarkable richness and flavor.

If anyone is interested in getting together to experience

"Wine Tasting For The Inexpensive Connoseiur", just let me know and

we'll arrange a get together...

Shopping For Great Food Bargains

I love shopping for great bargains and shopping for great food bargains is no exception. I recently went shopping and found these to share with you.

I went to Albertson's and got these beautiful Florida Avocados, and they were HUGE!!!...Cost...an incredible .90 cents each.

Beautiful Florida Avocados .90 cents each

                                                           

One of my other favorite places to shop for great food bargains is the aptly named supermarket, Save a lot.
I found a pack of Butterball Turkey Bacon, 18 strips to the pack...Cost...$1.00

Butterball Turkey Bacon $1.00 a pack

                                                                      

Also at Save a lot, beautiful Bell Peppers...Red and yellow for $1.00 each and green for .59 cents each.

Yellow Bell Peppers $1.00 each

Red Bell Peppers $1.00 each

Green Bell Peppers $1.00 each

It is worth it to shop around and see where you can get the best bargains ... get more food for your money...and feed your family well...

                                                                           
                                                                 

                                                                   

Great Lime Juice Recipe Variation From Angeline

Angeline, who is Mummy's first cousin, read my blog post on the Lime Juice recipes. She has a great variation on the recipe as follows using star fruit, also called "carambola", which you can find at your local supermarket.

CARAMBOLA "STAR FRUIT" WITH LIME JUICE
By Angeline Garris

• Slice star fruit
• Place star fruit in a pot
• Add enough water to cover the fruit
• Add sugar to taste
• Boil until the liquid is a syrup consistency
• Let cool
• Add Lime Juice to taste
• Add a little rum if desired
• Serve over crushed ice

That sounds delicious and refreshing...Thanks Angeline!!!

These Persian Limes from Roger and Lorraine's garden are what I used to make my Lime Juice. Thanks again Lorraine and Roger for sharing your garden's treasures...                                                                   

Trindad & Tobago Lime Juice Recipe

While living in Trinidad & Tobago, one of my favorite refreshing drinks is Lime Juice. Luckily I don't have to wait until I go to Trinidad to enjoy it.

A couple posts ago I mentioned that when we say Lime Juice in Trinidad & Tobago, we are actually referring to a drink and not just the juice extracted from the lime. So...Here's a simple recipe for you with some variations.
                                                  

                             

YOU WILL NEED:

• one large lime
• 2 1/2 tbsp. Sugar In The Raw Natural Cane Turbinado Sugar
• 2 cups water

HOW TO MAKE:

• Cut lime in half
• Squeeze half of lime into a measuring cup,  eliminating any seeds
• Add sugar and stir
• Add water and stir until sugar is completely dissolved

Trinidad & Tobago Lime Juice

                                                              
This recipe will make 2 cups of Lime Juice. You can vary the quantities of ingredients to suit your palate. For example, if you want a more tart taste, you can add more lime. If you have more of a sweet tooth like myself, you can add more sugar. My preference is to drink my Lime Juice cold, so I make it in advance and refrigerate it until it is completely chilled. Some people like theirs on the rocks, so just add some ice cubes for this option.

Lime Juice On The Rocks

                                                                  

 FOR A LITTLE TWIST HERE ARE SOME VARIATIONS:

• Add a splash of Angostura Aromatic Bitters
• Add a splash of Angostura Grenadine Syrup
• Add a shot of Trinidad Rum
• Add all three above

Lime Juice With Angostura Aromatic Bitters

Lime Juice With Angostura Grenadine Syrup
Enjoy your weekend with a nice cocktail. Just add a shot of Trinidad Rum to your Lime Juice...Cheers!!!

                                                                              
                                                                      

My Nephew Caught A Goose!!!

I am so proud of my nephews. They are all so unique in their personalities and their talents. I have three nephews...Valdez who is 22, Peter who is 13, and Michael who is 8. Valdez and Peter are already developing their talents as cooks, while Michael is not quite ready to delve into the world of culinary fantasy. He does however have a great love for his Auntie Shail's chocolate cupcakes which he special requests every year for his birthday.

My Beautiful And Talented Nephews, Peter, Valdez, and Michael

Valdez recently went hunting and caught a goose. When I spoke with him last night, he had marinated some strips of the goose breast which he says he will pan sear in butter . I am so looking forward to his recipe and photos which I will share with you on an upcoming blog post. Until then...Here's to good hunting and feasting...