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RECIPE INDEX

ASOPAO WITH CHICKEN AND SHRIMP

asopao with chicken and shrimp

This definitely falls into the category of one-pot-meals and am a total junkie for braised dishes and stews. Asopao is all the rage in Trinidad and Tobago and Puerto Rico. Paired with the vast array of seafood from the coastlines in Florida, especially the Gulf, this take it’s appropriately called Flo-ribbean Asopao, as the state has a vast injection of Creole, Caribbean and Latin culinary influences. Here, the mix of shrimp and chicken create unique and unparalleled flavors, resembling a…

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COCONUT CURRY THIGHS

coconut curry thighs

This Thai inspired fragrant thigh dish is a flavor powerhouse made creamy by the use of coconut milk. If you aren’t a culinary gangster in the kitchen yet, this will surely acquire you some accolades!   10 chicken thighs – bone in/skin on – remove from fridge at least 1 hour before cooking 1 TSP Gourmet Garden ginger paste 1 TBSP Gourmet Garden lemon grass paste 1 whole head of garlic – unpeel each clove and left whole 1 can…

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OVEN GRILLED TOMATILLO THIGHS

oven roasted tomatillo thighs

Unleash your tomatillo with this outstanding South of the Border dish.  Tomatillos may be somewhat alarming if you have no clue what they are, but chances are, if you have sampled Salsa Verde at a Mexican restaurant, you’ve had tomatillos. Also known as the Mexican Husk tomato, tomatillos have an exterior paper-like covering and they shouldn’t be confused with green tomatoes, as tomatillos have a sweet-tart, almost lemony-apple taste that has absolutely no substitute in the flavor department. And most…

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SLOW COOKER MOROCCAN CHICKEN THIGHS

MOROCCAN CHICKEN THIGHS

Typically, the slow cooker isn’t one of my go to methods of food preparation, as I find I require a bit more of a stimuli and challenge in the kitchen. Chili or a beef stew are the usual contenders to set it and forget it. However, for this dish, the slow cooker renders an outstanding dish infused with authentic Moroccan overtones, so captivating that it’ll make you think it’s been prepared in a Tagine and you are eating al-fresco in…

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MEDITERRANEAN ASIAN SPICED RUBBED CHICKEN THIGHS

MEDITERRANEAN ASIAN SPICED CHICKEN THIGHS

Memory fails as to where I obtained this take, but it’s been one of my go-to thigh recipes. The preparation yields the most succulent rendition with an intoxicating aroma permeating while cooking, due to the uncommon spice mixture. Here, aleppo pepper, Szechuan peppercorns, coriander seeds, star anise and subsequently herbs are showcased mixing Mediterranean with a definite Pan-Asian twist.   PREHEAT OVEN TO 350F 8-10 bone-in chicken thighs – remove from fridge at least 1 hour before cooking 1 TSP…

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WHITE BEAN HAM SOUP WITH CHORIZO

WHITE BEANS WITH HAM AND CHORIZO STEW

The holidays are formally over with the ringing of the new year.   After vast consumptions of high caloric foods, which were officially launched at Thanksgiving, a mountain of sweets later and the invariable intake of more than our fair share of cocktails, wine and bubbly, we’re riddled with usual post-festivities-guilt over the number of calories ingested.  The typical diet favored resolutions come into play, along with that extra hour at the gym.  Yet some of us need some hearty fare to counter…

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A THANKSGIVING TABLE – DESERTS

CRANBERRY TART

After the sumptuous, not to mention calorific-infused meal, everyone will be lounging back, groaning in a comatose state, waiting for the football games to kick off. The second round no doubt is coming up, after some much needed digestion where the eagerly awaited deserts come into play. Apple and pumpkin pies can make the customary appearance, but these are a nice addition to the usual contenders.   CRANBERRY TART     This tart is pretty spectacular, not only in looks…

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A THANKSGIVING TABLE – FALL COCKTAILS

What are the holidays without some kind of celebratory cocktail concoction? And of course, infusing the flavors of Fall into seasonal creations that will make your guests and family think you’ve got a clandestine bartender part-time job. FALL SANGRIA – 1 LARGE PITCHER This is a Fall fave. The trick is to acquire the brandies well before hand, as most liquor stores will be out of these particular types, as a lot of holiday drinks utilize these flavors. This sangria will…

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A THANKSGIVING TABLE – BASICS

ROASTED TURKEY

The holidays are imminent and it feels like the year blew by in a sneeze. Hard to believe we are being catapulted into Thanksgiving and we’re inundated ad-nauseam with Christmas decor even before the trick-a-treaters have left our doorstep. No doubt a segway into the commercialized bombardment of Black Friday sales. Thank goodness for family gatherings, where we rejoice in togetherness and food continuously plays a significant part on these occasions. The strategy has commenced for this yearly feast. If you are…

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A THANKSGIVING TABLE – SIDES

GINGER-ORANGE GLAZED CARROTS

For all Americans, Thanksgiving may be about the proverbial turkey, tater mash and pumpkin pie. Were the expression food coma doesn’t even begin to describe your state of euphoria. And let’s face it, we eagerly await this holiday, because it brings cozy and comfortable recollections of family gatherings and the tantalizing aromas of epic cooking. Yet, no matter how eagerly awaited the culinary offerings are, don’t lose sight of the message. It’s a time of reflection and truly being thankful for our…

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A THANKSGIVING TABLE – CRANBERRY SAUCE-PALOOZA

cranberry bourbon vanilla sauce

Thanksgiving without cranberry sauce is like 4th of July without fireworks. With so many tried and true recipes for cranberry sauce, why crack open a can of the jelly-like blob which is flavorless, uninspiring and completely and unimaginative? Seriously people! The tart-sweet flavors and vibrant crimson color are a quintessential necessity for the holidays and a perfect dish to make ahead, as the flavors become even more epic. For the not so faint of heart and the ones that want to…

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FETTUCINE NATASHA

FETTUCINE NATASHA

There’s nothing simple about fettuccine Natasha, and not because it’s an arduous dish to prepare.  Au contraire. It can’t be labeled simple because it is decadence personified.  We’re all trying to circumvent carbs, eat healthy and shed unwanted pounds, not to mention unclog the arteries.  But there are times when debauchery calls and this pasta dish is exactly that. Sorry kids, don’t even think of replacing the butter, otherwise don’t trifle making this.   To make you feel better, accompany…

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MEATBALLS NEAPOLITAN STYLE – POLPETTE ALLA NAPOLETANA

NEOPOLITAN MEATBALLS

In Italy, the likelihood of finding spaghetti and meatballs on a restaurant menu is slim and none.  The American palate believes that it’s inherently Italian fare, since every Italian locale in the US presents a heaping dose of spaghetti in tomato sauce co-piloted with the proverbial balls on top. Only in the Southern Italian city of Naples, their meatballs, polpette al sugo, are paired with a rich tomato sauce, but never on top of pasta. And Italians are chronically in love…

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SHAKSHOUKA AND TABBOULEH – EXOTIC MIDDLE EASTERN DISHES

shakshuka

If your background is Middle Eastern, hail from Israel, Lebanon, Syria or Turkey, you’re extremely familiar with Shakshouka.  But most will be scratching the proverbial bean because you’ve never heard of it, let alone tasted it. The origins are nebulous, as there’s always the primeval dispute where a dish generated its roots.  It’s not typically native of the Levantine regions, but as with anything, there are permutations where dishes are recreated from country to country.  In Israel it’s served as…

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Pantry Rat