Jamaica

Another Caribbean country finished!

Jamaica was fun, bright, and delicious. Jerk chicken, rice and peas, rum punch and a pineapple cake. We broke with tradition and made the rice and peas even though it wasn't Sunday. Great recipes if not a tad heavy on the carbs.

As an aperitif we had some plantain chips and coconut soda.

Wonderful way to spend a Thursday evening.

Rice and Peas

Ingredients
1 can red kidney beans
1 can coconut milk
1 tbsp fresh thyme
4 green onions, chopped
2 cups of rice (rinsed well)
2 cloves of garlic, minced
water
salt
pepper

Preparation
Drain the kidney beans over a measuring cup that holds 4 cups. Add the coconut milk and then add enough water to make 4 cups of liquid.

In a large pot, add the liquid mixture, garlic, thyme, onions, kidney beans, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil and taste the liquid for saltiness. Next add the rice and boil or 2 minutes. Reduce the heat and simmer covered for 15 - 20 minutes. Fluff with fork and serve warm.

Jerk Seasoning
1/2 pimenta (allspice berries)
1/2 cup brown sugar
8 garlic cloves, minced
5 scotch bonnet peppers
2 tbsp thyme leaves
2 green onions, chopped
1 tsp cinnamon
salt and pepper
2 tbsp soy sauce

Ratings
A's Rating: 7
H's Rating: 8 (loved the chicken and the coconut rice)
M's Rating: 7 (wasn't as thrilled as I had hoped)
Guest Rating: 7

I will be repeating the rice recipe again. Loved the hint of coconut and the fresh herbs. Will also be repeating the jerk seasoning.