The sounds and smells of summer is intoxicating; the sizzling of meat on the BBQ, freshly mowed grass, suncream drenched skin, cold refreshing glass of pimms. Its the season to party, hang out with good friends and eat delicious food. After frequenting numerous festivals, I have been fortunate to taste some of the best street food around. Over the years I have developed a love for caribbean food, with its complex flavours and its fresh punchy kick. Known as soul food as it promises to deliver soothing comfort food that evokes warm feelings and memories. How can you not get excited about food that claims to do that!!
Food for me is all about love, happiness and family. My Dad, who to this day is still the best cook I know, he teached me about quality ingredients, good food and flavor. My Grandma who might not be quite Delia Smith but she is famous for her vegetable soup and Rhubarb crumble and finally Emma, my best friend, the only person I know who really shares my passion for good food, she also makes an amazing green thai curry. Its these people and influences who got me interested in cooking and made me care about what I put in my body. Also made me believe that if you put passion and love into your cooking you will only achieve greatness.
This recipe packs a punch and a kiss all at the same time and should be enjoyed with the people that you love....
Beercan Jerk Chicken
Free Range Chicken
Can of beer
2tbsp dark rum
2tbsp honey
Glug of vinegar
3 cloves garlic
A piece of ginger the size of your thumb
1tbsp all spice
1tbsp black peppercorns
1tbsp dried chilli flakes
2 scotch bonnet chillies (seeds if your feeling brave)
1 good handful of fresh corriander
Juice & zest or 2 limes
1tbsp salt
3 spring onions
2tbsp oil
Preheat oven to about 150 making sure that there is enough room for the chicken to stand upright. First drink half the beer out of the can and then impale the chickens arse with the can so the chicken is standing upright. Then chop and put all the other ingrediants in blender & blitz. Marinade chicken and put in oven for 2 hours.
Spicy Avacado & Mango Salsa
Avacado
Mango
Red Onion
Red Chilli
1 Lime
Corriander
Chop all ingredients and mix together with a squeeze of lime. Mmmm....
Rice & Beans
Brown rice
Beans
Tumeric
Salt
Paprika
Leave beans to soak over night in salty water. Then cook rice in rice cooker with beans and add teaspoon of tumeric and paprika and hey presto!
Enjoy and don't be afraid to experiment with the ingredients!
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