Trinidad Food

So... it's holiday season and our good friend is from Trinidad.  He is so far from home, missing his family and their food.  We have him over for supper time to time and he keeps talking about how wonderful trini food is, so I thought I'd do my research and see what I could find.  I actually came across quite a few yummy looking recipes websites - so I decided to invite our friend over for another supper and surprise him.

I will say - - I did NOT deviate from any of the recipes, because I had no clue what I was doing, and I wanted it to be authentic as possible.  So here's the website where I got all the recipes.  I've tried a few other of her recipes, as well, they are wonderful!!!

http://www.cookingwithria.com/

Here is the plate of food I made.  It ALL turned out absolutely wonderful!!

On the plate: 

Jasmine Rice (on bottom)

Callaloo (green stuff)

Stewed Chicken (on top)

With... Macaroni pie (This was MY FAVORITE!!)

I also made (but didn't get a picture of....)

Mango Chutney (with bits of croissants to act as a pholourie) 

Sawine for dessert - - super yum!!

Fig punch to drink (in Trinidad they call banana's figs, who knew?)

Again... I got all of the recipes from that wonderful lady, in the link I shared above.  I suggest you use that page if you want authentic recipes, because our friend almost cried when we handed over a plate of trinidadian food.  He said, "Just like my mom makes....."  That almost made me cry!!!

Bomb Salsa(s)

So.... It was my birthday a few days ago and my wonderful husband got me a Ninja Chopper.  I've needed a reason to use it and so I decided to make salsa.  Yay.... GREAT decision.  I love my chopper.... AND my salsas!  I've made 2 different types of salsa, at the same time, so there will be many similarities between the two salsas I'm listing today.  

Salsa #1 ~
Regular Bomb Salsa:
1/2 C strong beef stock
2 1/2 beefsteak tomatoes
6 Roma tomatoes
1 medium yellow onion
2 green bell peppers
1 jalapeno pepper (seeded or de-seeded is up to you)
3 tsp minced garlic
4 oz can of green chilies
1/2 bunch of fresh cilantro
Juice of 1 lime
S & P
1/2 tsp cumin
6 drops of liquid smoke
1 drop of "Afterdeath" hot sauce

Directions: 
Blend or chop all ingredients to your desired chunkiness and blend all together.  Jar or can & let sit for at least an hour before serving to let flavors settle.  Yum!  (Made 2 large mason jars full.)

Salsa #2 ~
Regular Bomb Salsa:
1/2 C strong beef stock
2 1/2 beefsteak tomatoes
6 Roma tomatoes
1 medium yellow onion
1 lg can of black beans - drained & rinsed
1 15 oz can of white corn - drained
1 15 oz can of yellow corn - drained
2 green bell peppers
1 jalapeno pepper (seeded or de-seeded is up to you)
3 tsp minced garlic
4 oz can of green chilies
1/2 bunch of fresh cilantro
1/2 bunch of fresh parsley
1/2 bunch of fresh basil
Juice of 1 lime
S & P
6 drops of liquid smoke

Directions: 
Blend or chop all ingredients to your desired chunkiness and blend all together.  Jar or can & let sit for at least an hour before serving to let flavors settle.  Yum!  (Made 3 large mason jars full)

Both of my salsa's came out a bit more blended than I had wanted and a bit more watery, but I think it's due to a new chopper that I'm not 100% sure I used correctly.  However - the flavors are wonderful of each salsa.... My husband blended the 2 together and ate tons of it.  We even had enough to share with friends.  {Posted a picture... not the best, but you get the idea.}

Of course there's many, many different recipes for salsa and the fun part is that you can do it however you like.... but here's what I did.  And it was yummy!!

Hope you make your own - and enjoy it!