Stamp and Go! {Jamaican Codfish Fritters} for #SundaySupper

Feb 3, 2013 by lovelypantry

Today is a BIG #SundaySupper. Its Superbowl Sunday and we have so many good dishes for this spectacular occasion. It’s spectacular for a few reasons. If you love American Football, then you’ve probably been eagerly anticipating this day. If you love food, well there will certainly no shortage of food today. If you’re like me, you’ll be looking forward to the Superbowl commercials and the half-time performance. Yes, that really is all that I’m looking forward to. Well that and these Jamaican Codfish Fritters! It’s a wonderful snack or side dish/appetizer and is one of my favourite Jamaican treats. My Grandmother used to make these fritters for me. I just loved them. The saltiness of the Codfish will always win me over. I made them for the first time and now I’m in fritter heaven!

 

 

My recipe today was taken from my very special Jamaican cookbook by Enid Donaldson, “The Real Taste Of Jamaica”. This book has not failed me yet! I’m comforted knowing that it keeps me close to home for so many occasions including game time!

 

 

For those who are not familiar with Salted Cod/Cod Fish/Salt Fish – this is what it looks like straight out of the package. This looks pretty nice compared to what I grew up seeing. This is from an 11oz package. I used half of it to make this recipe. I got mine from the local West Indian Market but I have seen it in the regular supermarket also.

 

 

I remember having to flake codfish on a Saturday night in preparation for Ackee & Salt Fish on Sunday morning before church. The fish we had then wasn’t as refined and certainly was not de-boned. I had to use my fingers and flake while removing bones from the fish. Not a glamorous task at all. But I love Saltfish so it had to be done. I would flake the fish while my Mom would prepare the dumpling dough.

Once the fish has been boiled twice, taste the fish to see if it is to your liking. You don’t want to boil out all the salt. It should in fact still be salty. Keep in mind that it is going to be placed in a batter that will likely reduce the saltiness. Here is what the codfish looks like once cooled and flaked.

 

 

 

 

While sautéing the seasoning, you will notice the wonderful fragrance as they combine. I decided not to add Scotch Bonnet pepper this time but I’m sure I will the next time. I added black pepper instead.

 

 

Creating the batter was interesting. The recipe did not state how much water to use. I added 1/4 Cup of water at a time until I arrived at a nice consistency. I tested out a fritter to see how it came out after adding a cup of water to the batter. I only needed half a cup more to get it right. Fry these fritters at medium heat. And do not leave the skillet unattended while browning these fritters.

 

 

Wouldn’t you like to see these on your Superbowl party platter?  These are a definite crowd pleaser.

 

Grab yourself a plate and dig in!

 

 

Be sure to visit the rest of the #SundaySupper team to see the amazing game day buffet items.

#SundaySupper Super Bowl Appetizers & Snacks:

• All American Ranch Cheese Ball from The Weekend Gourmet
• Bacon Double Cheese Burger Dip from In the Kitchen with KP
• Bacon Kettle Corn from The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
• Baked Crab Cakes from The Meltaways
• Buffalo Chicken filled Pull-Apart Loaf from Small Wallet Big Appetite
• Buffalo Chicken Pizza On A Stick from Neighborfood
• Buffalo Tofu Bites from Soni’s Food
• Cheeseburger Bites from Momma’s Meals
• Cheesy Jalapeno Popper Dip from Daily Dish Recipes
• Cranberry Glazed Meatballs from Curious Cuisiniere
• Easy White Queso with Chorizo from Supper for a Steal
• Eggplant Lentil Fritters With Orange Salsa from Sue’s Nutrition Buzz
• #GlutenFree 7 Layer Bean Dip from Cooking Underwriter
• Gulf Coast Smoked Tuna Dip from 30A Eats
• Ham & Cheese Crescents from Masala Herb
• Ham Crescents {Schinkenhoernle} #DairyFree from Galactopdx
• Little Filo Cheese Rolls from Food Lust People Love
• Mini Crab Bites from Webicurean
• Muffuletta Skewers from Magnolia Days
• Peach Jalapeno Fritters from I Run for Wine
• Philly Cheesesteak Bites from Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
• Pizza Pretzel Rolls from Cravings of a Lunatic
• Pizza Wontons from Peanut Butter and Peppers
• Refried Black Beans with Pita Chips from Basic N Delicious
• Roasted Garlic-Bacon Dip from girlichef
• Roasted Red Pepper Hummus from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
• Stamp & Go! from The Lovely Pantry
• Sweet and Spicy Bacon Wrapped Dates from Noshing with the Nolands
• Tandoori Spiced Popcorn from MarocMama
• Wonton Cones Filled with Oriental Salad from Simply Gourmet

#SundaySupper Super Bowl Main Dishes:

• Bacon-Wrapped Chili Cheese Dogs from Damn Delicious
• Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Sandwiches from Cupcakes & Kale Chips
• Chicken in Passion Fruit Crunch from The Urban Mrs.
• Green Chile Cheeseburgers from Juanita’s Cocina
• Grilled Pizza with Sausage and Spinach from Ruffles & Truffles
• Marinated Rump Steak with Chimichurri Sliders from Vintage Kitchen Notes
• Meatball Sub Sliders from Country Girl in the Village
• Oven-Fried Catfish Fingers with Mango-Chili Dip from Pescetarian Journal
• Pigs in Sleeping Bags from Comfy Cuisine
• Turkey Sliders with Roasted Tomatoes from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• Vegan “Hamburger Helper” Soup from What Smells So Good?

#SundaySupper Super Bowl Desserts:

• Shortbread Brownies from Baker Street
• Smores Blossom Cookies from Chocolate Moosey
• Sweet Little Pastries from Happy Baking Days
• Sweet Potato Cake Pops from Ninja Baking
• Toddler Truffles from In the Kitchen with Audrey

 

#SundaySupper Super Bowl Tablescape:  10 Tips For A Winning Superbowl Buffet Table from An Appealing Plan

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Join the #SundaySupper conversation on Twitter on Sunday, February 3rd to talk all about our Super Bowl Recipes!

We’ll tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world.

Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET and you do not want to miss out on the fun.

Follow the #SundaySupperhashtag, and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat.

Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more fabulous recipes and food photos!

 

 

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Hawaiian Bread

Jan 31, 2013 by lovelypantry

I did  it!! I got my list of breads that I would like to make, and went for it. I feel so accomplished right now. Making bread has been on my culinary bucket list since forever. I have been quietly saving, comparing, pondering recipes for some time now. Of course, Pinterest is where I store many bread recipes, but I have also been looking in books, magazines and e-books too. You’d be surprised to know how many free Kindle e-books are available on Amazon as a promotion. Either free or cheap. Either way, I’m all over recipe books.

This bread was very different to me. I had no idea how the taste/texture would be but I thought it was pretty cool that pineapple juice was an ingredient. When I took the bread out of the oven, I started taking pictures with my phone. I had to tell my friends and loved ones what I did! This is the kind of news that can’t be kept to myself!

 

 

 

 

Just to clarify, in the photograph above, I have 2 bowls with flour. I split it but realized after that I didn’t need to do two portions.

One of the things I loved about this type of bread, is that it requires no kneading. This is a very important aspect of the recipe for me. Why? Well because kneading wouldn’t be a good thing for me to do. A few months ago, I developed tendonitis in my right thumb joint. So something as simple as writing can be slightly painful. I fully realize that the hours spent on the computer and on my cell phone are wreaking havoc on my hands. My left wrist is showing signs of stress also. I was advised to step away from the computer. Chances of that happening are pretty close to nil, although I have decreased my online activity a little. Less time on the computer doesn’t mean I’m resting though. Because I’m in the kitchen making AWESOME breads like this one!

I was so excited about making this bread that I went ahead and prepped 2 more no-knead breads. That’s another great thing about this recipe. You can prepare from the night before so you can have fresh bread in a jiffy. Also you can store the dough in the freezer for up to 3 months, and take it out as needed. Just allow it to thaw and rise again in the fridge.

I learned something about yeast while making this bread. When using Active Dry Yeast, you have to proof it before you incorporate it into the batter otherwise the dough wont rise. Lesson learned. No more wasting ingredients!

Proofing your yeast

In a small bowl, add 1 package of active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 Tsp). Add 1 Tsp sugar and 1/4 cup of warm water. Allow to stand for about 10 minutes. If the mixture starts to foam and increases in volume, you can use it in your recipe. If it doesn’t foam, discard it. I added the yeast to the wet ingredients just before adding the dry ingredients.

 

 

 

Is this bread perfect? I’m not sure. It’s my first homemade bread. It tasted much different from the commercially made bread that I have become accustomed to. But I’ve always heard that once you start making bread at home, you may not want to go back to store-bought bread. We’ll see!  I probably don’t have the perfect technique when it comes to bread making yet, but I’m looking forward to learning more and most definitely baking more. I can’t wait to make the second portion of this recipe. And then some other recipes from the eBook.

 

 I’m really happy.

No no-knead recipe is safe now that I’ve made my first bread.

I’m sooooo doing the happy dance right now.

 

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Mushroom and Bacon Pasta

Jan 29, 2013 by lovelypantry

You have no idea how excited I get when I find a good recipe. I mean a really good recipe. One that I wouldn’t mind having in weekly rotation. A recipe that is surprisingly pleasant to the palate. A recipe that is easy to make and works well when you really don’t know what on earth you are going to make for dinner tonight. I’ve had a few nights like that recently.

My friends, as simple as this recipe is, I think its lovely. I even managed to get my son to eat it. He questioned the mushrooms for a moment (I didn’t put a lot in his plate) but he finished his serving quite happily. I LIVE for moments like that!! I can’t wait for my daughter to follow suit and actually enjoy food. My husband enjoyed it immensely and  I will say, it is hard to impress him if there is no meat on his plate!

 

 

 

I guess I cheated and added bacon to this dish. Bacon is the magical ingredient that seems to give (almost) any dish the upper hand. I had a vision and I ran with it. I adapted a Mushroom Pasta recipe and decided to add bacon because I thought it would pair nicely with the mushrooms. I also substituted white wine for chicken broth.

 

 

I’ll be honest, mushrooms are not my favourite food. But in a recipe like this? I will have it and I will enjoy it. I love a good pasta dish. This certainly satisfied any carb cravings I had. I also loved how the mascarpone just melted into the broth and gave it such a creamy sauce-like texture…without the cream! Brilliant!

 

 

I’m always looking for easy meals that can nourish and satisfy. I believe this is definitely one of them.

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Jamaican Hot Chocolate

Jan 22, 2013 by lovelypantry

Brrrrrrr…

Seriously. I am currently in a deep freeze. I know that at this moment in time, in certain parts of Canada, they are experiencing temperatures somewhere around -45C…give or take a few degrees. This post isn’t meant to complain. Really, it’s not. How can I complain when we are only somewhere around -12C? Oh, and that’s the “high”. The low is a frightening -23C. Extreme cold alerts always have me wondering how I can remain indoors until it is at least -5C. I’m “okay” around -5C. Since life has a wonderful way of happening daily, staying indoors isn’t practical. So when it’s really really cold, its time for some tropical flavour to warm me up and bring a smile to my face.

This is a quick post since I’m missing my blanket that is strategically placed in front of the fireplace. It’s probably missing me too. So we will have to be reunited shortly.

 

 

Jamaican Hot Chocolate

2 oz Jamaican Chocolate (1 chocolate ball), shredded or coarsely chopped

2 Cups Water

1 Cinnamon Leaf

1/8 Tsp Ground Nutmeg

1/2 Tsp Vanilla

1/4 Cup Sweetened Condensed Milk

1/2 Cup Milk (optional)

Instructions

In a medium pot, add water, cinnamon leaf and chocolate and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and allow to simmer for about 20 minutes

Add salt, nutmeg, vanilla, milk and condensed milk. Stir to combine.

Strain and sweeten with a little sugar if needed.

Serve and enjoy hot!

This recipe yields about 3 mugs of “Coco Tea” 

 

Typically, you grate the chocolate but as you see here, I started but my patience got the better of me. I chose to coarsely chop the chocolate instead. The goal is to break it down so that it cooks faster.

 

 

This Jamaican beverage is known as Hot Chocolate Tea or simply Coco Tea. It tastes nothing like Swiss Miss or Nestle or whatever else you find at the grocery store. It is quite rustic, and rich. It’s also quite coarse as it does not completely dissolve, so straining is an absolutely necessary step (in my opinion) in order to fully enjoy this beverage without having to clear your throat every few sips.

 

 

Coco Tea is typically a breakfast beverage (especially around Christmas). I remember the BEST Coco Tea I’ve ever had, was at a hotel restaurant in Portland, Jamaica (a beautiful, rustic and fairly untouched part of the island located on the south coast). They refused to tell me their secret ingredient. I suppose that means I will be returning to the hotel to savour their wonderful chocolate bliss. It’s wonderful to have on a Sunday morning with a nice big traditional breakfast. But for me? It keeps me warm and comforted on cold winter nights. I’m glad I have a small stash to last me a little while.

~Lyn

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Victoria Sponge Cake With Cream Cheese for #SundaySupper

Jan 20, 2013 by lovelypantry

Welcome to another #SundaySupper! This Week’s theme is all about “Retro Recipes.”  You know, those food memories that immediately take us back in time.  There are some recipes that are tried and true. Some of them we wouldn’t think of making any changes, because it would become something totally different. And then there are some with room for flexibility and adventure. I love a little bit of both in my kitchen. These are the recipes that remind us of our childhood, our grandparents, our parents, or foods that were the norm during a certain era.

Most of the things that I make are either fairly new to me or remind me of home. Until I was about 11 years old, I lived in London, England. I don’t have too many memories of life there but I do recall some of the funny foods that I would eat at school or visiting my british friends or neighbours. When in London, eat what the Londoners eat! Toad In The Hole, Bangers & Mash, Crumpets, and how can I ever forget Fish & Chips. Whenever I had extra spending money, I would stop and buy myself some “chips” wrapped in newspaper, sprinkled with salt and vinegar. I remember how awesome it was to eat it as I walked home from school. These are what I think of when I think of retro. I don’t know of any Brit that didn’t have fish fingers with ketchup as part of their weekly meals. I know exactly where my tea drinking habit began! My Mom and I always enjoy a cup of tea before bed, even now. That’s the one thing I’m never without. It’s always a good time for a cuppa.

In Jamaica there are some recipes that have certainly stood the test of time! Grater Cake, Coconut Drops, Jerk Chicken, Oxtail, Curried Goat, Cornmeal Pudding, Black Cake (also known as Christmas Pudding), Sorrel, Blue Drawers, Stew Peas…the list goes on. But today, I’m going to share with you a recipe that I came across last year around the time of The Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. It’s called Victoria Sponge Cake and it is a British classic.

 

 

The first time I made this cake, it was a bit lop-sided so I was happy to try it again. This time around, it came out much better but I think I will do it again to see how else I can get my cake to be lighter and fluffier. There are so many variations of this recipe available. The recipe that I used came from a book called Illustrated Step By Step Baking.I opted to use something different from the suggested butter cream filling. I wanted to changed things up just a little bit so I used a simple cream cheese filling instead. I need to get smaller cake pans. My smallest is 9 inches and I needed 8 inch pans. I think I need to go shopping, don’t you agree?

 

 

Join us Around the Family Table this Sunday at 7pm Eastern Time and share your favorite Retro Food Memory with us!

The Sunday Supper family have so many wonderful retro and retro inspired dishes to share with you. Be sure to check out the recipes listed below.

Sunday Supper Retro Appetizers:

• Irish Cheddar-Whiskey Fondue by girlichef
• She Devils: Beet Pickled Deviled Eggs by Ruffles & Truffles

Sunday Supper Retro Salads:

• Coca-Cola Salad by Magnolia Days
• Salmon Salad | Retro Tuna Salad by Family Foodie
• Ambrosia Salad by Simply Gourmet
• Romaine “Wedge” Salad with Hot Maple Bacon Dressing by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
• Carrot & Raisin Salad by The Roxx Box
• Sweet & Smoky Broccoli Salad by In The Kitchen with KP

Sunday Supper Retro Breads and Sandwiches:

• Italian Style Bread by The Meltaways
• Creamed Chipped Salmon Jerky on Toast by Pescetarian Journal
• Grown-Up Tuna Melts by Home Cooking Memories
• English Muffin Pizzas by Comfy Cuisine
• Patty Melt, Hand Cut Fries, & a Shake by Mooshu Jenne
• Grown-Up Grilled Cheese With Tomato Soup by Catholic Foodie
• Toast Topper #16: Grandma’s Mock Apricot Jam by What Smells So Good?

SundaySupper Main Dishes:

• Chicken Pot Pie Topped With Bacon Cheddar Biscuits by Chocolate Moosey
• Tuna Noodle Casserole by Country Girl in the Village
• Nana’s Marinated Beef Roast by Supper for a Steal
• Chorizo Scotch Eggs by The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
• Chicken Maryland by Vintage Kitchen Notes
• Mushroom Stroganoff by Small Wallet Big Appetite
• Dairyfree Toast Hawaii by Galactosemia in PDX
• Porcupine Meatballs by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
• Chicken Kiev by The Urban Mrs.
• Salmon Quiche with Preserved Lemon by Shockingly Delicious
• Steak Diane by Crispy Bits & Burnt Ends
• Fried Chicken only in the Oven by In the Kitchen with Audrey
• Hambak Steak a.k.a. Salisbury Steak by Kimchi Mom
• Retro-Redo: Homemade TV Dinner by The Little Ferraro Kitchen
• Kicked Up Meatloaf by Curious Cuisiniere
• Shrimp Scampi (a lighter version) by Kudos Kitchen
• Old-Fashioned Pork Chops by My Trials in the Kitchen
• Jägerschnitzel by Sustainable Dad
• Healthier Hamburger-Corn Noodle Casserole by The Weekend Gourmet
• Inspired by Tuna Noodle Casserole by Cookistry
• Chicken-N-Biscuits Pot Pie Casserole by The Messy Baker Blog
• Souper Pork Chops with Mashed Potatoes by Mama.Mommy.Mom
• Meatloaf that will make you swoon and Datz the truth by Midlife Roadtrip
• Spaghetti with Currywurst Sauce by Masala Herb
• Tator Tot Casserole by NeighborFood

Sunday Supper Retro Sides and Veggies:

• Smokey Braised Red Cabbage by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
• Classic Corn Casserole by The Foodie Army Wife
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon & Balsamic by Dinners, Dishes and Desserts
• Classic Green Bean Casserole Redux by The Wimpy Vegetarian
• Mem’s Broccoli Casserole by Momma’s Meals

Sunday Supper Retro Desserts and Cocktails:

• Peachy Keen Tutti-Frutti Jello by La Cocina de Leslie
• Old School Boozy Rum Cake by Webicurean
• Individual Baked Alaskas by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• Rainbow Jello by Cravings of a Lunatic
• Pineapple Upside Down Cake by Noshing with the Nolands
• Pineapple Bars by Peanut Butter and Peppers
• Creamy Dairy Free Fresh Orange Julius With Coconut Milk  by Sue’s Nutrition Buzz
• Refrigerator Strawberry Cheesecake by There and Back Again
• Frozen Pineapple Upside-Down Cake by Juanita’s Cocina
• Boston Cream Pie by Gotta Get Baked
• Coca-Cola Cupcakes by Daily Dish Recipes
• Jello Poke Cake by Flour On My Face
• Devil’s Food Cake by Maroc Mama
• Bread Pudding with Pecans by Basic and Delicious
• Victoria Sponge Cake with Cream Cheese by The Lovely Pantry
• A Chocolate Twist on the Classic Japanese Strawberry Shortcake by Ninja Baking
• Post War Apple Pudding by My Cute Bride
• Layered Mini Chocolate Banana Cakes by Big  Bears Wife
• Raspberry Jam Cakes by Pippis in the Kitchen Again
• Cocktail: Moscow Mule by Crazy by Crazy Foodie Stunts

 

 

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