Ackee & Saltfish

Apr 10, 2012 by lovelypantry

Ackee, oh Ackee. Ackee is Jamaica’s national fruit. Ackee paired with Saltfish (Salted Codfish) is Jamaica’s National Dish. This is a dish that is near and dear to my heart, as my Mother always prepared it for my family on the weekend. She makes it so very well. I remember having to “flake” the saltfish (not often, a few times perhaps) to remove the bones and to reduce them into smaller pieces the night before for easy preparation in the morning. I hated having to pick out the bones, but boy did I enjoy eating it! I was in the mood for traditional Jamaican fare so I gathered my ingredients to make Ackee and Saltfish served with fried Bammy and fried Plantains.

 

 

 

 

Charlene, a friend and a Jamaican photographer, has allowed me to use her photograph of Ackee in the pods so I can share with you all. This is not something that you can see in North America. I grew up with an Ackee tree on my family property so I saw this often. Here in Canada (and in the United States), you buy Ackee from the tin. I’ve had it an it is not at all bad. It’s a great way to still have Ackee.

To see more of Charlene’s beautiful photography, please click on the photograph.

 

Soak the saltfish overnight, or at least for a few hours. I soaked mine overnight then started the boiling process in the morning to reduce the salt. The fish should still have a certain amount of salty taste to it, otherwise it won’t taste great and then you’ll have to add salt back to the dish. In this photograph, I have about a pound of saltfish but I only used half. I reserved the other half for another special recipe.

 

 

Lovely fresh ingredients (I didn’t end up using the scallion)

 

 

 

The main ingredients:

 

 

Bammy is a thick version of a flatbread made from cassava. Bammies can be soaked in either milk or coconut milk. Then it can be baked or fried until browned and cooked through. It has a very light and delicate taste and can be enjoyed with a variety of meals. It’s great for soaking up gravy!

 

 

Such an amazing aroma.

 

 

Ackee and Saltfish are cooked though, and ready to be served

 

 

Ackee and Saltfish is likely to be served with fried dumplings. My Mom is an expert at making fried dumplings. I have yet to try my hand at that so Bammies are where it’s at until I  try the dumplings. This is generally a breakfast dish, but I have had it for dinner too, as I did here.

 

 

 

I hope you enjoyed today’s post. I really like making traditional Jamaican dishes and sharing with everyone. I don’t generally prepare traditional meals but I’m willing to try every now and again.

Have a super week!

~Lyn

 

 

 

 

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Escoveitched Halibut

Apr 8, 2012 by lovelypantry

In continuing with the theme of Easter, I wanted to try a fish recipe that reminds me of  home but at the same time utilizing a fish that is familiar to most in the region where I live. Halibut is a really fresh, firm white fish that is rich in lean protein, Omega 3 Fatty Acids, B Vitamins and  Magnesium. Having said all that, I’m going to fry it! I don’t fry very often so I don’t feel bad at all. Moderation is key. In Jamaica, fried fish is one of my most favourite things to eat. This particular recipe includes a fried fish, covered with a vegetable/vinegar topping that rests over the fish for a few hours before the fish is served. I used Scotch Bonnet Pepper for the first time. I guess I’m getting really brave because I don’t tolerate “heat” very well!

I’m so glad I had my Mom to consult with on this recipe. I got the basic idea of the ingredients and then I put my little twist on it. Nothing major – it’s still Escoveitch 🙂 A friend of mine shared a very good tip with me about frying the fish- ensure the oil is very hot, and use very little flour on the fish. My fish was perfectly fried.

 

 

Escoveitch or Escabeche is derived from Mediterranean origins and refers to fish (or some other white meat) being marinated in an acidic sauce or liquid prior to serving. In Jamaica, the vegetables are cooked down in a vinegar and water mixture and then poured over the fish, and allowed to marinate overnight or for a few hours. I could not wait for it to marinate so I ate my serving fresh from the pot and put the rest in the fridge for a more concentrated flavour.

 

 

This was the hardest part of the entire recipe. Slicing up all these veggies!!!

 

 

Washing fish in lime or lemon is very important. So I’ve been told. It helps to reduce the fishy smell, but I prefer fish that have a mild smell so I don’t usually wash with lime. I did for Escoveitch.

 

 

Remember! Not too much flour…

 

 

I’m terrified of frying. Hot oil is no joke!

 

 

 

One side finished, no injuries so far 🙂

 

 

Seriously, I could really get into frying stuff.

 

 

The colours were so vibrant and the smell was fantastic! You must believe!

 

 

This dish is good for breakfast or dinner. It can be served with Fried Dumplings, Fried Breadfruit, or Fried Bammy!

 

 

If you do make this dish, don’t be afraid to put more vinegar and water. This is my personal version that suits my palate and I get more of the vegetable flavour.  To get the real kick ~ use more vinegar and the whole scotch bonnet pepper. Leave it overnight.

 

I have a few more recipes like this to share then I have to make a date with my treadmill.

~Lyn

 

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Food Blogger Fun and Awards

Apr 2, 2012 by lovelypantry

Good Monday morning to you, my friends! Today’s post is different – no recipe. No photographs. No drooling or licking your computer screen 🙂 I just want to share some great things with you today. Regular posts will resume in a day or two. The past few months have been a blast when it comes to Food Blogging and Twitter. For a few months, I was on a roll! I was doing at least 4-6 chats weekly. Due to my new family schedule, I’m down to one chat – #HGEATS with The Hungry Goddess, Wednesdays at 12 noon, EST. Feel free to drop in for the hour, if you’re available. Each week is a different food related topic and we always have tons of foodie fun! If you’re lucky, there may be giveaways! I’ve won twice already! Lucky me!

I’m happy to have made some online foodie friends who have become familiar faces on a few other social media platforms. I’ve recently become a member of the Food Bloggers Network founded by the lovely Jessica Hose. She’s so brilliant to have come up with a networking group that allows Food Bloggers to share and learn more about what we do. It’s a wonderful support group and I’m very glad to be a part of it, along with such great bloggers. This group definitely keeps me active and in touch with like-minded individuals. Love it!

I’m so happy, and honoured to have been given awards by my fellow food bloggers! Isn’t that wonderful? [Insert applause here]

I received the Versatile Blogger Award from these fantastic friends:

 

Susan from Girl In The Little Red Kitchen

Renee from Magnolia Days 

Jessica from Oh Cake

Sofie from The German Foodie

I encourage you to visit their blogs! They are a friendly bunch!

 

I received the Kreativ Blogger Award from these fabulous ladies:

 

Susan from Girl In The Little Red Kitchen

Renee from Magnolia Days 

Jessica from Oh Cake

I enjoy their recipes and stories. Please visit and say “hello!”

 

 

As a recipient of the Kreativ Award, I have to write 10 facts about myself, then pass along the award to 6 bloggers

 

1o facts about Lyn

1. I have lived in 3 countries – London, England. Kingston, Jamaica. I currently reside in Toronto, Canada.
2. My passion is photography. The sound of the shutter gives me life.
3. I can be found (as in “seen”) in the deleted scenes on the DVD of the movie titled “How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days” staring starring Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey
4. I studied Travel, Tourism & Hospitality in College. The low paying jobs turned me off. I still love the field though.
5. I dream of vacations in beautiful places with beautiful food, camera in tow. One day, I will be a Travelista!
6. I love technology. If I could buy every device my heart desires, I probably would.
7. I’m a lifelong learner (a trait inherited from my Mother)
8. I love sending and receiving snail mail. YES! I’ll actually write a letter or a card and send photographs.
9. I believe in these simple things: the words please and thank you. Honesty & kindness CAN co-exist. Treat people with respect.
10. I LOVE music. In fact, I cook, sing AND dance sometimes. Fun times in my house.

 

I also received the Sunshine Award from these awesome chicas!!!

 

Susan from Girl In The Little Red Kitchen

Renee from Magnolia Days 

Jessica from Oh Cake

You ladies are my sunshine! Thank you for these awesome awards!!

 

 

 

As a recipient of the Sunshine Award, I have to answer 10 questions, nominate other wonderful bloggers and leave a link back on their website.

• Favorite Color – Purple and Black
• Favorite Animal – I don’t have one, but I think very small dogs are cute
• Favorite Number – I don’t have one, but I prefer even numbers or odd numbers divisible by 5 (don’t ask lol)
• Favorite Non-Alcoholic Drink – White Cranberry
• Prefer Facebook or Twitter – Twitter RULES!!! But I’m trying to be more active on Facebook too. Come say hello!
• My Passion – Family, Photography, Food/Cooking, Travel
• Prefer Getting or Giving Presents – Giving (and receiving too)
• Favorite Pattern – Whatever looks good
• Favorite Day of the Week – The glorious day that I can sleep in, whichever day that may fall on
• Favorite Flower – Roses and Tulips

 

I would like to share the love, and pass all three awards to these fabulous bloggers:

• Susan from Girl In The Little Red Kitchen
• Renee from Magnolia Days 
• Jessica from Oh Cake
• Sofie from The German Foodie
• Kayle from The Cooking Actress
• Shannon from Just As Delish
• Jenn & Seth from Home Skillet
• Angie from Angie’s Recipes
• Trish from In Fine Balance
• Lauren from Part Time Housewife
• Sandra from Sandra’s Easy Cooking
• Nami from Just One Cookbook
• Tina from Pinay Cooking Corner 
• Roxana from Roxana’s Home Baking

 

I received The Fabulous Blog Award from Tina at Pinay Cooking Corner  – Thanks again, Tina! I know I’m late but I’m so grateful for this award from you!

 

I would like to pass this award to Angie from Angie’s Recipes whose recipes and photography inspire me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I received the Liebster Award from Kayle at The Cooking Actress ~ You’re so sweet, Kayle! Many thanks for this award 🙂

I would like to pass this award on to Susan at The Wimpy Vegetarian. I like Susan’s recipes and her writing. I think there’s a vegetarian inside me trying to get out!

 

There are so many blogs that I enjoy reading. Thank goodness for Google Reader. Perhaps I’ll have to do another award post. For now, please take the time to check out these blogs that I read frequently.

Have a wonderful 4 day week!

 

~Lyn

 

 

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Turkey and Potato Skillet

Mar 28, 2012 by lovelypantry

I’ve wanted to do a one-pot dish for some time now. I was tired of using ground turkey the same way all the time. Needless to say, it gets a little boring for everyone. Something new was definitely needed! Balance is always my goal, so there’s a good ratio of protein, starch and greens… and some sweet corn too, to brighten it up a bit. I love that the ingredients are what we know and love and that the recipe can be tweaked as needed. A versatile recipe is a good recipe. I also wanted a sweet sauce in the mix, to give a constant flavour throughout the entire dish, but not overpowering it. I’ve made this dish twice and I’m happy enough with the result to share with you here. It’s funny – when I’m freestyle cooking, I really need to write down what I do. The second time I made this I was hoping I got it right so that it would turn out just as good as it did the first time!

 

 

 

Aside from the subtle sweetness of this dish, the colours are so appealing to me. I think I’m addicted to green. There HAS to be something green in my plate. I love sweet potatoes. White potato – not so much, but each has its special place in my diet. I was happy to join the two for this Turkey and Potato Skillet dish.

 

 

 

 

 

This was so easy to make and filled with colourful goodness. Perfect for a mid-week dinner!

 

Happy Wednesday!

~Lyn

 

 

 

 

 

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Quinoa Pasta with Roasted Zucchini and Cheese

Mar 26, 2012 by lovelypantry

Last nights dinner was so very interesting to me. I knew I had to roast some zucchini that was begging to be eaten. I also wanted to try the Quinoa Pasta that I bought a few days ago. I had never seen it before and I wanted give it a try so I could see how it tasted and how the texture compared to regular pasta. And there’s the cheese. I’ve always had a thing for cheese. It’s not something that I will give up easily, so bear with me as you see cheese all over this recipe. I kept it subtle. Promise 🙂 …Although I purposely avoided measuring how much cheese I used…

It was tasty, meatless and certainly something I intend to have again. My hubby thought it was quite nice. I don’t think I could convince him to have this without some meat though. He is far from a part-time vegetarian, like what I’m on the path to becoming. Baby steps. As I read more about it and find recipes that suit my palate, I’m truly considering reducing my meat consumption.

Here’s the finished result…another freestyle recipe 🙂

 

 

As for the Quinoa Pasta, I realized that it takes a little longer to cook than regular pasta. The package suggested 13-15 minutes – spot on. Anything before that, it’s still rather firm. Also, you have to eat it right away. I decided to toss it in a cheese mixture in order to make it moist on the outside. I don’t do dry pasta very well. A cream sauce or olive oil is pretty much mandatory. The texture of quinoa pasta is just fine and I would not have noticed the difference at all. I will buy it again, if I come across it. Its Quinoa. I can’t go wrong. Right?

 

 

 

I got my son to eat the zucchini. I had to basically emphasize that it had cheese on it. Not that there was too much, but he needs encouragement to eat “new” veggies. He has lettuce, green beans and broccoli under his belt. He needs to conquer zucchini so I can move on to another vegetable. Goodness rules in my house!

 

 

 

 

Roasted zucchini, fresh out the oven. So fragrant. Even the crispy parmesan stuck to the tray looked good to me.

 

 

 

 

Zucchini never tasted so good.

 

 

What a way to start the week. Happy Monday friends!

~Lyn

 

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Sweet & Sour Muffin Meatballs

Mar 12, 2012 by lovelypantry

I love when I find a good recipe. Better yet, I love when I find a good recipe that I can improve on 🙂 A while back, I wanted to make meatballs but not just regular plain meatballs – nothing boring. I came across Sweet & Sour Muffin Meat Loaves from myrecipes.com so I decided to try. The first time I made it, I wasn’t sure of the texture and it certainly did not have the colour I was hoping for. I tried again, taking notes on the changes I made and I never looked back. Instead of calling them meat loaves, I’ll say that these are awesome baked meatballs, full of flavour and a nice rich colour.

I wanted to serve it with mashed potatoes and steamed carrots but.. since the meatballs were super spectacular, I’d have to jazz up the company! This was such a great meal! It was different and comforting.

 

 

 

And here’s the fun part!

 

 

 

After about 20 minutes, the meatballs will look something like this

 

 

Brush the meatballs with the remaining sweet and sour mixture

 

 

Pop them back in the oven for about 10 minutes or so. Your kitchen will smell marvellous. Don’t let your meatballs burn! Watch them carefully. Cover with foil if needed.

 

 

I especially love the dark, caramelized sweetness of the meatballs and the sweet and sour sauce. I found that it paired well with the carrots and potato. Each component complimented each other quite nicely.

 

 

Take a bite!

 

 

Seriously. I’m hungry.

 

Happy Monday, friends! ~ Lyn

 

 

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