In Memory Of Karen Nicole Smith, 1972 - 2016

Chris "Uncle Chris" De La Rosa
Amazing Shrimp Callaloo (Spinach Soup).

Amazing Shrimp Callaloo (Spinach Soup).

We’ve already talked about the differences between Jamaican Callaloo (a plant) and Callalloo from the Southern Caribbean (a soup) and we’ve also looked at traditional recipes as well as recipes based on what’s available in your country. In today Callaloo recipe we won’t be using the traditional baby dasheen (taro) leaves, but baby spinach and the base flavor will come from shrimp and not the traditional crabs or salted meats. Hopefully this prevents the “that’s not callaloo” comments.

View Full Recipe

Amazing Shrimp Callaloo (Spinach Soup).

We’ve already talked about the differences between Jamaican Callaloo (a plant) and Callalloo from the Southern Caribbean (a soup) and we’ve also looked at traditional recipes as well as recipes based on what’s available in your country. In today Callaloo recipe we won’t be using the traditional baby dasheen (taro) leaves, but baby spinach and the base flavor will come from shrimp and not the traditional crabs or salted meats. Hopefully this prevents the “that’s not callaloo” comments.

View Full Recipe
Amazing Stove-top Mango Jerk Shrimp.

Amazing Stove-top Mango Jerk Shrimp.

Jerk Shrimp is definitely one of my favorite ways to cook/enjoy shrimp. And while the flavors you get from cooking jerk shrimp over a glowing coals fire is the preferred method, this stove-top method is arguably just as tasty. The fact that it’s quick to put together and the fiery heat of the jerk spiced marinade is balanced with the fruitiness of the mango.. makes for a recipe you’ll find yourself making on a regular basis. I guarantee your friends will be begging you for this recipe.

View Full Recipe

Amazing Stove-top Mango Jerk Shrimp.

Jerk Shrimp is definitely one of my favorite ways to cook/enjoy shrimp. And while the flavors you get from cooking jerk shrimp over a glowing coals fire is the preferred method, this stove-top method is arguably just as tasty. The fact that it’s quick to put together and the fiery heat of the jerk spiced marinade is balanced with the fruitiness of the mango.. makes for a recipe you’ll find yourself making on a regular basis. I guarantee your friends will be begging you for this recipe.

View Full Recipe
Simple Coconut Stewed Fish.

Simple Coconut Stewed Fish.

I’m a huge fan of fish and seafood in general, the same cannot be said for when I was a kid on the islands and had access to the good stuff, fresh from the ocean. Funny how life is yea! I try to eat fish as least once a month, so I’m always looking for creative ways to put it to use. Here’s a quick coconut stew putting some pieces of Haddock to use. Back to life and how funny it can get.. not only did I hate fish when I had access to it on the islands, I must now dig deep into my pockets to satisfy my fish cravings (such is life in Canada).

View Full Recipe

Simple Coconut Stewed Fish.

I’m a huge fan of fish and seafood in general, the same cannot be said for when I was a kid on the islands and had access to the good stuff, fresh from the ocean. Funny how life is yea! I try to eat fish as least once a month, so I’m always looking for creative ways to put it to use. Here’s a quick coconut stew putting some pieces of Haddock to use. Back to life and how funny it can get.. not only did I hate fish when I had access to it on the islands, I must now dig deep into my pockets to satisfy my fish cravings (such is life in Canada).

View Full Recipe
Avocado, Watercress Salad With A Clementine Vinaigrette.

Avocado, Watercress Salad With A Clementine Vinaigrette.

If you’re looking for a quick and tasty recipe which also happens to be very healthy, you’ll definitely want to give this one a test-drive. With a few simple ingredients, you can whip this up in under 10 minutes and it’s great on it’s own or paired with grilled meats / fish during the summer months when you’re outdoor having fun on the BBQ. Clementines, mandarins or your favorite oranges will work in making the dressing and you can add a bit of finely diced Caribbean Sunshine (Scotch Bonnet) if you want a little kick to it.

View Full Recipe

Avocado, Watercress Salad With A Clementine Vinaigrette.

If you’re looking for a quick and tasty recipe which also happens to be very healthy, you’ll definitely want to give this one a test-drive. With a few simple ingredients, you can whip this up in under 10 minutes and it’s great on it’s own or paired with grilled meats / fish during the summer months when you’re outdoor having fun on the BBQ. Clementines, mandarins or your favorite oranges will work in making the dressing and you can add a bit of finely diced Caribbean Sunshine (Scotch Bonnet) if you want a little kick to it.

View Full Recipe
Traditional Caribbean Pineapple Juice.

Traditional Caribbean Pineapple Juice.

The only thing I looked forward to more… than the amazing food on a Sunday in the Caribbean, is the variety of fruit juices you’d normally be served to wash it all down. Usually the fruit in ‘season’ would be used, so you’d get sour sop, citrus, passion fruit, mango, mauby and a host of others. But freshly made pineapple juice served with ice was always my favorite. And if there was any juice left back, we would pour it into ice trays to be enjoyed as frozen treats (do you remember ice-blocks?).

View Full Recipe

Traditional Caribbean Pineapple Juice.

The only thing I looked forward to more… than the amazing food on a Sunday in the Caribbean, is the variety of fruit juices you’d normally be served to wash it all down. Usually the fruit in ‘season’ would be used, so you’d get sour sop, citrus, passion fruit, mango, mauby and a host of others. But freshly made pineapple juice served with ice was always my favorite. And if there was any juice left back, we would pour it into ice trays to be enjoyed as frozen treats (do you remember ice-blocks?).

View Full Recipe
Quick And Tasty Stewed Lentils.

Quick And Tasty Stewed Lentils.

I’m still to taste a Caribbean-style stewed lentils to rival my mom’s… I still look forward to the bowls prepped for the freezer she usually sends for me when she cooks up a batch. This recipe came about one night when I was craving her lentils, but the freezer was bare. I did find a can of lentils in the pantry, so I did what we “Caribbean” people do best.. improvise! With the addition of diced pumpkin and stewed tomatoes, this version is QUICK and very tasty.

View Full Recipe

Quick And Tasty Stewed Lentils.

I’m still to taste a Caribbean-style stewed lentils to rival my mom’s… I still look forward to the bowls prepped for the freezer she usually sends for me when she cooks up a batch. This recipe came about one night when I was craving her lentils, but the freezer was bare. I did find a can of lentils in the pantry, so I did what we “Caribbean” people do best.. improvise! With the addition of diced pumpkin and stewed tomatoes, this version is QUICK and very tasty.

View Full Recipe