In Memory Of Karen Nicole Smith, 1972 - 2016

Chris "Uncle Chris" De La Rosa
The Ultimate Mango Chow (pickled mango) Recipe.

The Ultimate Mango Chow (pickled mango) Recipe.

After one taste of this mango chow I knew it would be something I’d be addicted to and making very often. On our last trip to the islands, my friend David introduced me to this…

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The Ultimate Mango Chow (pickled mango) Recipe.
The Ultimate Garlic Sauce (aioli) Recipe.

The Ultimate Garlic Sauce (aioli) Recipe.

As we kick off another edition of the annual July Month Of Grilling, let’s jump into a recipe which is heavily requested and it’s something that goes hand in hand with BBQ and Grilling on the islands. If you’re from the Caribbean or have traveled to the islands (maybe you have friends from the region), you’ll know that Garlic Sauce (a thin aioli) is one of the preferred condiments served with BBQ. While there are many variations of this iconic sauce, I grantee you that this is as spectacular as it gets.

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The Ultimate Split Peas Dhal (kale & spinach) #Vegan

The Ultimate Split Peas Dhal (kale & spinach) #Vegan

This island boy luv me some dhal.. that rich thick soup packed with tropical flavors, but made with very simple and cheap ingredients. Great on it’s own (cup of dhal) or as a side to rice and curry dishes. Dhal is very comforting and so simple to make. Here’s my take on this iconic dish with added spinach and kale, instead of the traditional use of “poi bhagi’ aka Malabar Spinach. Basically I’m using ingredients which are readily available to me here in Canada.

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The Ultimate Split Peas Dhal (kale & spinach) #Vegan

This island boy luv me some dhal.. that rich thick soup packed with tropical flavors, but made with very simple and cheap ingredients. Great on it’s own (cup of dhal) or as a side to rice and curry dishes. Dhal is very comforting and so simple to make. Here’s my take on this iconic dish with added spinach and kale, instead of the traditional use of “poi bhagi’ aka Malabar Spinach. Basically I’m using ingredients which are readily available to me here in Canada.

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Quick And Tasty Stewed Pigeon Peas.

Quick And Tasty Stewed Pigeon Peas.

In the Caribbean our dishes are famous for being cooked low and slow.. some may even argue that we over-cook some of our dishes. However, you really can’t argue once you taste our culinary delights. Such is the case for stewed pigeon peas. Typically if you were using freshly picked pigeon peas, you’d have this cook for 1.5 to 2 hours. The reality is, there are times we just don’t have time and we just want to enjoy something delicious and fulfilling. This pigeon peas recipe is the answer.

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Outstanding Oven Jerk Pork.

Outstanding Oven Jerk Pork.

There’s a special place in my belly for jerk pork (no lie). While I much prefer it made over a coals fire so you get lovely smoked sort of finish, which really compliments the herbs and other ingredients in the classic Jamaican jerk marinade. The said… reality in Canada is it can get VERY cold during the winter months, so realistically I had to come up with a recipe with will duplicate those same flavors, but in an everyday kitchen oven. Here is such a recipe.

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Outstanding Oven Jerk Pork.

There’s a special place in my belly for jerk pork (no lie). While I much prefer it made over a coals fire so you get lovely smoked sort of finish, which really compliments the herbs and other ingredients in the classic Jamaican jerk marinade. The said… reality in Canada is it can get VERY cold during the winter months, so realistically I had to come up with a recipe with will duplicate those same flavors, but in an everyday kitchen oven. Here is such a recipe.

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Amazing Shrimp Broff (shrimp soup) Recipe.

Amazing Shrimp Broff (shrimp soup) Recipe.

Here’s another classic recipe with a slightly different take. Traditional ‘Broff” is usually made with fish, but more-so fish heads (ocean fish). Unlike our thick and heavy Caribbean Soups, this broff (broth) is supposed to be lighter in consistency and textures, and meant to be a cure for hangovers. My uncle was exceptional at making fish broff, especially on a Monday after a weekend of too many adult beverages.I do credit him for my broff making skills and for always allowing me to be part of the prep and cooking.

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