SOUP - *The Ultimate Comfort Food*

Two missionaries were captured by a tribe of cannibals who put them in a large pot of boiling water. After a few minutes, one of the missionaries started to laugh uncontrollably. "What's so funny?" said the other. The first missionary replied: "I just peed in the soup!"

Soup is a generally warm food that is made by combining ingredients such as meat and vegetables with stock, juice, water, or another liquid. Hot soups are additionally characterized by boiling solid ingredients in liquids in a pot until the flavors are extracted, forming a broth. Traditionally, soups are classified into two main groups: clear soups and thick soups. Soups are considered to be a Dinner item as well as a snack, or appetizer. The established French classifications of clear soups are bouillon and consommé. Thick soups are classified depending upon the type of thickening agent used: purées are vegetable soups thickened with starch; bisques are made from puréed shellfish or vegetables thickened with cream; cream soups may be thickened with béchamel sauce; and veloutés are thickened with eggs, butter, and cream. Other ingredients commonly used to thicken soups and broths include rice, lentils, flour, and grains.

One of the first lessons of any cooking course is learning how to make stocks. Stocks form the basis of most sauces and soups. A stock is basically the liquid that eventuates from simmering bones and/or meat with vegetables, herbs, & seasonings. Types of stock include beef, veal, chicken, fish, and vegetable. Let's peruse the stock making procedure.

*How To Make Chicken Stock*

*Spicy Chicken Soup*

"A shredded chicken soup flavored with garlic, onion powder, salsa, tomatoes, tomato soup, chili powder, corn, beans and sour cream."    

Ingredients

• 2 quarts water
• 8 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons dried parsley
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 5 cubes chicken bouillon
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 (16 ounce) jar chunky salsa
• 2 (14.5 ounce) cans peeled and diced tomatoes
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed tomato soup
• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
• 2 (16 ounce) cans chili beans, undrained
• 1 (8 ounce) container sour cream

Directions

1. In a large pot over medium heat, combine water, chicken, salt, pepper, garlic powder, parsley, onion powder and bouillon cubes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 1 hour, or until chicken juices run clear. Remove chicken, reserve broth. Shred chicken.
2. In a large pot over medium heat, cook onion and garlic in olive oil until slightly browned. Stir in salsa, diced tomatoes, whole tomatoes, tomato soup, chili powder, corn, chili beans, sour cream, shredded chicken and 5 cups broth. Simmer 30 minutes.

            

*Broccoli Soup*



Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons butter, room temperature
• 1 1/2 pounds fresh broccoli
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 carrot, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup cream
• Homemade Croutons, recipe follows

Directions

Melt 4 tablespoons butter in heavy medium pot over medium-high heat. Add broccoli, onion, carrot, salt and pepper and saute until onion is translucent, about 6 minutes. Add the flour and cook for 1 minute, until the flour reaches a blonde color. Add stock and bring to boil.

Simmer uncovered until broccoli is tender, about 15 minutes. Pour in cream. With an immersion blender, puree the soup. Add salt and pepper, to taste, and then replace the lid back on the pot. Serve hot with Homemade Croutons.

Homemade Croutons:

• Day old French bread
• Olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Cut bread into cubes and place in a large bowl. Drizzle cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes. Mix well.
Spread seasoned bread onto a sheet pan and bake for about 15 minutes.
Yield: 4 to 6 servings

*Chicken Noodle Soup*

Ingredients

Stock:

• 1 (2 1/2 to 3-pound) fryer chicken, cut up
• 3 1/2 quarts water
• 1 onion, peeled and diced
• 1 1/2 to 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 bay leaves
• 3 chicken bouillon cubes
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Soup:

• 2 cups sliced carrots
• 2 cups sliced celery, with leafy green tops
• 2 1/2 cups uncooked egg noodles
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
• 1/3 cup cooking sherry
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary leaves
• 1 cup grated Parmesan, optional
• 3/4 cup heavy cream, optional
• Seasoning salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Crusty French bread, for serving

Directions

For the stock: add all ingredients to a soup pot. Cook until chicken is tender, about 35 to 45 minutes. Remove chicken from pot and set aside to cool. Remove and discard bay leaves and onion. You should have approximately 3 quarts of stock. When chicken is cool enough to touch, pick bones clean, discarding bones, skin, and cartilage. Set chicken aside.

For the soup: bring stock back to a boil, add carrots, and cook for 3 minutes. Add celery and continue to cook for 5 to 10 minutes. Add egg noodles and cook according to directions on package. When noodles are done, add chicken, mushrooms, parsley, sherry and rosemary. Add Parmesan and cream, if using. Cook for another 2 minutes. Adjust seasoning, if needed, by adding seasoning salt and pepper. Enjoy along with a nice hot crusty loaf of French bread.

Cream of Green Garlic & Potato Soup*
"Green garlic is young garlic which is harvested before the cloves have begun to mature. The resulting vegetable resembles a scallion, with a deep green stalk and a pale white bulb. It can often be found for sale at a farmers' market in the spring, and can also be grown at home relatively easily. Many large grocery stores do not stock green garlic, although growing consumer demand may change this. It can also usually be special ordered through a greengrocer."

*Butternut Squash & Turnip Soup*

"This spiced up soup is a little sweet and chock full of flavorful veggies. It's a tasty way to warm up on a chilly winter day."

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups cubed butternut squash
• 2 cups cubed turnips
• 1 cup thinly sliced celery
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 quart chicken stock
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 3/8 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• salt to taste (optional)
• 
  Directions

1. Heat the butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in the butternut squash, turnips, celery, onion, and garlic; cook and stir until the vegetables just begin to brown, about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, heat the chicken stock in a large pot over medium heat until simmering.
2. Transfer the vegetables to simmering stock, and add the bay leaf, honey, pepper, nutmeg, coriander, cayenne pepper, and salt. Continue simmering until all the vegetables are softened, about 20 minutes. Remove the bay leaf before serving.               

*Italian Sausage Soup*

"This soup is easy to put together, and the flavor of the spicy sausage is balanced nicely by Great Northern beans, zucchini, fresh spinach, and carrots. Makes a delicious winter supper."

Ingredients

• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 (14 ounce) cans beef broth
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can Italian-style stewed tomatoes
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can great Northern beans, undrained
• 2 small zucchini, cubed
• 2 cups spinach - packed, rinsed and torn
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Directions
  

  1. In a stockpot or Dutch oven, brown sausage with garlic. Stir in broth, tomatoes and carrots, and season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 15 minutes.
  2. Stir in beans with liquid and zucchini. Cover, and simmer another 15 minutes, or until zucchini is tender.
  3. Remove from heat, and add spinach. Replace lid allowing the heat from the soup to cook the spinach leaves. Soup is ready to serve after 5 minutes.               

*Black Bean Soup*

"You'll want to make this ahead of time so you're not faced with the prep-work when you and your friends just want to kick back and chow down. Using smoked bacon makes all the difference in the world because those beans are just begging for that rich, smoky flavor."

Ingredients

• 10 slices bacon, finely chopped
• 2 medium onions, chopped (about 2 1/2 cups)
• 6 garlic cloves, pressed
• 1 (14 1/2-ounce) can reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 1 1/2 cups canned chopped tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 4 (15 1/2-ounce) cans black beans, drained but not rinsed
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 bunch cilantro
• juice of 1/2 lime
• Thinly sliced scallions, for garnish
• Sour cream, for garnish
• Grated cheddar, for garnish

Directions

Put the bacon into a large heavy pot and place it over medium heat. Cook until it starts to give up its fat, about 4 minutes. Stir in the onions and cook, stirring, until they start to turn translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook until you can smell it, about 1 minute. Add the broth, tomatoes, ketchup, Worcestershire, and chili powder. Stir in the beans, turn the heat to high and bring to a boil. Adjust the heat so the soup is bubbling gently and cook 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Meanwhile, pick off all the thick stems from the cilantro. Wash it and shake dry. Chop the cilantro coarsely and stir it into the soup when it has been simmering 10 minutes. cook until the soup is thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the lime juice. Serve with the garnishes.

*Mexican Chicken Corn Chowder*

"This creamy chicken and corn chowder, made spicy with ground cumin, green chilies, and hot pepper sauce, will warm you right through. Shredded Monterey jack cheese and half and half make this soup rich and delicious."

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 cubes chicken bouillon
• 1 cup hot water
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 cups half-and-half cream
• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 (14.75 ounce) can cream-style corn
• 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chiles
• 1 dash hot pepper sauce
• 1 tomato, chopped
• fresh cilantro sprigs, for garnish (optional)
• Directions
  1. In a Dutch oven, brown chicken, onion, and garlic in butter until chicken is no longer pink.
  2. Dissolve the bouillon in hot water; Pour into Dutch oven, and season with cumin. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in cream, cheese, corn, chilies, and hot pepper sauce. Cook, stirring frequently, until the cheese is melted. Stir in chopped tomato. Garnish with cilantro.               

*Clam Chowder*

"A delicious, traditional, cream based chowder, this recipe calls for the standard chowder ingredients: onion, celery, potatoes, diced carrots, clams, and cream. A little red wine vinegar is added before serving for extra flavor."

Ingredients

• 3 (6.5 ounce) cans minced clams
• 1 cup minced onion
• 1 cup diced celery
• 2 cups cubed potatoes
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 3/4 cup butter
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 quart half-and-half cream
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• ground black pepper to taste

Directions

1. Drain juice from clams into a large skillet over the onions, celery, potatoes and carrots. Add water to cover, and cook over medium heat until tender.
2. Meanwhile, in a large, heavy saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth. Whisk in cream and stir constantly until thick and smooth. Stir in vegetables and clam juice. Heat through, but do not boil.
3. Stir in clams just before serving. If they cook too much they get tough. When clams are heated through, stir in vinegar, and season with salt and pepper.

*Zuppa de Farro*

"Farro is a delicious alternative to rice or pasta in this Tuscan-inspired soup, made with chicken broth, pancetta and tomatoes, and seasoned with garlic, basil and thyme. It's easy to make and it's absolutely delicious!"

Ingredients

• 1 1/8 cups uncooked whole cereal farro grain or pearl barley
• 4 ounces pancetta or deli ham, chopped
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves, crushed
• 4 cups Chicken Broth
• 2 medium plum tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Directions
  

  1. Place the farro in a large bowl. Add water to cover and let soak for 1 hour. Drain the farro in a strainer.
  2. Place the farro and 8 cups of water in a 6-quart saucepot and heat over medium-high heat to a boil. Reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. Add the pancetta, onion, garlic and thyme to the saucepot and cook over medium heat for 10 minutes or until the pancetta is well browned. Add the farro, broth, tomatoes, basil and black pepper and heat to a boil. Reduce the heat to low. Cook for 10 minutes. Serve with the cheese, if desired.

*French Onion Soup*
"When you make homemade beef stock, and you have Gruyere cheese in the fridge that needs to be used up, you know French onion soup is in your future."

Who invented soup? It's common knowledge that the word soup comes from the same source as the English term "sop," meaning a piece of bread soaked in liquid. In common parlance, soup replaced sop at about the same time that people began serving the heated liquid without the ever-present piece of bread (approximately one-hundred years after Catherine de Medici arrived in France with her entire kitchen in tow and proceeded to transform the world of French cuisine). However, it's likely that people have been enjoying some version of meat cooked in heated water since the days when Prehistoric man was forced to stalk and kill his dinner before he could even think about cooking it.

 

**Latin Cuisine**

Latin American Cuisine refers to typical foods, beverages, and cooking styles common to many of the countries and cultures in Latin America. Latin America is a highly diverse area of land that holds various cuisines that vary from nation to nation.

Some items typical of Latin American cuisine include maize-based dishes (tortillas, tamales, pupusas) and various salsas and other condiments (guacamole, pico de gallo, mole, chimichurri, and pebre). These spices are generally what give the Latin American cuisines a distinct flavor; yet, each country of Latin America tends to use a different spice and those that share spices tend to use them at different quantities. Thus, this leads for a variety across the land. Sofrito, a culinary term that originally referred to a specific combination of sauteed or braised aromatics, exists in Latin American cuisine. It refers to a sauce of tomatoes, roasted bell peppers, garlic, onions and herbs.

The cuisine of Argentina is strongly influenced by Italian and Spanish cuisines and cooking techniques. Indigenous gastronomies derived from groups such as the Quechua, Mapuche, and Guarani have also played a role.  Another determining factor in Argentine cuisine is that Argentina is one of the world's major food producers. It is a major producer of meat (especially beef), wheat, corn, milk, beans, and since the 1970s, soybeans. Given the country's vast production of beef, red meat is an especially common part of the Argentine diet. Due to the very large number of Argentines of Italian ancestry, pizza and especially pasta are also very popular, but there are food traditions from other European nations as well, including the English afternoon tea.

*Red Pepper Chimichurri*

"This tasty vegetarian sauce is an extremely versatile condiment. Great on sandwiches, in place of enchilada sauce, or used as a marinade.  The recipe may seem rather involved but is really quite simple."

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons kosher salt
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 bunches Italian flat leaf parsley
• 6 cloves garlic
• 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 cup roasted red peppers, coarsely chopped
• 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
• 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

Directions

1. Whisk together the kosher salt and warm water until the salt dissolves, set aside and allow to cool to room temperature. This is called the salmuera.
2. Combine the flat leaf parsley, garlic, and olive oil in the bowl of a food processor, and pulse several times to chop up the parsley. Add the roasted red peppers, paprika, oregano, crushed red pepper, black pepper, cumin, white vinegar, and red wine vinegar. Continue to pulse the food processor until the ingredients are well combined, but still chunky.
3. Transfer the sauce into a large mixing bowl, and slowly stir in the cooled salmuera. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours to allow the salt to mellow. Sauce can be kept refrigerated in an airtight container for 2 weeks.



*Chipas*
"These delicious, Argentinean breads are small balls of cheese bread made from tapioca starch. They are quick and very easy to make. You could even make the dough ahead of time and keep it in the freezer. If you cannot find Argentinean cheeses, Italian cheese will do just fine."

Ingredients
• 1 egg
• 2/3 cup milk
• 6 ounces shredded Italian cheese blend
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 3/4 cups tapioca starch
• 1 cup self-rising flour

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Oil a baking sheet with cooking spray and set aside.
2. Stir together egg, milk, cheese, and butter in a large bowl. Sprinkle in tapioca starch and flour; stir in to form a dough. Knead dough for two minutes on a lightly floured surface, then roll into golf ball-sized pieces, and place onto prepared baking sheet.
3. Bake in preheated oven until golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes.

Chilean cuisine stems from the combination of traditional Spanish cuisine with indigenous ingredients.  European immigrants also brought with them various styles and traditions in cooking, heavily influencing the cuisine of Chile, including Italian, German, and French influences as well as the English afternoon tea. These mixtures have created a unique fusion. Seafood is widely used and an array of produce which historically has grown throughout the region have been implemented into Chilean gastronomy. Many recipes are accompanied and enhanced by Chilean wine such as Curanto.

*Torta de Hojas*

"Called 'Cake of Leaves,' this cake has 10 cookie layers sprinkled with brandy, then separated by walnuts and caramel. The caramel filling is made by boiling unopened cans of sweetened condensed milk until thickened."

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 7/8 cup butter
• 3 egg yolks
• 1 cup milk
• 2 (14 ounce) cans sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/4 cup brandy
• 1/4 cup water

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Mix together the flour and baking powder; set aside.
2. In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Blend in the egg yolks, one at a time. Beat in the flour mixture alternately with the milk. The dough will be stiff like a cookie dough. Divide the dough into 10 pieces and shape into balls. Roll each ball into a 9 inch circle. Place on cookie sheets and prick with a fork in several places.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden brown. Set aside.
4. Make the Caramel Filling: In a sauce pan, boil the unopened cans of sweetened condensed milk for 3 hours. Monitor the water closely, to make sure there is always water in the pan. Remove can from heat and let cool for 10 to 15 minutes. In a small measuring cup, combine the brandy and water.
5. Place one cookie layer on serving plate. Sprinkle with brandy mixture, then spread with the now thickened condensed milk. Sprinkle with nuts. Continue stacking until all layers are used.



*Cazuela de Vaca*
"This hearty Chilean stew of beef, corn, and pumpkin is a one dish meal. The main ingredients are stewed in serving-sized pieces, so that each person receives a large piece surrounded by a broth with the other vegetables."

Ingredients
• 1 1/2 pounds beef roast
• 1 (32 ounce) carton beef broth
• 2 cups water
• 1/4 cup polenta (coarse or fine)
• 8 red potatoes, cut in half
• 1 onion, quartered
• 1 1/2 pounds slice of pumpkin (calabaza)
• 2 ears corn, cut into thirds
• 1 carrot, cut into 1/2 inch slices
• 1 small red bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1 inch pieces
• 1 stalk celery, cut into chunks
• 1 leek, split in half, then cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon mild paprika
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup coarsely chopped cilantro leaves (lightly packed)

Directions

1. Cut the piece of beef into 6 large chunks (one per serving). Place the beef into a large saucepan; pour in the beef broth and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium, cover, and simmer until nearly tender, 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
2. Stir the polenta into the stew along with the potatoes and onion. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Cut the pumpkin into 6, serving-sized pieces, and add to the stew along with the corn, carrot, bell pepper, celery, and leek; simmer until the vegetables are tender, adding more water if needed to barely cover. Stir in the oregano and paprika during the last 5 minutes.
3. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Ladle into serving bowls, and sprinkle with chopped cilantro.               

Puerto Rican cuisine has its roots in the cooking traditions and practices of Europe (Spain), Africa and the Amerindian Taínos. In the latter part of the 19th century the cuisine of Puerto Rico was greatly influenced by the United States in the ingredients used in its preparation. Puerto Rican cuisine has transcended the boundaries of the island and can be found in several countries outside the archipelago.

*Pollo Fricassee*

"This is the authentic way to make Pollo Fricassee in Puerto Rico. You can either make in on the stove or in your slow cooker. It is delicious and very easy to make! Serve with white rice, tostones and a nice salad. This tastes even better when you prepare the night before; just take it out of the refrigerator the next morning set it to cook."

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken drumsticks
• 1 tablespoon adobo seasoning
• 1/2 (.18 ounce) packet sazon seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 5 large red potatoes, peeled and thickly sliced
• 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1 large green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup dry red wine
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 fresh or dried bay leaves

Directions

1. Wash the chicken and pat dry; place into a large bowl. Season with adobo seasoning, sazon seasoning, and salt. Place the legs into a slow cooker, and cover with the potato slices.
2. Puree the red pepper, green pepper, onion, garlic, cilantro, olive oil, wine, cumin, and oregano in a blender. Pour over the chicken and add the bay leaves.
3. Cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours, until the chicken is easily removed from the bone.

*Carne Guisada*

"The Perfect Puerto Rican Meal. Everywhere you go this is the one of the main dishes that is served. It goes very well served over steamed rice."

Ingredients

• 1 (8 ounce) can canned tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup sofrito sauce
• 1 (.18 ounce) packet sazon seasoning
• 1 tablespoon adobo seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• salt to taste
• 2 pounds beef stew meat
• 2 cups peeled, cubed potatoes
• 1 cup water

Directions

1. In a large pot, combine tomato sauce, sofrito sauce, sazon seasoning, adobo seasoning, oregano, and salt. Simmer over medium low heat for 5 minutes. Add meat, and cook until evenly browned. Stir in just enough water to cover meat. Cover, and simmer for about 1 hour. Add potatoes, and cook for about 30 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

Caribbean cuisine is a fusion of African, Dutch, Amerindian, French, Indian, and Spanish cuisine. These traditions were brought from the many homelands of this region's population. In addition, the population has created from this vast wealth of tradition many styles that are unique to the region.

Seafood is one of the most common cuisine types in the islands, though this is certainly due in part to their location. Each island will likely have its own specialty. Some prepare lobster, while others prefer certain types of fish. For example, the island of Barbados is known for its "flying fish."   Another Caribbean mainstay is rice, but you'll find the rice on each island may be a little different. Some season their rice, or add peas and other touches - like coconut. Sometimes the rice is yellow, but other times it is part of a dish. Though it comes in many forms, it is a common side dish throughout the region.

*Jerk Chicken*

"Jerk means Jamaican barbecue. This well rounded flavor of sweet, hot, herbal and spicy chicken can be served with rice, beans or pasta. Or just make a chicken sandwich out of it! You can also add garlic and a kiwi to the marinade."

Ingredients

• 6 green onions, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
• 3/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

Directions

1. In a food processor or blender, combine the green onions, onion, jalapeno pepper, soy sauce, vinegar, vegetable oil, brown sugar, thyme, cloves, nutmeg and allspice. Mix for about 15 seconds.
2. Place the chicken in a medium bowl, and coat with the marinade. Refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours, or overnight.
3. Preheat grill for high heat.
4. Lightly oil grill grate. Cook chicken on the prepared grill 6 to 8 minutes, until juices run clear.

*Fried Sweet Plantains*

If you live near any kind of large city, especially one with a Latin-American community, you should find these fairly easily.  You've probably looked at them many times at the store, but were unsure of exactly what they were, or what you should do with them.

*Classic Cuban Midnight (Medianoche) Sandwich*

"This is one of the more famous sandwiches straight out of the island of Cuba.  This sandwich is best served with fried plantain chips and a cold mamey milkshake!"

Ingredients

• 4 sweet bread rolls
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup prepared mustard
• 1 pound thinly sliced cooked ham
• 1 pound thinly sliced fully cooked pork
• 1 pound sliced Swiss cheese
• 1 cup dill pickle slices
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Directions

1. Split the sandwich rolls in half, and spread mustard and mayonnaise liberally onto the cut sides. On each sandwich, place and equal amount of Swiss cheese, ham and pork in exactly that order. Place a few pickles onto each one, and put the top of the roll onto the sandwich. Brush the tops with melted butter.
2. Press each sandwich in a sandwich press heated to medium-high heat. If a sandwich press is not available, use a large skillet over medium-high heat, and press the sandwiches down using a sturdy plate or skillet. Some indoor grills may be good for this also. Cook for 5 to 8 minutes, keeping sandwiches pressed. If using a skillet, you may want to flip them once for even browning. Slice diagonally and serve hot.