A Taste of the Caribbean in Columbus

A special thanks to Teanna who was kind enough to bring these beautiful Caribbean meat pies to class today!  The flaky crust and spicy beef filling brought to mind the tranquil beaches of the islands even though it was raining outside and finals week is only a couple of days away.

Tired of Plain, Try a Plantain!

Plantains are inexpensive, delicious alternatives to other more expensive side dishes.  Slice the fruit into 1/4" slices and fry in several tablespoons of butter.  Serve with hot sauce and sour cream and enjoy!

Tired of Sandwiches? Try a Wrap!

As the weather gets warmer and many of us seek light, healthy lunches, wraps make a wonderful alternative to sandwiches.

The turkey-brie wrap pictured below is a tasty option:

• Place slices of brie on a flour tortilla
• Layer honey or smoked turkey on top
• Add several slices of apple (Tip: a quick toss of apple slices in a splash of lemon juice keeps the slices from oxidizing and turning brown)
• Roll and wrap tightly in plastic wrap and you're ready to take your wrap to work, the gym, or wherever your travels take you

Thrift Shop Finds

Never write off the thrift shop as a great place to find low-priced, gently-used kitchen gadgets.

This dense olive-wood mortar and pestle was procured at a nearby thrift shop for a mere $2, and makes short work of even the toughest spices such as whole Jamaican allspice and Hawaiian white peppercorns.

Happy shopping!!

For a Break from Fried Rice, Try Fried Quinoa

Many readers have probably tried quinoa, the Incan super-grain that is high in protein and a tasty alternative to rice.

For a nutritious, low-cost meal, try fried quinoa:

1. Cook 1/2 cup of finely chopped vegetables (carrot, onion, and/or peppers) in heated olive oil until browned
2. Add 2 cups of cooked quinoa
3. Stir until heated throughout, and then add one raw egg
4. Continue to stir and cook until egg and mixture are completely cooked
5. Add 1-2 tsp. low-sodium soy sauce to taste.  Enjoy!

Streetfood as Art

The Skyway Grill food cart in Columbus offers a wide selection of made-to-order sandwiches.

The veggie sub I ordered today contained onions, peppers, mushrooms, banana peppers, tomatos, lettuce, and mozzarella cheese.  Hot off the grill, it was artistic and delicious!!