Recipes

Tasmanian Cherry Ice Cream

Summer: Too many eggs in the coop + an early bumper-crop of cherries + a fresh shipment of Tasmanian Pepperberries = Ice cream party!!!!This is an awesome flavor combination, sweet cherries pair perfectly with the subtle tingle of Tasmanian pepperberries. You can also add chocolate chips into the mix, or maybe even a caramel swirl. Happy Summer!

Tostadas de Higado de Pollo

What's that? Chicken Liver Toasts with Caramelized Onions, Mango and Watercress! This is one of the delicious bites included in Cocina Tropical: The Classic & Contemporary Flavors of Puerto Rico by Jose Santaella. We were excited about this recipe because it looked delicious, and used annatto seed — a spice with which many people are unfamiliar. Annatto is frequently used in Latin American and Caribbean countries to impart a natural color and mild, earthy flavor to foods. If you think you've never had it, it's also what makes some butters yellow and cheddar cheese orange.From the authors: Chopped chicken liver is one of those delicious recipes that is a bit of a throwback to the days of elegant cocktail hours and dinner parties with passed hors d'oeuvres. Pate and terrine are back in fashion, and this dish falls right into step with them. The richness of the velvety liver and the sweetness of the caramelized onions get a tangy tropical hit from the mango with a bit of peppery bite from the watercress garnish. Serve as is for a small plate appetizer or spread the liver on smaller crostini for a perfect party bite.

Banana Upside Down Cake

We're used to having Pineapple Upside Down Cake, but one made with bananas?This Banana Upside-Down Cake from Brazilian Barbecue & Beyond sounded so delicious that we just had to make it, and it's sooo good and easy to make!From the authors: "In Brazil there are many types of banana cakes: cuca, a German cake with a rich, crumbly topping; banana bread; bolo cakes, which are sometimes made in a ring shape and often spread with cinnamon; and our favorite, the upside-down cake. Like the French tarte tatin, this indulgent cake is cooked with a layer of caramelized bananas at the bottom, then turned upside-down to show its sticky-sweet banana topping. Perfect as a teatime treat."

Chile & Cumin Hanger Steak

We love all kinds of barbecue, and especially love exploring delicious barbecue from around the world. Brazil has a history of great barbecue, so we were glad when we found cookbook, Brazilian Barbecue & Beyond. This recipe is easy to make, which we always appreciate. You can make the marinade ahead of time, and then marinate the steak overnight, grilling the next day. From Brazilian Barbecue & Beyond: "At traditional Brazilian churrascarias, rock salt is usually sprinkled on the side of meat that faces the grill, then knocked off just before serving. It’s tasty just like that, but we’ve adapted our steak to include a bit more spice. Our Chili & Cumin Marinade is a blend of vinegar, cumin seeds, oregano, and red pepper flakes; we use it to marinate all our steaks, but it’s equally good on lamb or fish."

Roselle-Rooibos Drink

Afro-Vegan by Bryant Terry is a staff favorite vegan cookbook that we always refer back to. And bonus? Every recipe has a song or book choice to go with it! Hibiscus tea is delicious, and we love finding new ways to use it.From Bryant Terry author of Afro-Vegan: "This drink is tart, sweet, and floral and has become one of my favorite summertime beverages. In this recipe, I call for fresh pineapple to give the drink texture and vibrant tropical flavor, but when my editor, Melissa Moore, brought me a bag of fresh peaches from the farm of Mas Masumoto, I peeled, sliced, and used them in place of the pineapple. It was off the chain! I think any other stone fruit, such as nectarines or cherries, would also work well and I encourage you to experiment with adding them. For a late fall or winter spin, serve this drink warm, omitting the fresh fruit and boiling the tea and hibiscus with 1/4 teaspoon whole Cloves in a nod to how roselle is prepared in Trinidad and Tobago."

Chermoula

Afro-Vegan by Bryant Terry is a mainstay vegan cookbook on our shelves at home. He researched traditional Southern cooking, going back to its roots in Africa and the Caribbean, but made the recipes vegan. The results are delicious! (Bonus: Every recipe has a song choice, too!) We especially love this recipe. Chermoula is a versatile marinade combining fresh herbs with dried spices, oils and citrus to create layers of flavor. It is used liberally in Algerian, Libyan, Moroccan and Tunisian cooking to flavor fish, seafood, meats and vegetables.

Paprika Potatoes

Smoked Sweet Paprika is an indispensable ingredient in any spice pantry, and the authors of Fresh & Fermented agree! Check out their delicious recipe below!"Smoked paprika, also known as pimentón, has finally reached mainstream status in the spice world, and not a minute too soon. Made from pimento peppers that have been dried or smoked over a fire, this spice imparts a robust smoky flavor. As a hearty side, this dish pairs well with your favorite sausages, pork loin, or any grilled meat. Leftovers are delicious with eggs in a breakfast burrito or scrambled into a breakfast hash."

Caraway Kraut

Fermented food just continues to become more popular every year. We were glad to find this local cookbook, Fresh & Fermented: 85 Delicious Ways to Make Fermented Carrots, Kraut, and Kimchi Part of Every Meal by Julie O’Brien and Richard Climenhage. Here's a sneak peek at one of their recipes...From the Author: "We didn’t start making Caraway Kraut until our third year in business—we just weren’t sure if our customers would like the distinctive caraway flavor. When we started experimenting, however, it took just one test batch to convince us that Caraway Kraut belonged in Firefly’s lineup of fermented foods.Caraway Kraut contributes its pleasing earthy taste to some of the recipes in this book and also makes a great side dish for grilled meats or mashed potatoes. It’s the perfect addition to the classic Reuben (of course) and adds intrigue to potato salads and coleslaws too. Whirl it with fresh avocado for a simple sandwich spread or as a dip for chips and veggies. (The acid does double duty—it adds flavor and keeps the avocado from getting brown.)Caraway Kraut brine, which results from the fermentation process, is a delicious tonic on its own. For hundreds of years people have been drinking sauerkraut brine to heal ulcers or temper hangovers—it’s a well-known Russian remedy—and that inspired us to start bottling and selling the extra brine as our first Tummy Tonic."

Turmeric Tropical Smoothie

5 min

Nourish your body and delight your taste buds with this invigorating smoothie, a celebration of Turmeric's unique essence and the lusciousness of tropical fruit. It's a blend that will leave you craving more, sip after sip.Savor the smoothie as it is, reveling in the harmonious blend of flavors, or let your creativity shine by adding your favorite extras to elevate the experience. Whether it's a sprinkle of chia seeds for added texture or a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess, this versatile base smoothie serves as the perfect canvas for your personal touch.