Gourmet Garden Herb Tubes! YES

So I discovered a cool (new?) way to get fresh herbs!

Gourmet Garden Herb Tubes. Found them at Giant.

I found them!

Ok, remember during the last CV meeting, I mentioned that my MIL gave me cilantro cubes?

We'll I found them at the Latin Products store!
http://www.thelatinproducts.com/knorr-cilantro-mini-20-cubes/

Roasted Cauliflower

I saw this delicious recipe for roasted Cauliflower and tried it last night! It was a WINNER!

INGREDIENTS

• 1 head of cauliflower
• 2-3 cloves of garlic, peeled and coarsely minced
• Lemon juice from half a lemon
• Olive oil
• Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Parmesan cheese

METHOD

1 Preheat oven to 400°F. Cut cauliflower into florets and put in a single layer in an oven-proof baking dish. Toss in the garlic. Sprinkle lemon juice over cauliflower and drizzle each piece with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. If the oven hasn't reached 400°F yet, set aside until it has.

2 Place casserole in the hot oven, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is lightly brown. Test with a fork for desired doneness. Fork tines should be able to easily pierce the cauliflower. Remove from oven and sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Yield: Serves 4.

Recipe for Turon

EVERYONE, I mean EVERYONE LOVED the Turon at the Ramadaan family dinner. I found a simple recipe that captures the essence of that wonderful dish. Thanks Safa Umm Jameel!

Ingredients:
4 plaintain bananas or saba
Brown sugar
8 spring roll wrapper
Cooking oil

Method: 
Start by peeling the plaintain bananas or saba and cut them in half horizontally. Roll the bananas in brown sugar. Using a large flat plate or clean cutting board, spread one lumpia wrapper then place the banana. Roll the lumpia wrapper halfway, then fold both ends, and roll the rest of the wrapper. Dip you fingertip in a bowl of water and wet the flap of the lumpia wrapper to seal. Repeat the process until all bananas are wrapped. Heat oil in a pan. When the oil is hot enough, lower the heat and fry the wrapped bananas for 3-4 minutes each side or until the lumpia wrapper has turned golden brown and crisp. Remove banana wraps in oil and drain on paper towel to remove excess oil. Serve immediately.

Pollo y Yucca: Peruvian Style!

This great rotisserie chicken recipe became hugely popular along the East Coast of the United States a few years back. Know as Super Chicken, El Pollo Rico, or Peruvian Chicken this is a tasty way to make a bird with enough flavor to satisfy anyone, but mild enough for everyone.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour, 50 minutes

Yield: Serves 6

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (about 4 pounds)
• 4 tablespoons white vinegar
• 3 tablespoons white wine
• 3 tablespoons canola oil
• 2 1/2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 1/2 tablespoons cumin
• 2 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• juice of 1 lemon
• 1 quart cold water

Preparation:

Combine vinegar, wine, oil with garlic powder, cumin, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix well to form a paste. Add lemon juice to cold water. Trim chicken of any excess or loose fat. Wash chicken thoroughly with lemon water. Place chicken in zip-top bag. Pour spice paste over chicken. Coat chicken completely with mixture rubbing into every surface. Try to get the paste under the skin as much as possible.

Seal bag and place chicken in refrigerator for at least 2 hours. The chicken will have more flavor the longer it "marinates" in the spice mixture. Do not refrigerate more than 24 hours however.

Preheat grill and prepare rotisserie. Place chicken on rotisserie and on the grill for approximately 1 1/2 hours at a temperature around 300 degrees F. (150 degrees C.) Test chicken for doneness by measure in the temperature in the thickest part of the thigh. Chicken is done at 165 degrees F. (75 degrees C.).

This chicken is frequently served with dipping sauce. A simple version of this sauce is made from combining 1/2 cup of mayonnaise with 2 tablespoons mustard and 2 tablespoons lime.

Fried Yucca (Cassava)

Ingredients:

• 1 pound yucca root, peeled and sliced into french fries
• 1/3 cup canola oil
• salt to taste
• 1 lime, cut into wedges (optional)

Directions:

Heat the oil in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Place the yucca fries in the hot oil and fry until golden brown, about 20 minutes. Turn occasionally to brown them evenly. Remove from the skillet with a slotted spoon or spatula and season with salt. Squeeze lime juice over them if you like and serve immediately.

October's Meeting: Finger Foods

Photo courtesy of Safa Umm Mansur

Click Read More to get the details about our  October meeting 

Ramadaan Collective Iftar 8/2012

Sorry for the late post!
Our collective club decided to feed the ENTIRE family! This time our children & husbands got to see what we do at our meetings!

We had an array of food that was the perfect ending to a long fasting day!

Aisha made a Vegetarian Lasagna that was gone within minutes!

Fatma made SPICY Chicken Kabobs & Naan Bread! Her food is always a crowd pleaser.

Faizah made Lemon couscous, Teriyaki chicken kabobs & Cilantro chicken kabobs

Safa Umm Jameel made a delicious Aloo Palak, Turon and Ranch Crusted Chicken

Sharria made a nice Spicy Fish Dish & Chana Masala

We also had an array of Salads, Cakes, and Miniature chocolate muffins made by Venice. * If I have misrepresented or forgotten anyone's dish, please let me know and I will post it.