Carribean Vacation in a Bowl: Coconut Curried Shrimp and Mango Stew

February 9, 2011 in Entrees, Gluten Free

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These days I constantly feel like I am in a scene from Doctor Zhivago in the Siberian wasteland – trudging the frozen trek from my house to my car. From my car to my office. From the grocery store to my house. Wind howling around me. Snow drifts shifting. Polar bears stalking me.

Ok, I exaggerate.

But truly, I am sick of winter!!! Aren’t you? I am daydreaming back to a family after-Christmas trip we took where the Carribean waters were warm, the sun was shining and all was well in the world. Now THAT is how winter should be.

So, to cheer myself up, I decided I could at least have the Carribean in a bowl.

I used curry powder in the broth, but added just a touch of allspice for that Carribean flavor. Delicious. The aroma that fills your house while you’re simmering this stew made me want to put a fruit hat on my head and dance the conga. I swear I heard marimba music in the background!

Shrimp and mango go well together in a salad – so why not a stew? And, yes, I know mangoes are not at their most frugal this time of year, but we only used one here. And they are one ingredient that just screams “Par-tay” to me, so they are a sure bet for beating winter-itis. Hey! They’re uber-healthy too!

Make this and I promise it will banish the winter blues. At least for one meal.

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Warm up a Cold Winter's Night with Weeknight Chicken Posole Recipe

January 11, 2010 in Appetizers, Entrees

What could be better on a chilly winter’s night than a bowl of smoky, earthy posole?

Posole is a spicy corn stew and an ancient food that originated in southern Mexico – it has withstood the test of time because it is so easy and flavorful. The native peoples considered corn to be a sacred plant and so posole was a popular and revered dish. I used poblano chiles in this, which are very mild. If you want heat, roast a few jalepenos, too!

This is an incredibly easy version – from grocery bag to table in 45 minutes!

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