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With Black History Month getting a lot of attention here in the States, I continue to explore the African Diaspora and the culinary traditions of black people worldwide. This recipe for Haitian Soup Joumou took me a while to develop as far as getting it to the standards that truly honor the heritage, tradition, and spirit of the people of Haiti. I don't know that I nailed it, but I definitely appreciate the history lesson and connection it fostered. I love the flavor and the focus on local ingredients in bringing this dish to life. Don't be intimidated by the ingredient list, execution is simple and easy as long as you have time and patience, taking things step by step. Enjoy!

Read More about "Tipa Tipa" how to make haitian soup joumou (beef & pumpkin soup)

One of the best things about summer is the availability of fresh fruit and vegetables. And living in hot Texas you're always looking for ways to stay cool, get refreshed, etc. Cooking wise I'm trying to avoid turning on my stove as much as possible. This chilled soup "Gazpacho" addresses all these things. It's the soup equivalent of a nice cool summer breeze. The fact that it's a chilled peach soup that's spiced up and topped with charred kernels of corn just makes this next-level gazpacho. Don't worry, all you need is a blender and a few ingredients.

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Cazuela de moriscos is a Colombian Seafood Stew common in the city of Cartagena which has a strong Caribbean vibe to it. My wife and I visited multiple cities (Bogota, Medellin, and Cartagena) in Colombia earlier this year. I was impressed by the appreciation for culture andh heritage as evidenced by its visual and performing street artists. Food-wise we had so many great experiences from street food to restaurants. This seafood stew recipe was inspired by a dish at had there and I plan to make others that I experienced during my visit. Stay tuned! This one tastes like I spent all day cooking it, but in reality, it was just 30 minutes.

Read More about "Quiero Morir en Tu Piel" Colombian seafood stew (Cazuela de Mariscos)

Quick and easy take on an American classic recipe. I make this Cuban twist on sloppy joes. The sauce is based on a spiced ketchup that is elevated with smoky paprika and cumin. When I'm feeling nostalgic or need to get something of substance on the table fast this is a go to. This ain't your momma's sloppy joe recipe though. It's straight-up homemade with a sauce that's over the top. In keeping with this month's TR808 music production theme, Daft Punk's "Doin It Right" powered this recipe.

Read More about "Doin It Right" Cuban Inspired Turkey Sloppy Joes

Flank steak salads are fun for me. They are simple yet extremely tasty and satisfying. The fun comes from what you add to the salad. I had lemongrass pickled celery I was dying to find a pairing for. Also had some leftover cherry tomatoes I had smoked on the grill. Both made the salad memorable. I highly recommend both the toppings if you have time for them. They're great for the salad but just as great on their own or in other dishes.

Read More about "Let Me Be The One" Grilled Flank Steak Salad with Pickled Celery

February kicks off Black History Month, and I'm excited to be participating in a Virtual Potlock with 27 other food bloggers. My contribution is this Nashville Hot Shrimp Sandwich which is a mashup of Japanese and Southern cultures. Look closely and you'll notice an actual plump shrimp cutlet instead of fried chicken thigh. The fried shrimp is then dipped in a spicy chili oil for additional flavor. And oh yeah, there is a history lesson in this post. Did you know as early as the 1500s Japanese had an African Samurai?

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I've probably had plank smoked fish 121 times and in all the years of perfecting my plank game, I never strayed from fish until recently. I guess you can say I was ready for a change. In the process I learned that what works for salmon and trout, also works for portobello mushrooms. Even better you can stuff them with things like couscous and simple, flavorful vegetables for easy, filling meatless Monday night. Or if you aren't ready for that much change, have your meat protein and make the stuffed portobellos as a side accompaniment.

Read More about "I'm Ready" cedar plank smoked stuffed portobello mushrooms

Celery Root is definitely not the prettiest vegetable at the market, but what it lacks in good looks it more than compensates with inner beauty, dynamite taste and ease of prep/cooking. If you're not familiar with celery root or celeriac as it's known, it's beyond worthy of your consideration. This celery root steak recipe is a great introduction. We enjoy it in our house as one of our many meatless nights. It also presents well enough to be on your holiday menu. Don't worry it's tastes nothing like celery, is easier to handle than it looks, and is low calorie and low carb.

Read More about "Lonely Disco Dancer" Roasted Celery Root Steaks

Had the chance to team up with Parmigiano Reggiano brand cheese for this cheesy whole roasted cauliflower recipe. I like this dish personally because, besides being easy to make, it's versatile as both a side dish and meatless main entree. With the focus being on real Italian cheese, I thought it appropriate to call on Aretha Franklin's version of "Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing." Enjoy

Read More about "Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing" cheesy parmigiano reggiano whole roasted cauliflower

A big green salad just in time for Thanksgiving side dish plans. It's a unique salad featuring an unlikely mix of ingredients that work magic together. Collard greens, baby lima beans, smashed cucumbers, and lemongrass-coconut pickled celery make for soul food meets Asian cuisine mash-up. Requires little cooking to free you up to focus on other things. The recipe is powered by a soulful hip hop track "Greeny Green" from Atlanta's finest Goodie Mob featuring Ceelo Green.

Read More about "greeny green" collard greens and okra salad