Christophine Chia Seed Jam

Christophine Chia Seed Jam

What do you know about the awesomeness that are Chia Seeds?
1. They are rich in omega-3s
2. Super high in fiber
3. They absorb 10 times their size and weight in water
Because of this last fact they are a great short cut to making quick and healthy "jams"

Traditional jams use a combination of pectin and sugar to to create the gel consistency. It requires alot of boiling and work to get the right formula of fruit, pectin, and sugar. Pain in the neck. Cut out the middle man and use Chia seeds. When they absorb the liquid they swell and create a gelatinous coating that works well in making homemade healthy jams.
On to the recipe!

1 pound of grated Christophine
1/4 cup of raisins or currants
Dash of vanilla
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup of sweetner (I used brown sugar)
2 tablespoons of Chia Seeds

In a saucepan add Christophine, water, vanilla and sweetener. Bring to a low simmer. Add raisins and Chia seeds. Stir and allow Chia seeds to soak up liquid. If the jam seems thin, add 2 more tablespoons of Chia Seeds. Cook about 10 min. Then cool and bottle. That's it!!

Eggplant Fritters!

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I am a big advocate for shopping for fresh local produce at the local farmers market or in the case of out here in Barbados, the Saturday Market.
Shopping for and using seasonal fruits and vegetables is a great way to save money and eat fresh.

My shopping trip this week yielded the awesome find of eggplants at $2 per pound. Eggplants are very light so 2 pounds of eggplants gave me a big bag! You know what that means... time to experiment! Today's experiment came in the form of Eggplant Fritters.  Be forewarned, this is not a healthy recipe! There is frying and cheese involved... "Mmm, cheese". (Homer Simpson Voice)
On to the recipe.

One medium Eggplant, peeled and chopped small
Half a bell pepper (small chop)
Half an onion (small chop)
Garlic, minced
Hot Pepper, minced
Thyme
Handful Fresh Basil, chiffonade
Marjoram, Minced
1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
Sea Salt to taste
Garlic powder
Cumin
Two spoons of flour
One egg, beaten
Breadcrumbs

In a pan with olive oil; combine onions, garlic, bell pepper, hot pepper and eggplants. Cook till soft.
After it cools (Please be sure to wait for it to cool! Bad things happen when you add egg to hot mixtures); add thyme, basil, marjoram, cheddar cheese, sea salt, garlic powder, cumin, flour and egg. Mix well

Form balls and roll in breadcrumbs, fry till crispy and cooked through.

Try it out. Let me know what you think!

Restaurant Review: Chutney's 3-4-15

Restaurant Review!

Today's review is of "Chutney's", located in Lanterns Mall on the south coast.

This restaurant specializes in East Indian delicacies. From dahl puri, samosas, curries and of course chuntneys; it is authentic East Indian fare. Not only is the food great but they have stepped into the 21st century with little pagers they give you when you order. They light up when your food is ready. No need to hang out at the counter waiting for your food.
I had a saltfish roti with a tamarind (hot) chuntey on the side.
The portions are great and the prices are very reasonable. The roti pictured was $12bds.
If you are in the area, stop by for a quick bite. You will not be disappointed.

MOJO Bar- The Chopping Board 2-20-15

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MOJO Bar- The Chopping Board

It's a restaurant review! This place is single handedly, one of my most favorite places in Barbados. MOJO Bar- The Chopping Board, located in Worthing, Christ Church Barbados.

This restaurant, which is actually an old chattel house, is where awesome burgers are created. Served on a stylized chopping board, with fries and coleslaw, these burgers are for serious meat lovers only.

My favorite is the English, (cheddar cheese and bacon). You can never go wrong with that combo. They also have an awesome lamb burger and "The Hawaiian" which is topped with pineapple for that sweet and savory combination that is hit with tourist and locals alike. They have great soups and dinner choices as well, but for me... ITS ALL ABOUT THE BURGERS.

Great location, music, and funky decor rounds out this burger haven making it a "must visit" in Barbados.