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Paleo Diet. Is it for You?

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Paleo diet

Paleo Diet. Is it for You?

When someone says “you eat like a caveman”, It’s not necessarily a bad thing. Many centuries ago, the human diet consisted of mainly whole foods. Processed foods were not an option. This led to a healthier lifestyle and less disease-related health issues. The caveman was the founding father of the paleo diet.

While there are literally hundreds, if not thousands of diets that are designed for everything under the sun, from helping you gain 6 pack abs, to giving you the libido of a 25-year-old, the ultimate goal for most people going on a diet is to lose weight. I’ve never seen a depiction of a caveman that was obese (Except maybe Fred Flintstone), our neanderthal ancestors may have been on to something with this paleo diet thing.

Let’s face it, the hardest part of sticking to any diet is usually because it requires you to eat food that you don’t really like to eat. The paleo diet actually encourages you to eat foods that you already eat. Here are some foods that make up a paleo diet.

Roasted Chicken in pan

Roasted Chicken

Steak on Plate

Beef

Paleo Friendly Foods:

  • Meat: (Beef, Chicken, Turkey, Pork, Lamb, Goat, etc).
  • Fish: ( Salmon, Trout, Snapper, Cod, Haddock- (Wild caught is best).
  • Vegetables: (Broccoli, Kale, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Brussel Sprouts, Spinach, etc).
  • Fruits: (Oranges, Apples, Berries, Pears, Kiwis, Bananas, etc).
  • Eggs: (Free range is preferred).
  • Nuts: (Macadamia Nuts, Sunflower seeds, Pumpkin Seeds, etc). Be careful with the nuts though, some nuts are high in lectins, which can cause inflammation and can cause digestive problems.
  • Healthy Oils fats: (Olive oil, Sunflower oil, Coconut oil, Avacado oil, etc).
  • Tubers: (Potatoes, Sweet potatoes, turnips, yams, etc.) Be careful with tubers, as they have a high starch content.
  • Spices: (Garlic, Rosemary, Thyme, Sea salt, Tumeric, Allspice, etc)
Tea in cup and saucer

Tea

Paleo Friendly Beverages:

The most obvious and sensible beverage to drink for any diet is good old H2O, water, agua,….you get the point. Water should always be your beverage of choice, as it flushes out toxins from the body, as well as boosts your immune system. It is also known to promote healthy skin, and weight loss management.

  • Coffee: Coffee is a huge source of antioxidants. Studies also show that coffee reduces your risk for Type 2 diabetes if you already have Type 2 diabetes coffee may have an adverse effect on your health, so be mindful when consuming coffee. Coffee has also been known to improve your energy levels.
  • Tea: Green Tea, in particular, is extremely high in antioxidants.
  • Kombucha: Kombucha is a fermented green or black tea which is said to originate in the Orient. Specific strains of bacteria, yeast, and sugar are added to to the tea. This an excellent form of probiotics, and is a good aid in weight control, and sugar intake control.
Fruits on a platter

Fruit Platter

Paleo Friendly Snack:

  • Baby Carrots
  • Hard Boiled Eggs
  • Fruits
  • Nuts (in moderation)
  • Dark Chocolate
  • Vegetable chips
  • Seaweed snacks
  • Trail Mix

 

Benefits of a Paleo Diet:

The main benefit of adhering to a paleo diet is the fact that you will not be eating foods that have preservatives or additives. You will be consuming healthier and cleaner foods, which the human body was originally designed to consume.  The foods you will be eating will be higher in protein, iron, and antioxidants which will help you boost your immune system. Your carbohydrate intake will also be lower and replaced by protein-based food, which will help with increased energy and aid in weight control.

 

Paleo discipline:

Like any other diet, the paleo diet is only effective if you adhere and stick to it. It is not uncommon for many of us to be gung ho, and enthusiastic when first starting a diet. The important thing to remember is the “reason” why you started the diet in the first place, which is “you want to take control of your health”. Controlling what we put into our bodies is the first step to achieving our ultimate goal. You can do this, you can stick to this diet. The food choices with a paleo diet make it easier to get results than a lot of other diets. Remember, it’s your body and you control what you put into it. It will not be easy to stay disciplined, but it will also not be as difficult as you think. Heres to healthy eating.

 

Paleo Diet Explained:

Check out this very useful and informative video by Pete Evans as he breaks down the Paleo Diet.

Real Jamaican Jerk Chicken Recipe

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Real Jamaican Jerk Chicken Recipe

JERK CHICKEN-2

JERK CHICKEN-2

In order to make jerk chicken, you need a real Jamaican jerk chicken recipe. Jerk chicken is synonymously tied to Jamaican cuisine, just as the hamburger is tied to American cuisine. It is probably the most recognized dish that has come out of Jamaica. It is by far the most requested dish by tourists when they visit Jamaica. With its blend of spicy flavors, it is truly a must try dish whether you are visiting Jamaica, or simply preparing a meal at home. This will spice up your next BBQ, or game night. This is my real Jamaican jerk chicken recipe. I promise you it will not disappoint.

Jerk Chicken
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Jerk Chicken

If you haven't tried Jamaican jerk chicken, what are you waiting for? This will end up being your go-to recipe for chicken. You no longer have to keep making more dull and boring traditional baked chicken. Add some spice to your kitchen. You can make this on the grill or for those winter months, you can make it in your oven.

Course Dinner
Cuisine Jamaican
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 394 kcal
Author https://myjamaicanrecipes.com

Ingredients

  • 4 Lbs Chicken Chicken Parts
  • 1 Whole Lime (Used for washing/cleaning chicken)
  • 1 Tsp Salt (Can be adjusted for taste)
  • 1 Tsp Black Pepper (Can be adjusted for taste)
  • 1 Whole Scotch Bonnet Pepper (Can be adjusted for taste)
  • 6 Cloves Garlic Chopped
  • 1/2 Tsp Cinnamon
  • 1 Tbsp Allspice Ground
  • 1 Tsp White pepper
  • 1/2 Tsp Nutmeg Ground
  • 3 Tbsp Brown Sugar
  • 1 Whole Onion
  • 3 Stalks Scallions (AKA Green Onions)
  • 2 Sprigs Thyme
  • 1 Tbsp Ginger
  • 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce
  • 1 Tbsp Beef Bouillon
  • 2 Tbsp Olive Oil

Instructions

  1. Wash chicken with Lime, or you can substitute with lemon juice.

  2. Remove all excess fat and dry with paper towels. Try to remove as much water from the chicken as possible.
  3. You are now ready to prepare your Jerk Sauce (Marinade) to add to your chicken.
  4. If you are not up to making your own marinade you can use a store bought brand of jerk seasoning like Grace Jerk seasoning.
  5. Add Olive oil to a skillet under a medium flame. 
  6. Add your garlic, and scotch bonnet pepper, and allow to saute for about 4 minutes.
  7. Now you can add your brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, 
  8. Stir mixture in skillet until it becomes pasty (approx 5 minutes)
  9. You can now remove contents from skillet and allow it to cool for about 20 minutes.
  10. Add the mixture to a food processor, add your thyme, ginger, white pepper, scallions, onion, soy sauce, and beef bouillon and blend for about 30 seconds. (Make sure your setting is set to pulse). 
  11. You can add additional Scotch Bonnet Pepper(s) to suit your taste.
  12. Rub your chicken with your marinade (make sure you drench it to ensure maximum flavor).
  13. You can now place your chicken in the refrigerator in a ziplock bag or covered bowl for a few hours (I prefer to do it overnight).
  14. Place your chicken in a baking pan lined with aluminum foil. You can add a wire before placing the chicken in the baking pan so excess grease will drip down into the pan.
  15. Bake chicken for approximately 20 minutes until it is crisp and brown.
  16. You can then flip your chicken parts in your baking pan to do the other side. and let it bake an additional 20 minutes.
  17. You can use the leftover marinade, and add it to your excess grease from the baking pan and saute for about 10 minutes. (This makes for a delicious gravy and or dipping sauce)

Recipe Notes

Serve with Jamaican Rice and peas as a side dish. 

You can follow Chef Ricardo's easy step by step instructions with this video. 

 

 

 

CORNMEAL PORRIDGE

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Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge Recipe

On a cold winter morning, there is nothing like a hot bowl of Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge Recipe to start your day. This low calorie, hearty breakfast is just what you need to start your day. It is perfect to serve to children before they head off to school because you know it will stick to their ribs until they have lunch. It is easy and fast to prepare, and so much better for them than traditional cold cereals that come in a box. You can garnish it with sliced bananas, or any other fruits to give it a personal taste.

CORNMEAL PORRIDGE IN POT
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Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge Recipe

This Jamaican cornmeal porridge recipe is the perfect start to your day. It is a hot and tasty alternative to your regular oatmeal or wheat cereals. If you grew up in a Jamaican household, I am sure you have had cornmeal porridge as a breakfast staple. 

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 1
Calories 154 kcal
Author https://myjamaicanrecipes.com

Ingredients

  • 1 Cups Cornmeal Use yellow cornmeal
  • 3 Cups Water
  • 1 Cup Coconut Milk
  • 1/4 Tsp Nutmeg Ground
  • 1 Whole Cinnamon Stick
  • 1/2 Tsp Salt
  • 1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 3 Tbsp Condensed Milk

Instructions

  1. Add 3 cups of water, and 1 cup of coconut milk to a medium sized saucepan under a medium flame.

  2. Add cornmeal to the saucepan and whisk until it becomes smooth in texture.

  3. Add nutmeg, cinnamon stick, and vanilla extract, and bring to a boil.
  4. Add condensed milk and continue stirring to avoid your porridge to become lumpy.
  5. You can add more water of coconut milk to get the consistency that suits your taste.
  6. Let cook for approximately 20 minutes.

Recipe Notes

Serve hot. Garnish with fruits of your choice. I recommend freshly sliced bananas or peaches.

You can check out this very helpful video by Chef Ricardo to see step by step directions.

 

 

 

Jamaican Pumpkin Rice Recipe

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PUMPKIN RICE-2

PUMPKIN RICE-2

Jamaican Pumpkin Rice Recipe

This is a very quick and easy pumpkin rice recipe, that you can serve as a side dish. It can be made with the vegetables described in this recipe, or you can add your own favorite vegetables to suit your taste.

Pumpkin is loaded with many antioxidants and Vitamin A that can lead to a stronger immune system. If you are looking for a healthier alternative for a side dish, pumpkin rice is just what you are looking for.

Pumpkin rice ingredients in a pot.

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Jamaican Pumpkin Rice

Try this quick and easy Jamaican pumpkin rice recipe. This is the perfect side dish if you're looking for a healthier alternative to meat, and chicken. This has long been a favorite of many Jamaicans who are cooking on a budget or just looking to prepare a fast and quick meal.

Course Side Dish
Cuisine Jamaican
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 295 kcal
Author https://myjamaicanrecipes.com

Ingredients

  • 3 Cups White Rice Can be substituted with Brown Rice
  • 1 Whole Onion Sliced
  • 2 Stalks Green onions AKA scallions
  • 1 Cup Pumpkin Cubed
  • 1 Clove Garlic Minced
  • 1/2 Green Pepper Sliced
  • 6 Whole Allspice Seeds
  • 2 Sprigs Thyme Can be substituted with 1 tbsp ground thyme
  • 1 Tbsp Butter Can be substituted with Olive Oil
  • 1 Tbsp Black Pepper
  • 1 Tsp Salt
  • 2 Tbsp Grace Pumpkin Soup Mix To be used if you want a more orange colored rice.
  • 1 Whole Scotch Bonnet Pepper

Instructions

  1. Melt 1 tbsp of butter in a medium-sized saucepan under a medium flame.

    Place chopped, onion, green onions, garlic, green pepper, scotch bonnet pepper and pumpkin in a saucepan, and let sauté for approx. 10-12 mins. Season with salt, and black pepper.

    Add 5 cups of water to a saucepan, then add the rice. Add thyme and allspice seeds to your rice. Add sautéed vegetables to your rice and stir with a fork.

    Cover your saucepan with aluminum foil (use enough to cover the top of the saucepan), and place lid on the pot. Let cook for approximately 30 minutes.

    Check intermittently if rice is cooked. If rice is hard add a ¼ cup of water and cover until fully cooked.

    After rice is cooked, remove from flame and serve.

Recipe Notes

Here is a very useful video by Chef Ricardo, with step by step instructions for making Jamaican pumpkin rice.

Can be served with and poultry, meat, or fish dish.

Jamaican Rum Punch Recipe

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Real Authentic Jamaican Rum Punch

Jamaican Rum Punch

Jamaican Rum Punch

If you have ever traveled to Jamaica, I’m sure you have had a glass of Jamaican rum punch. It is the islands signature cocktail.

It is refreshing and gets you in a nice island mood to enjoy your vacation. There is no substitute for laying on the beach, or poolside, and enjoying a glass of the island’s finest libation.

You can now relive that experience at home by making your own rum punch. Let teach you how, with this simple Jamaican rum punch recipe.

Jamaican Rum Punch
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Jamaican Rum Punch

Easy to make cool, refreshing Jamaican rum punch. This is the most popular island cocktail. It is served in some of the finest restaurants bars, hotels, and, resorts, But it is best served when you make it yourself. You can make it just like the experts with my easy to follow recipe.  Cheers!!!!!

Course Drinks
Cuisine Jamaican
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 393 kcal
Author https://myjamaicanrecipes.com

Ingredients

  • 8 Medium Limes Can be substituted with 1 cup of lime juice.
  • 2 Cups Jamaican Wray and Nephew over proof white rum
  • 3 Cups Strawberry flavored syrup
  • 4 Cups Water
  • 2 Cups Hawaiian punch Fruit juicy red
  • 2 Cups Pineapple Juice
  • 8 Whole Allspice seeds

Instructions

  1. Pour water, strawberry syrup, Hawaiian punch, and pineapple juice into a punch bowl. (I personally use a large 8-12-gallon Saucepan).

  2. Add the rum and adjust to your taste, you can add more or less depending on your taste. Add a ½ cup at a time to get the taste that is right for you.
  3. Add allspice seeds and stir for about 5 minutes. 
  4. Pour contents into a punch bowl.
  5. You can add slices of fruits (Limes, oranges, strawberries, or pineapples) as a nice garnish.
  6. Refrigerate for approximately 3 hours before serving.

Recipe Notes

Here is a good step by step video by Wray & Nephew Overproof Rum UK

Please drink responsibly, and if you must drink, DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE. Always have a designated driver.

Jamaican Wray and Nephew over proof white rum is strong (63% alcohol volume).

For a tamer version of rum punch, you can check out this recipe.

8 Kitchen Life Hacks that work.

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8 Kitchen Life Hacks

8 Kitchen Hacks that work.

Life Hacks for the kitchen.

Everyone loves a shortcut. What’s not to like? It saves you time, and effort. Win, win. Shortcuts in the kitchen can be tricky though. Some work, some don’t. Here are 8 Kitchen Life Hacks that work. They will save you time while performing some of the most common tasks in the kitchen.

1. How to Keep apples from turning brown:

All you have to do to prevent the apple slices from turning brown is pour a little ginger ale, or lemon-lime soda over the slices to prevent them from turning brown, and let them soak for about 10 minutes or so. Rinse the slices and store.

The oxygen in the air is what causes fruits and vegetables to turn brown after you slice them. The citric acid in the ginger ale or lemon-lime soda is an ant-oxidant which will prevent the browning effect. Your kids will appreciate the non-brown apple slices
.

Check out this video from Mr Food Test Kitchen as he shows you how to do this hack.

2. How to slice cherry tomatoes:

Many recipes and salads call for cherry tomatoes. The problem is they are so small, and slicing them is time-consuming. Here is the easiest way to slice them in bulk. Place your cherry tomatoes on a plate, or plastic lid.

Cover them with another plate, or plastic lid, making sure there’s about a ¼” of space between the plates using a sharp knife, slice horizontally between the plates. Voila, all your cherry tomatoes are sliced.

 

Check out this video from Chowhound to see how to do this hack.

3. Peeling garlic cloves:

I love using garlic in my recipes. The flavor is just out of this world. The problem is, the cloves are such a pain to peel (removing that papery covering). Here is a quick and efficient way of peeling 20-30 cloves at the same time.

Separate your garlic cloves from the bulbs and place them in a metal bowl. Cover the bowl with an equal size metal bowl. Shake vigorously for about 20-30 seconds. The papery covering on the bulbs fall right off. No joke, you have to try this hack.

Check out this video from Tasty as they show you how to do this hack.

4. Non-stick method for Grilling fish

One of the healthiest foods to eat is fish. Grilled salmon (or any other fish of choice) is a quick and healthy addition to your dinner or lunch menu. The problem I used to encounter when grilling my fish is that it stuck to my grill. Even on a low flame, I always seemed to end up with chunks of my fish on the grill. That is until I found out about this simple hack to prevent the fish from sticking to the grill.

Slice a lemon in 3 or 4 slices (scale to the size of your fish). Place the lemon slices on the grill (medium flame) for about 2 minutes. Place your fish on top of the lemon slices and grill. Flip your fish to grill evenly. You will see that the fish does not stick to the lemon slices, and it lends a nice flavor to your fish as well.

Check out this video from Tesco as they show you how to do this hack.

5. Easy way to peel a boiled egg

 I’m going to tell you about 2 different ways to peel a hardboiled egg.

The first method is for your own consumption, and when I explain you will see why it’s only for personal consumption. 

  • Boil your eggs in a saucepan for about 12 minutes. Add a tsp of baking soda to the water to reduce the ph. After the eggs are boiled, add a few ice cubes to the pot. You then take your egg and gently tap the top of the egg on a countertop, do the same with the bottom, and remove about a fingernail-size piece of shell from both the top and the bottom. You then blow from either end of the egg where you removed the shell. The egg will easily separate from the shell (whole). No peeling necessary. I say this is for personal consumption because your mouth will come in contact with the egg. You don’t want to serve an egg that your mouth touched to guests.

Check out his video by Tim Ferris as he demonstrates this hack.

  •  After boiling your egg in a saucepan for 12 minutes (don’t forget to add a tsp of baking soda), Remove the eggs. Place 1 egg in a small pot, or jar, cover with a lid or plate. You then shake the pot, or jar with the egg inside vigorously for about 10-15 seconds. The shell comes right off your egg. Amazing hack!

Check out this video from TheBargainHound as she demonstrates this hack.

6. How to Keep pots from boiling over

Pot on a stove

Pot on stove

I hate when I’m cooking pasta, or any other dish that requires boiling water, and my pot boils over, making a mess of my stove that requires additional clean up, arghhh!!!!

The best and most simple method of preventing this from happening is simply placing a wooden spoon over the top of the open pot. The heating process of the water creates bubbles. The wooden spoon pops the bubbles and keeps your pot from boiling over, and most importantly, prevents the mess that comes with it. Winning!!!!!!

7. Making a grilled cheese sandwich in a toaster.

This is an old college trick we used to employ in the dorm to make a quick grilled cheese sandwich without having to break out a frying pan. (We were in college, who had time for that?)

Simply place your toaster on the side. Place a slice of bread with cheese and toast, until your cheese is melted, and your bread is toasted. It doesn’t get any easier than that!!!

Check out this video from ChrissyTheSpecialOne as she demonstrates this hack.

8. Keeping bread fresh 

bread

Loaf of bread

If you’re like me, you enjoy a fresh loaf of bread from the bakery. There is nothing like a fresh bread for breakfast. The problem is how do you keep it fresh after you have your initial slice or 2. This is a simple and easy way to ensure your bread stays fresh for days or even weeks after you first slice it.

Slice the loaf in even slices. Place them on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, then place the cookie sheet in the freezer until the bread is completely frozen. Then remove the bread from the freezer and place them in an airtight freezer bag. Your bread will remain fresh for you to use whenever you are ready.

 

 

I hope you enjoyed and try out these amazing kitchen hacks. They will definitely make your life in the kitchen a little bit simpler and save you time. Happy Hacking!!!!!

Jamaican Pepper Shrimp Recipe

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Jamaican Pepper Shrimp Recipe

Pepper Shrimps

Jamaican Peppered Shrimps

This spicy, delightful shrimp recipe is served from the beaches to the finest restaurants in Jamaica). This is a must try recipe  if you enjoy your shrimp with a little kick to it. I will forewarn you, these shrimps can be very addictive. Bet you cant just eat one.

Follow this easy step by step recipe, and you will be amazed at the results. You will make this a staple of your appetizer menu.

Pepper Shrimps
5 from 1 vote
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Jamaican Peppered Shrimps

You will absolutely love this amazing Jamaican peppered shrimp recipe. You can make it as spicy as you wish, or if you want a little less heat, you can adjust the spices to suit your taste buds. 

Course Appetizer
Cuisine Jamaican
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 5
Calories 317 kcal
Author myjamaicanrecipes.com

Ingredients

  • 2 Lbs Large Shrimp De-veined with shell on
  • 2 Tbsp Coconut oil
  • 1 Tbsp Salt
  • 2 Tbsp Jerk seasoning
  • 2 Stalks Scallions Chopped
  • 1 Tsp Annatto seeds
  • 1 Tsp Pickling spice
  • 6 Whole Allspice seeds crushed
  • 2 Tbsp Vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp Jamaican White Rum

Instructions

  1. In a bowl combine shrimp with salt, Jerk sauce, and scallions. Let marinate for 30 minutes.

  2. In a large heavy skillet over low heat, place coconut oil, and annatto seeds,  in skillet, oil will turn a bright orange.

  3. Remove seeds from oil and turn the stove on high, add pimento seeds and pickling spice.

  4. Place seasoned shrimp in hot skillet and stir swiftly until shrimp is incorporated with seasoned oil (approximately 5-6 minutes). Do not overcook. Turn heat off.

  5. Splash with vinegar and white rum.

  6. Transfer to a serving bowl, let cool....peel, eat and enjoy!!!!

Recipe Notes

This makes for a delicious appetizer before the main course at a dinner party, or it can be used for a super bowl party or any informal gathering where finger food is served. Your guests will be coming back for more.

 

 

Watch this useful video by caribbeanpot.com, that shows you how to make Jamaican Pepper Shrimps.

Jamaican Beef Patty Recipe

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How to make authentic Jamaican beef patties.

Tasty Jamaican Beef Patties

Jamaican Beef Patties on Plate

This is a must try Jamaican beef patty recipe. This Jamaican beef (or any other filling you choose) patty is made with a light flaky crust and just the right spices. This is the Jamaican equivalent to the Mexican taco, or the American hot dog or hamburger. Beef patties are sold at hundreds, if not thousands of shops, restaurants, and food stands across the island. It is a common lunch staple (served with coco bread) for school children as well as adults. Wash it down with your favorite beverage, and you have a tasty, filling lunch that will get you through the day.

 

 

 

Tasty Jamaican Beef Patties
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Jamaican Beef Patty Recipe

Easy and fast authentic Jamaican beef patty recipe. Add a new twist to your lunch menu. You can make this recipe as mild or as spicy as you like.

Course Lunch
Cuisine Jamaican
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 401 kcal
Author https://myjamaicanrecipes.com/

Ingredients

Dough

  • 3 1/2 Cups Flour
  • 1 Tsp Salt
  • 1 Tsp Baking powder
  • 2 Tbsp Curry powder
  • 1/4 Cup Vegetable shortening
  • 1 Cup Cold water

Filling

  • 1/2 Lb Ground Beef
  • 1 Whole Yellow Onion Chopped
  • 1 Whole Scotch Bonnet Pepper Chopped (You can exclude, or use pepper to suit your taste)
  • 2 Cloves Garlic Chopped
  • 1 Tbsp Thyme Grounded
  • 1 Tbsp Black pepper
  • 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Dough

    Instructions

    Dough

    1. Add flour, water, baking powder, vegetable shortening, salt and curry powder to a large mixing bowl. Knead dough until the consistency becomes like pizza dough. Set aside and refrigerate for approximately 1 hour.

    Filling

    1. Add cooking oil to a wok, or skillet and heat under a medium flame until oil becomes hot ) for approximately 5 minutes). Add Onions, scotch bonnet pepper, garlic, thyme, black pepper to skillet and sauté until ingredients become soft. Add ground beef to skillet and add your Worcestershire sauce and stir until beef becomes brown (approximately 25 minutes). Remove beef and set aside in a bowl. 

    Making your patties

    1. Take a handful of flour and spread across a large cutting board. Break off a piece of dough and roll with a rolling pin, until the dough becomes flat and thin. Cut the dough in 6 to 7-inch circles using a bowl laid flat against the dough and cutting around the edge. This should give you a perfect circle. Then place your beef filling (2 Tbsp for each patty) in your newly circular-shaped dough. Fold your dough with filling in a half moon shape and use a fork to crimp the edges. whisk 1 large egg and brush along the crimped edges to seal.  Using a fork, puncture the newly created patty 3 times (from top to bottom). This will release the steam during the baking process.  Repeat this process until all your patties are made. Place on a greased baking sheet, and bake in an oven for 25 minutes.

    Recipe Notes

    Please check out this video from https://firstwefeast.com/

     


     

    Jamaican Homemade Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe

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    Jamaican Homemade Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe

    Jamaican beef soup in a bowl

    Jamaican beef soup served

    In Jamaica, every Saturday is Soup day. Whether its beef soup, chicken soup, or red peas soup,you will be getting served soup on Saturday. My personal favorite was and still is beef soup. I think that was a tradition of the past, and now “every” day can be soup day. On a cold, rainy, wintry day, what is better than a hot steaming bowl of soup? I am going to share the best homemade vegetable beef soup on the planet. You will never drink soup from a can again.

    Jamaican beef soup in a pot
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    Jamaican Beef Soup

    This hot and tasty Caribbean soup will get you through the coldest of winter days, and nights. Made with fresh vegetables, and beef, it will warm you from head to toe.

    Course Soup
    Cuisine Jamaican
    Prep Time 30 minutes
    Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
    Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
    Servings 10
    Calories 408 kcal
    Author https://myjamaicanrecipes.com/

    Ingredients

    • 3 Qts Water
    • 3 Stalks Green Onions AKA Scallions
    • 1 Whole Onion
    • 4 Medium Carrots Cubed
    • 1 Lb Yellow Yam Cut in 3"x1" pieces
    • 1 Whole Chayote
    • 4 Medium Potatoes Cubed
    • 3/4 Lb Pumpkin Peeled and Cubed in 4"x!" pieces
    • 3 Springs Thyme Dried
    • 1 Cube Beef Bullion
    • 1 tbsp Sea Salt
    • 1 tbsp Black Pepper
    • 10 Whole Allspice Seeds AKA Pimento Seeds
    • 3 Stalks Celery Cut in very small slices
    • 1 Whole Scotch Bonnet Pepper
    • 3 Lbs Chuck Roast Cubed

    Dumplings

    • 1 Cup Flour
    • 1/3 Cup Water

    Instructions

    1. Pour water in a large saucepan and let boil under a medium flame.

    2. Add Pumpkin and onion and beef to water and let it boil for about 1 hour, or until the pumpkin has dissolved.

    3. Add Celery, green onions, yellow yam, chayote, carrots, potatoes, thyme, salt, pepper, allspice seeds, and scotch bonnet pepper (do not let the pepper burst in the soup, unless you love your food extremely spicy) Let it simmer under a medium flame for approx 30 minutes. Then add your dumplings to the soup and let simmer for about 10 minutes.

    How to make Dumplings

    1. In a mixing bowl, add flour and water. Knead flour until it forms a semi-thick dough (about the same consistency as pizza crust dough). Shape the dough into small round wheels (this dough will make about 8 dumplings).

    Recipe Notes

    This is the best homemade vegetable beef soup recipe you will ever come across. I have been making this soup for years, and it has never disappointed.

     

    Check out this very useful video on how to make Jamaican Beef soup.

     

    5 Simple Tips To Kitchen Safety

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    Kitchen Safety Tips

    Tips to Kitchen Safety

    5 Simple Tips to Kitchen Safety

    Cooking brings so much joy to so many people, that during our haste to prepare our favorite meals, we tend to forget to take the proper steps to ensure that our kitchen is a safe and protected environment. The kitchen is filled with many hazards, and if proper precautions aren’t taken, the consequences can be quite severe. Let’s make sure our cooking and baking endeavor is a fun and SAFE experience for all. These 5 simple tips to kitchen safety will ensure that your kitchen and home remain safe.

    1. Fire safety.

    Fire

    Fire Safety

    Cooking-related fires are the leading cause of all home fires in the US according to the NFPA. This is usually caused by unattended cooking. I know that life gets in the way of doing our everyday chores, such as cooking and cleaning. It is easy to get distracted by a doorbell, a phone call, or your kids requiring your attention while we tend to these chores. You cannot afford to become so distracted that it becomes a safety hazard to your family and your home. You must also be careful in regard to the clothes you wear while cooking (no loose-fitting clothes.). Make sure curtains, oven mitts, and plastic utensils are kept away from the stove while cooking.
    If a fire starts while you are cooking, and it begins spreading, please leave the house and call 911. Do not try to extinguish the fire at the risk of your, and your family’s safety. In the case of a stovetop fire, if possible, use the lid for the pot to cover and extinguish the flames. If the fire starts in the microwave or toaster, unplug the appliance. DO NOT throw water on a kitchen fire, because fire needs oxygen to spread.

    Fire preventive aids for the Kitchen.

    • Smoke detector
    • Fire extinguisher
    • Baking soda (You will need a lot)

     

    2. Safeguard sharp objects.

    Safeguard Sharps

    Safeguard Sharp Objects

    1. Please make sure you are taking every precaution to safeguard sharp objects, such as knives, forks, cleavers, and scissors. Sharp knives should be stored in a wooden knife block. Most knife sets come equipped with a block for storage. Some knives are sold with sheaths to protect from accidental cuts and punctures.
    3. Glass objects (drinking glasses, bowls, dishes) can also be a kitchen hazard, if not stored properly. These should be kept on the higher shelves in your cabinets. Make sure children never have easy access to these utensils. Children are curious sometimes, so you should educate your children on the dangers of sharp objects in the kitchen.

    3. Watch the children.

    Children in the kitchen

    Watch the Children

    Always be diligent in the kitchen if children are around. While it’s a great experience teaching a child how to cook, it comes with a certain risk. The kitchen can be a dangerous place for the little ones if you are not keeping an eye on them while as you prep and cook.

    Do not get distracted by the cell phone, the radio, or the TV while children are present in the kitchen when you are cooking. Be sure they stay at least 3 feet away from the stove while it is on. Stove burns are a common household injury for children, and with the 3 feet rule, you can drastically reduce the odds of that happening to your child.

    Please let your children know, that the kitchen is not a playground, and if they are not careful, an accident can occur. My mother used to cook with 1 eye on the stove and the other on the kids. I adopted the same practice when I had kids. Be that eagle eye for your kid’s safety.

     

    4. Electrical Hazards.

    Electrical Hazard in the Kitchen

    Electrical Hazards

    You should always ensure that all electrical appliances in your kitchen is functioning properly. Be sure you make scheduled maintenance appointments for your major appliances, like the Refrigerator, microwave, and dishwasher. You should always check your power cords to make sure they are not overheating or frayed. When not in use appliances should be plugged out. Obviously, the refrigerator doesn’t fall into that category, but other appliances like the microwave, toaster, electric can opener can all be plugged out when not in use. This also saves a little on energy costs, even though the appliance is not turned on, it is still drawing electricity from the outlet. Please also remember never to stick metal objects like knives, and forks into a toaster while it is operating and plugged in. This can cause a fatal shock, so please avoid doing that at all costs.

     

    5. Wash your Hands.

    Wash Hands Please

    Wash Your Hands

    This last tip is so important but sometimes overlooked by some people. It is paramount, to wash your hands frequently while cooking. You don’t want to transfer germs from touching other objects around the kitchen to your food. The cross contamination can make you and your family ill. You must make sure you wash with a gentle hand soap and warm water. I do it every 10 minutes while I’m cooking (I may be a bit of a germ-a-phobe when it comes to cooking). As the saying goes, “Cleanliness is next to Godliness”

     

    Stay Safe While In the Kitchen

    If you follow these 5 simple tips to kitchen safety, I guarantee you will have a better kitchen experience, knowing that you are taking precautions and steps to ensure you and your family’s safety.