Gravel and Grub

One of the great things about traveling is that you get to try new food. Here is what I had for dinner last night. It combined my beloved Costa Rica with some Jamaican flair. You can just click on the links for the recipes:

Jamaican Jerk and Plantain Kabobs

The recipe above includes a Jamaican Jerk Rub. I didn't want to go out and buy one so I made it myself. I love recipezaar. It has made my life a better place.

Gallo Pinto (Costa Rican rice and beans)

2 to 3 Tbs. oil
1 medium-sized onion, peeled and finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups cooked white rice
2 cups cooked black beans, drained, rinsed and liquid reserved
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. ground coriander
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
2 to 3 Tbs. Salsa Lizano*, or Worcestershire sauce
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions
Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat, and add onion. When onion starts to turn color, add garlic, and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until onion is golden.
Stir in rice, beans and seasonings, combining well. Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup liquid from canned beans, if desired, to make the rice "dirty." Cook until heated through, and add salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

*Lizano Salsa is only made in Costa Rica but it makes everything you put it on taste better. You can sometimes find it in a Latino market or you could have a friend pick you up some when they go to CR.*

For more recipes, go see Gayle