My desserts are influenced by local flavors as well as Latin and Caribbean ingredients. This dessert is based on Jamaican rum cake and the mojito, South Florida’s most popular drink. The cake is moist and flavorful, and the addition of mint, lime, and rum makes it...
Gina says: I always love watermelon because it reminds me of sitting outside with my sisters. We weren’t allowed to eat it in the house because it was so messy. We’d have a ball, spitting seeds at each other, not a care in the world. This sorbet is a great way to pay...
Chunks of tofu are cooked in a tomato sauce with hot peppers, then spooned onto a bed of spinach fettuccine. I like to serve this dish with crusty bread so that it can be used to mop up all the delicious juices. I find that no grated cheese is needed, but you can add...
This is one of my favorite Chinese dishes. The tofu and eggplant absorb the hot, spicy sauce superbly and create a rich, haunting flavor. It is very easy to prepare, made even more so by setting all of the ingredients out in front of you close to the stove at the time...
Many people are surprised to learn that chile peppers do not harm the lining of the stomach in fact, they aid digestion. Studies were done on various winners of chile-pepper-eating contests in Mexico and no adverse effects were discovered and the winners had eaten...
A quick, attractive dish that is a great way to celebrate springs first asparagus (or you could substitute broccoli, if you like). Brilliant red and green colors make this stir-fry a visual treat while ginger defines its flavor. SERVES 4 2 tablespoons tamari or other...
This is a dish I like to take to a potluck supper. It is bright colored, easy to prepare, and will hold its heat if you put it in a hot covered baking dish, wrap the dish in newspaper, and place it in a plastic bag. As with any stir-fried rice dish, you must use cold...
Tarragon is a less familiar herb to many, and that is unfortunate. Its slight licorice flavor marries well with white wine and mushrooms in a sauce, and here it enlivens the mild character of tofu. Tofu gets much firmer when reheated so it is best to cook this dish...
Tempeh is a delicious fermented soybean product made with ground soybeans. Unlike tofu it has a flavor of its own, and its firm, dry texture makes it very easy to work with. In this dish, tempeh is simmered in an aromatic tomato sauce with vegetables and herbs. I...
These fried Indian vegetable balls in a fragrant coconut sauce are one of the most delectable Indian dishes. They are somewhat time-consuming but worth it. SERVES 4 TO 6 1 cup frozen peas, thawed and mashed 2 large potatoes, peeled, boiled, and mashed 2 medium...
These Indian deep-fried turnovers are stuffed with a spicy potato filling and have a light crisp exterior. They are wonderful for entertaining because they can be prepared in advance, although they must be cooked just before serving, like most Indian breads. MAKES 16...
Chutneys are a type of Indian condiment or relish. They are concentrated in flavor and spicy, and so just a small spoonful on your plate is all that's needed to add piquancy to your meal. This is my favorite chutney. It has an intense flavor both sweet and spicy. It...