Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Ingredients:


1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 pound sliced pineapple rings

2 cups cake flour, Sifted

2 teaspoons baking powder

2 cups granulated sugar

3/4 cup warm milk

1 tablespoon spiced rum

1 1/2 cup light brown sugar

1 dozen maraschino cherries, halved

5 eggs

1 tablespoon of lemon juice



Steps:

1. Preheat oven at 350°F

2. Brush a 8 X 12 rectangle pan or round equivalent with the melted butter making sure to get the entire surface.

3. Sprinkle the bottom of the pan with the brown sugar.

4. Line the bottom of the pan with pineapple slices in a uniformed manner as not to overlap, but cover the bottom.

5. Now place the cherry halves into the center of each pineapple ring. If you prefer, the cherries can be omitted all together.

6. Sift the flour and baking powder together several times, set aside.

7. Beat the eggs at medium speed until they appear thick and fluffy.

8. Gradually add the sugar, in several additions, into the eggs while the mixer is on a low speed. Then add in the lemon juice, and rum.

9. Fold in the flour and baking soda mixture while gradually adding the warm milk.

10. Once the cake batter is blended smooth, pour it over the fruit inside the pan.

11. Bake at 350°F for about 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center is removed clean.

12. Turn over onto a dish while still warm, and reserve for service.

Caribbean Spicy Fried Chicken

Many people vacationing in the tropics for the first time more often than not have arrived by cruise ship or booked an all-inclusive vacation that includes recreational activities, and meals that have been planned with the assistance of an event coordinator. You will find that these meal periods often include the availability of American favorites like, Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, and even Fried Chicken. The reason for this is that the tourism industry is what drives the economy in most of these islands, and it takes a little time before the tourists relax. Comfort foods are a safe harbor for those afraid of Goat Curries, and Callaloo. I happen to enjoy the fact that a active evening filled with Rum Punch, and Steel Drums can be followed by a restful day in the hammock with fried chicken serving as the Concierge that welcomes you back to planet Earth. The Fried Chicken that has developed from this accommodation is actually very tasty, and upon your return to the mainland you may just find that you miss having it around.






Ingredients:

11/2 Cups Buttermilk

3/4 Cup Red Stripe Lager Beer

1 Whole Chicken, Cut 8 way

1/2 Cup Yellow Cornmeal

1 1/2 Cup All-Purpose Flour

1/2 Cup Cornstarch

1/2 Cup Boston Beach Jerk Seasoning

1 Tablespoon Paprika

2 Tablespoons Kosher Salt

2 Tablespoons Ground Black Pepper

Vegetable or Peanut Oil for Frying



Steps:

1. Preheat Deep Fryer, or Large stock pot filled with oil to 350°F.

2. Combine the Chicken, Red Strip Beer, Buttermilk, and mix well. Allow to chill in the refrigerator at least 2 hours.

3. Mix the Flour, Cornstarch, Cornmeal, Jerk Seasoning, Paprika, Salt, Pepper in a large bowl, and mix well.

4. Drain the Chicken, and discard the liquid.

5. Toss Chicken pieces, one at a time, in the flour mixture to coat. When all has been coated place all the Chicken pieces into the bowl, toss well, and refrigerate 1 hour.

6. Remove Chicken from Flour, and shake to remove any excess flour from chicken.

7. Deep Fry Chicken, 2 -3 pieces at a time, approximately 8 minutes( 4 minutes each side), or until Golden Brown. Check chicken with internal thermometer to make sure it has reached 180°F internal temperature.

8. Remove from oil, and place on a towel to drain. Reserve Chicken on a sheet pan, or oven safe dish placed in a warming drawer, or 200°F oven until ready to serve.