Island of Spice

Nutmeg, Cinnamon, Ginger, Curry, Saffron

These are the spices we got from Grenada, the "island of spice."

Saffron is one of the most expensive and luxurious spices, according to a totally opinion based blog. I'm sure it's factually correct. ;) but saffron is normally quite pricy.

We bought it from a sweet old woman in a little stand. She had me hold out my hand and grated the nutmeg straight into my hand so I could see how to do it. That sold me, it smells so good!

Here's two recipes we've made with our spices that we love

This is one of Ben's favorites!

Chicken Sate Saute

12 oz. linguine or spaghetti

1 tsp. curry powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 1/2 lb. chicken

1 c chopped onion

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 14 oz. can light coconut milk

1/4 c lime juice

2 T brown sugar

3 T soy sauce

1/4 tsp red pepper, optional

1/2 c crunchy peanut butter

2 T chopped cilantro

*Bonus: 1 tsp saffron :)

The original recipe has you saute everything. Hence, the name.

BUT I think crock potting is so much more convenient than standing over a stove forever. So here's how I do it.

Put in chicken with curry powder, salt, onion, garlic, brown sugar and 1/2 cup chicken broth and turn on low. Cook for 5-7 hours. Shred chicken.

Add coconut milk, lime juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, pepper and peanut butter and stir. Let cook another hour.  If the sauce is too runny mix a little cornstarch and water up and add to thicken it.

Cook noodles.

Harvest Bread

This is a recipe I got from my friend and college roommate Ashley

Combine:

2 3/4 c flour

2 tsp baking soda

2 tsp nutmeg

2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp cloves

1/2 tsp ginger

1 tsp salt

In another bowl combine:

2 sticks butter 

2 c sugar

(sometimes I used to use some applesauce and also use less sugar. Not anymore! But it's an option.)

Blend, then add:

4 eggs

1 1/2 c pumpkin

Add dry ingredients

Stir in 8 oz of chocolate chips, or nuts, if desired

Pour into 2 greased bread pans

Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.

We have the plague at our house this week...hope I don't get it. Hope the other two (Ben and Cody) get better quick!!