Support local in 2021

This year will be a different year for sure, given the events of 2020. It is obvious that imported-food prices will rise which should drive you more in the direction of buying more local produce and food items. It can be quite refreshing going to any of our local weekly markets and shopping for your foodstuffs there. Not only will you save money when you purchase the freshest fruits and veggies, but you will get to know your farmers and really understand what wonderful generous people they are.

2020 saw the closing of many restaurants and in 2021 we will see more pop-up food shops and more home delivery options. There will also be a decrease in eating out and a surge in at-home eating. New and experienced cooks will turn more to their kitchens to prepare meals for their families, and this in turn will see more interest to enhance their cooking skills, driving them more in the direction of cooking classes.

Economical meals will be the main thrust of food and dining for 2021. This should not be disheartening but encouraging for you, as we all strive to support our local farmers and create tasty and delicious meals in our own kitchens. May you all have a happy, healthy and prosperous 2021 filled with love, positivity and wonderful home-cooked meals. Here are some local snacks to enjoy with your family.

PAPRIKA DUSTED COO-COO STRIPS

3 cups yellow cornmeal

6 cups chicken broth or water

2 pimento peppers seeded and chopped, very fine

2 cloves garlic minced

salt and freshly ground black pepper

1/2 cup grated cheese

Oil to fry

1 cup flour

2 tsp smoked paprika

salt and pepper to taste

The night before:

Boil water or broth in a large pot add peppers, garlic and salt and pepper.

Pour in the cornmeal whisking vigorously to prevent lumping, stir well, and cook until the mixture becomes stiff and smooth and moves away from the sides of the pot. Stir in cheese.

Generously butter a shallow baking tin or baking tray, spread mixture smoothly onto tray about one inch thick.

Chill until very stiff, overnight.

Heat oil in a wok or deep fryer.

Combine flour, paprika and salt and pepper

Cut polenta into 2-inch by one-inch strips.

Dust with flour mixture and fry until golden in hot oil

Drain and serve immediately with spicy tomato salsa.

Serves 10

COCONUT CRUSTED FRIED SHRIMP WITH FIRE AND SPICE DIP

2 lbs. large shrimp, cleaned with tails intact

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 cups finely-shredded fresh coconut`

2 cloves garlic, minced

11/2 cups milk

11/2 tsp baking powder

1 tbs coconut milk powder

1 tsp curry powder

1/2 tsp salt

Coconut oil for frying

Marinate shrimp in garlic and salt.

Make a smooth thick batter by combining 11/2 cups flour, baking powder, coconut milk powder, salt, curry with milk.

In 2 separate plates put the remaining 1/2 cup flour and the shredded coconut.

Dredge shrimp in remaining flour, then dip into the batter and then roll in shredded coconut. Repeat to use up all the shrimp.

Fry the shrimp in hot oil until golden, drain and serve with orange dip.

Makes about 16 pieces

FIRE AND SPICE ORANGE DIP

1 cup orange marmalade

1/4 tsp allspice

1/4 tsp grated nutmeg

Juice of one orange

1/2 hot pepper, seeded and minced (optional)

1 tsp Chinese chili sauce

1 tbs shredded ginger

Combine all the ingredients.

Serve with Coconut Fried shrimp

Makes about 1 cup

MINCED LAMB KEBABS

These are delicious served as an appetiser.

1 lb. minced lamb

1/2 tsp. salt

1 teaspoon ground, roasted cumin or geera

1 teaspoon, roasted, ground coriander

pepper to taste

1/4 cup finely chopped fresh mint or parsley

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 onions, minced

Preheat broiler:

In a large bowl combine the minced lamb, salt, pepper, geera, coriander, mint, garlic, and onion.

Form into balls, thread onto metal skewers and using your hands spread along to make an oblong shape.

Place on greased baking tray and broil until browned, turn and cook other side.

Serve

Serves 4 Serve with Tzatziki sauce.

TZATZIKI SAUCE

2 cups plain yoghurt

1 cucumber, grated and strained to remove excess water, about 15 minutes

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbs. chopped mint

1 tbs. chopped dill

Salt and black pepper to taste

Combine all the above ingredients; add salt and pepper to taste.

Makes about 2 cups.