A Full Fridge
Many people would be thrilled to have a fridge full of food, but it’s not really my preferred state of affairs.
One reason is that I enjoy having options.
Like when I say to Michael, “Wanna go to (name almost any of St. Croix’s fabulous restaurants), or eat at home?” He’ll say with his usual adamant decisiveness, “Either way’s fine with me.” Then I’ll say, “Okay let’s go out to ____, so I don’t have to cook.” And off we’ll go.
Last week, however, we bought a bunch of beautiful locally grown produce at the farmers’ cooperative market (spending under $20) and it has taken us the entire week to get through it all. We bought eggplant, green pepper, beets, okra, cucumbers and cherry tomatoes. I got some cilantro at the grocery store and we had celery, onions, garlic and carrots, so there were a million lovely vegetarian possibilities.A friend gave me a huge papaya that took us three days to eat. We actually grilled some of it – yum!
We made mango gazpacho with some of the cucumber and tomatoes and cilantro; we steamed the eggplant and mixed it with green pepper and onion to serve over pasta or make into mini pita pizzas; we used more tomatoes for breakfast egg sandwiches; I fried the okra for dinner last night (that was the entire meal); and Michael steamed the beets to make his famous beet salad. He will create dinner tonight because I will be working late.
We’ll still have stuff left. I’ll probably make another batch of mango gazpacho and we’ll have it for lunch on Friday. We’ll go out for dinner some night this week-end, and be a little less avid at the farmers’ market when we get there.
When there’s too much food in the fridge I can’t easily find what I’m looking for.
June 23rd, 2010 at 2:55 pm
When ya getting chickens? They eat bugs and make eggs.
June 23rd, 2010 at 4:40 pm
We already have lots of dogs, they eat bugs and chickens… and eggs.
June 23rd, 2010 at 9:22 pm
Mmmm, mango gazpacho sounds so good – would you mind sharing the recipe? I would love to try to make some here and dream of being there!
I am going to try to grill papaya as well (and fry plantains, next chance I get)… any advice?
Ben (aka the Caribbean Amphibian)
June 24th, 2010 at 8:08 am
Ben, the blacker the plaintain, the sweeter. But they will start to ferment if you wait tooo long.
Most people cut coins or ovals about 1/4 inch thick. I cut them the long way, mostly in half, unless they are extra big. I use Canola oil, just enough to cover and it should be very hot when you put in the plaintains.
If I am using them in a cassarole, I cut off the ends and score the top and put them in the microwave until they “pop” – keep an eye on them.
June 24th, 2010 at 12:53 pm
Hey Ben, thanks for joining us! And thanks for your input, Lisa!
My mango gazpacho is nowhere near as good as Jonathan’s (he runs Lalita in Christiansted), and it varies with the amounts available.
This time I used cucumber, tomato, mango, garlic and cilantro, and just blended it all up. Michael’s not into spicy, so I just add local hot peppers to my own, or some hot sauce.
June 25th, 2010 at 3:40 pm
@Lisa – a casserole you say? That sounds delish!
@Terry – thanks for having me! St. Croix is high on my list of places to get to next! I am very envious of the island lifestyle (as you might have guessed!).
I am going to give this mango gazpacho a go… It sounds SOOOOO good.
I will be here often, in mind, computer and spirit!
Ben
June 26th, 2010 at 7:26 am
The original recipe was for little rings of fried plaintains filled with ground pork, sauteed with garlic, onions and green peppers, moistened with a little tomato sauce AND seasoned with a Goya olive, caper and pimiento blend called Alcaparrado. NO substitutes will do. I prefer the pitted version.
BUT now we don’t eat meat so I use the “Crumbles” and just layer the various pre-cooked ingredients. Sometimes add a layer of cooked, chopped (or French style) green beans and usually put a white cheese topping. (this can be finished in the microwave to avoid heating the oven)
Variations can use shredded well-cooked tofu, or ground turkey. I haven’t yet but will try some of the cookin’ greens that our local farms are offering.
June 26th, 2010 at 3:19 pm
Great greens today, at the farm stand, too. Saw you there, Lisa!
June 26th, 2010 at 7:45 pm
Nice veggie ideas, speak more of this please