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Sage Advice

July 8, 2009

Along with the Swiss chard that our friend was so kind to bring over, we got a nice little bundle of fresh sage leaves.  Usually I add sage to sausage or poultry dishes but I thought I’d try out something new this time and bake with it.  The flavor of the herb came through nicely for a new and versatile flavor of cornbread.

Sage and Cheddar Cornbread

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This recipe is adapted from one that I found in the LA Times newspaper, and it really turned out as I hoped it would (and was a great use for leftover corn on the cob!).  We ate squares of this cornbread with dinner for the rest of the week, and it worked with all of our meals.  As the original recipe suggests, you can also use the leftovers for a fresh cornbread stuffing or dressing.  The recipe below makes about 12 medium or 9 large squares of cornbread.

  • 1 cup coarse yellow cornmeal
  • 1/2 cup flour, plus more for flouring your baking dish
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk
  • 2 tablespoons plus 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, divided
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup grated sharp white cheddar
  • 2 ears cooked corn on the cob, kernels cut off the cobs
  • 1/2 large onion, finely diced (about 1 1/4 cups)
  • 3 packed tablespoons chopped fresh sage
  • Butter for greasing your baking dish

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.  Combine the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt in a medium or large mixing bowl.  Combine the buttermilk and 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large measuring cup or small bowl.  Add the eggs and beat until just mixed. Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and mix well. Add the cheese, corn, onion and sage and mix very thoroughly.

Generously grease and flour a 9-inch square baking dish.  Scrape the batter evenly into the pan and bake for about 45 minutes, or until crusty and browned and set in the middle. Let stand for about 5 minutes before slicing into squares with a sharp knife and then lift each piece out with a fork.

Although I usually gravitate toward sage in the cooler months, this turned out to be a very nice addition to our summer dinner table.  The sweet cornbread was elevated by the woodsy sage and sharp cheddar, making for much more sophisticated bread than the regular old Jiffy style.  Enjoy…

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A New Leaf

June 29, 2009

Our incoming Commodore’s wife and my new friend here in the neighborhood maintains a wonderful vegetable and herb garden in her yard and recently dropped by with a bag of fresh Swiss chard and a mix of savory herbs for me.  I was so excited to use these organic ingredients in my cooking and I got right to it with a light dinner loaded with leafy greens.

Garlicky Swiss Chard Saute with Mushrooms and Pine Nuts

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We ate pretty late last night so this was our main course for dinner but it would be excellent next to a juicy grilled steak or cut of fish.  Since we didn’t eat it as a side dish I added cubes of tofu for protein, but you could easily omit that or use canned cannellini beans instead (the beans might even be better!).  This recipe made enough for a side dish for about 4 people.  

  • About 10-12 cups of chopped Swiss chard (1 large bunch)
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 teaspoons plus 1/1 teaspoon salt, divided
  • 1 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (add a touch more if you’re using the tofu)
  • 3-4 large fresh cloves garlic, minced
  • 12 ounces silken firm tofu, cubed OR 1 can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
  • 8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted (in toaster oven or stove oven at 350 degrees until golden and fragrant)
  • 1/8-1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, to taste (I used 1/4 teaspoon)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parmesan cheese for garnish

Begin by thoroughly washing your Swiss chard leaves in a bowl of water.  Remove the tough stems from each leaf and set aside.  Cut the remaining leaves by stacking a few of them at a time, rolling them length-wise, and making about 1 inch slices down the roll.  If your leaves are extra large you can then slice the entire roll down the middle if you wish.  

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In a large saute pan, bring the water and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to a boil over medium heat.  Add the tougher stems of the Swiss chard leaves to the water and cook for about 4 minutes or until they are fork tender.  Add the rest of the Swiss chard leaves to the pan and cook for another 3-4 minutes or until they are wilted and cooked down (and they will cook down a lot!).  Turn off the heat and, using tongs, remove the Swiss chard from the pan and place in a bowl to set aside.  Pour the excess water from the pan.

In the same pan, cook the olive oil, garlic, and tofu (if using), together over medium heat until the garlic is softened.  Add the mushrooms and balsamic vinegar and cook for a few more minutes until the mushrooms are darker brown and tender.  Stir in the beans at this point if you are using them.  Return the Swiss chard to the pan with tongs (squeezing out any excess liquid as you go) and season with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, red pepper and black pepper.  If necessary, add more salt to taste.  Stir in the toasted pine nuts and serve topped with the parmesan cheese.

Swiss chard is one of those super foods that is rich in color and texture and has a wealth of nutrients to offer.  Altogether this saute was earthy and savory, with a slight bitterness and a nice buttery crunch from the pine nuts.  This is an excellent switch from sauteed or creamed spinach to accompany your next grilled piece of meat.  Enjoy…

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Tilapia Tonight

June 19, 2009

I try to make fish as often as I can, not only for its health benefits but also because it cooks so darn quickly!  Tilapia is the most prevalent fish in our grocery store and while sometimes I wish for more seafood choices, it is an inexpensive fish that has many different flavor affinities. 

Baked Tilapia with Green Olives and Tomatoes in a Creamy Dijon Sauce

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I had three tilapia fillets, but this recipes would make enough sauce for four fillets.  Since my husband doesn’t think that he likes green olives I finely diced mine to hide them (and he practically licked his plate clean), but it might be better to just slice the olives instead.  

  • 3-4 fresh tilapia fillets
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (I used light sour cream)
  • 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard
  • 1 tablespoon white wine
  • About 12-15 green olives, sliced or diced
  • 1 tomato, seeded and diced (I used a vine-ripened tomato)
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • About 2 tablespoons chopped fresh, flat leaf Italian parsley, divided

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees.  In a small or medium mixing bowl, stir together the sour cream, both mustards, white wine, green olives, diced tomato, garlic powder, black pepper, and 1 tablespoon of parsley.  Place your fish fillets in an oven-proof baking dish.  Pour the sauce over the fish and spread it to evenly cover the fillets.  Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flaky.  Top with the remaining tablespoon of parsley and serve hot.

This was an easy meal that I made with things that I already had in the fridge.  The fish fillet was accentuated by the salty olives, sweet tomatoes, bright herbs, and the slight spice of the mustard sauce.  This sauce dressed up an otherwise plain fillet of fish with fresh ingredients to make for a quick weeknight meal.  Enjoy…

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Simply Sauce

June 18, 2009

We love making pizza at home, and each time the sauce and toppings change according to what we have in the house.  No matter what kind of dough or toppings you prefer, the sauce we made last night is sure take your next pizza to another flavor level.

Sun-Dried Tomato and Roasted Garlic Pizza Sauce

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Since I can’t seem to find sun-dried tomatoes jarred in oil in the stores near me, I used the dry-packaged kind and reconstituted it.  I suggest using the jarred variety if you can find it, and using the oil from the jar to make the sauce.  The recipe below makes enough sauce for one large pizza.

  • 1 small head garlic
  • 1 tablespoon plus 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
  • About 12 sun dried tomatoes
  • About 2 cups boiling water
  • 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar 
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.  Cut your unpeeled garlic head in half at its widest part.  Place the garlic on a piece of tin foil and wrap it and seal it.  Place the foil packet in the oven and let it roast for 45 minutes.  Remove and let cool.  

While the garlic roasts, pour the boiling water and vinegar over the sun-dried tomatoes in a small bowl.  Let sit for about 45 minutes.  If you are using the jarred kind, omit this step.  

Drain the sun-dried tomatoes and place them in a food processor with the regular blade.  Squeeze the soft roasted garlic from its peel into the food processor.  Pour in about 4 tablespoons of olive oil (or the oil from your sun-dried tomato jar, if possible) and process until smooth.  Season with salt and pepper to taste and pulse to combine.  The sauce can be made ahead and chilled up to this point.  When you’re ready to cook your pizza, spread it on your favorite dough, sprinkle on your favorite toppings, and bake.

This pizza sauce is sweet and tangy and something slightly different from what we’re all used to.  I topped my pizza with fresh arugula, shredded mozzarella, and dried oregano for the perfect vegetarian dinner.  If you’re feeling like you need a change from the typical tomato sauce, give this recipe a try on your next pie.  Enjoy…

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Red and Blue Salad

June 13, 2009

Sometimes I just crave random foods.  Yesterday was no exception, and with a little prep ahead of time I was able to toss together a quick side salad that would work well next to many grilled summer meats or sandwiches.  

Red Cabbage and Gorgonzola Salad with Candied Pecans

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I halved my own recipe for candied pecans for the nuts in this salad and made them in advance, but you could use candied pecans from the store if you can find them.  This recipe made about 7 cups worth of salad.

  • 1/2 head of red cabbage
  • About 1 1/2 cups candied pecans (or slightly less than half of my own recipe)
  • 2-3 ounces crumbled bleu cheese (I used gorgonzola, as it is a bit milder)
  • 1 green onion, minced
  • 3 tablespoons cider vineger
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces, breaking up the tightly-packed layers with your hands if necessary.  Place the cabbage in a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the green onion and blue cheese and toss to mix.  In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, mayo, sugar, and salt until smooth.  Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss again to coat everything evenly.  Eat immediately or chill until ready to serve (the longer you chill this, the softer the nuts will become).

This is not your average summer salad, but the bitter cabbage, creamy pungent cheese, and sweet nuts play surprisingly well off each other.  Try this slaw as a side or green salad topper for a sophisticated addition to your picnic table.  Enjoy…

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Pesto With Gusto

June 11, 2009

I love fresh pesto but since I don’t have my own herb garden here in Texas, it’s too expensive for me to buy enough basil to make traditional pesto sauce at home.  Cilantro is about 40 cents a bunch here, so I thought it would be more economical and a nice change to make a pesto sauce from this inexpensive herb instead. 

Farfalle with Roasted Shrimp and Vegetables in a Cilantro Pesto

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Cilantro just naturally seems to go well with seafood, but you could really put any meat in this pasta dish.  We ate this hot, but it also translates well into a cold pasta salad.  The recipe below makes a LOT – enough for about 7 or 8 people.

For the pasta and vegetables:

  • 1 pound farfalle paste (or your favorite short pasta noodle)
  • 2 pounds fresh shrimp, shells and tails removed
  • 12 ounces grape tomatoes, halved (1 package, or about 2 cups halved grape tomatoes)
  • 1 large red pepper, seeded and cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 large onion, diced
  • 2 tablespoons plus 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, divided
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Ground red or cayenne pepper to taste
  • About 4 ounces crumbled queso cheese (feta could work, or you could omit the cheese)

For the pesto:

  • 1 bunch fresh cilantro
  • 1/2 cup packed parlsey
  • 1/4 cup walnuts (optional)
  • 5 cloves fresh garlic
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Black pepper to taste

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.  Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil for the pasta.  Meanwhile, add the cilantro, parsley, garlic, and walnuts (if using) and processs until finely chopped.  While running, pour in the lemon juice and then the 1/4 cup of olive oil.  Stop the motor, add the salt and pepper, and pulse to combine.  Set the pesto aside.

In a medium mixing bowl, toss your raw shrimp and tomato halves with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.  Place them on a baking sheet and sprinkle generously with salt, pepper, and ground red pepper to taste.  

Once your pasta water is boiling, add the dry noodles and cook until tender.  Place the baking sheet with the raw shrimp and tomatoes in the oven.  Bake for 10 minutes.  

While the pasta boils and the shrimp and tomatoes roast, add your diced onion, chopped red pepper, and 1 tablespoon olive oil to a medium skillet or saute pan.  Cook over medium heat until softened.  

Drain your pasta when it is done.  Place the noodles back into the empty pot.  Add the sauteed onions and bell pepper.  Add the shrimp and tomatoes when they are done.  Pour in the cilantro pesto  and queso and stir everything well to coat and combine.

This pasta dish was light and bright and perfect for a summer evening.  Although I was leery of using so much cilantro, it turned out to be verdant and flavorful without being overpowering and was a nice variation to the classic basil pesto.  Try this version for a healthy and inexpensive meal with a kick.  Enjoy…

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Suffering Succotash!

May 27, 2009

I’ve recently been trying to clear my refrigerator of its leftovers (we had potluck party last week), but last night it was time for something new.  I bought some fresh halibut steaks and I knew I didn’t want to smother then in a heavy sauce or conceal their delicate flavor with anything too overpowering.  Instead I lightly seasoned the fish and placed it on top of a plate full of sauteed fresh vegetables for a healthy and quick summer meal.

Halibut Steaks with Herbed Sweet Corn and Lima Bean Succotash

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I got just over 1 pound of halibut, which made two HUGE steaks for my husband and me.  Honestly, this was probably enough to feed more like four people.  I used a medley of whatever vegetables I had at home, but feel free to change this recipe according to your own tastes.

For the succotash:

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 large onion, chopped
  • 3 fresh cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen chopped okra
  • 3 tomatoes, seeds removed and chopped (I used 2 vine-ripened tomatoes and 1 Roma tomato)
  • 2 ears fresh corn, kernels cut off the cob (probably equal to 1 can, drained)
  • 1 15 ounce can lima beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat leaf Italian parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Cayenne or ground red pepper to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

In a large saute pan or skillet, cook the onion and olive oil over medium heat until the onions begin to soften.  Add the garlic and okra and cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the garlic from burning.  Add the chopped tomato and corn kernels and cook for a few minutes more.  Turn the heat to low and stir in the lima beans, basil, parsley, salt, red pepper, and black pepper.  Keep over low heat until ready to serve.

For the halibut:

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 – 1 1/4 pounds fresh halibut steaks
  • Salt and pepper for seasoning
  • Lemon wedges for garnish

Heat the olive oil over medium high heat in a medium skillet.  While the oil heats, pat your halibut steaks dry with a paper towel and season them generously with salt and pepper.  Once the oil runs thin, place the fish in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes.  Flip once and cook on the second side for about another 3 minutes, being careful not to overcook the fish.  Serve immediately on top of the succotash with lemon wedges to be squeezed over the fish.

The two main components to this meal really went well together as one dish.  The fresh basil and parsley, along with the the acidic juice from the lemon, really brightened the simply seasoned halibut and the basic veggie saute.  All together, this was quick to put together and was a healthy end to a summer day.  Enjoy…

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My Salad Days

May 15, 2009

With the record high temperatures that we’ve been having in south Texas (over 100 degree heat index!), it only makes sense that I’ve been craving light foods.  Recently I’ve been making meals that require minimal stove time and that won’t deter me from throwing that bathing suit on and heading to the pool to cool off.  Yesterday I made a quick lunch salad that kept me satisfied without feeling overly full.

Toasted Couscous Salad With Chick Peas, Roasted Vegetables, and Goat Cheese

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Goat cheese isn’t always my number one choice for cheese, but I really enjoyed it in this dish (you could use crumbled feta as a substitute if you prefer).  This was the first time that I toasted couscous before cooking it, and I think it added a depth of flavor that is often missing with plain couscous.  This recipe made enough as a side dish for about seven or eight people.

  • 1 cup dry couscous (I used whole wheat couscous)
  • 1 1/4 cup chicken broth (I used low sodium)
  • Half a bunch of asparagus (I used 13 spears)
  • 1 small zucchini
  • 1 small yellow squash
  • 1/4-1/2 red onion (my onion was enormous, so I used 1/4), cut in half and then sliced thinly
  • 1 cup halved grape tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon plus 1/4 teaspoon salt, divided
  • 1 15 ounce can chick peas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed
  • Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
  • Garlic powder to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • About 3 tablespoons goat cheese, crumbled, or more to taste
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat leaf Italian parsley
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parmesan cheese (optional)

Preheat your oven to 4o0 degrees.  Put the uncooked couscous in a dry skillet over medium-low heat and toast until it is a golden brown color and has a nutty aroma, stirring or flipping the pan often to prevent any burning.  Turn off the heat and set aside.

Snap the ends off each asparagus spear (they will snap naturally at the point where the spear becomes tough) and discard the ends.  Cut the spears into about fourths, creating 1-inch pieces.  Trim the ends off of the zucchini and yellow squash and slice them both thinly.  Cut the slices into quarters.  

Place the asparagus, zucchini and yellow squash, sliced red onion, and grape tomato halves onto a large baking sheet.  Drizzle it with olive oil, season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and black pepper to taste, and stir to coat evenly.  Shake the pan to create an even layer of veggies and bake for 10 minutes.  

Pour your chicken broth into a medium sauce pan and bring to a boil.  Pour the toasted couscous into the broth, stir, turn the heat off, and cover for at least 5 minutes or until the couscous has absorbed all of the liquid.  

When the vegetables are done, stir them into the cooked couscous.  Season with the second 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and garlic powder and more black pepper to taste.  Add the lemon juice, goat cheese, parsley, and parmesan cheese and stir to combine evenly.  Refrigerate until ready to eat.

This salad could be eaten cold, at room temperature, or even warmed slightly.  The fluffy couscous, earthy vegetables, creamy cheese, and bright citrus and herbs make for a great summer dish that you won’t feel guilty about eating before you hit the beach or pool.  Enjoy…

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The Leek

May 13, 2009

My husband came home last night with fresh shark steaks ready for grilling.  Since he was in charge of the seafood, I went to work creating a side for our meal.  I knew he was using a light citrus marinade, so I didn’t want anything too heavy to overpower the light fish.  In the end, the dish I made would work as a side to just about anything, but was particularly good with fresh seafood.

Parmesan Orzo with Roasted Leeks and Asparagus

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Orzo is a rice-shaped pasta that makes for a great hot or cold salad and is quick-cooking.  I added vegetables that are light and spring-like with bright fresh flavors.  The recipe below makes enough for a side dish for 4 people.

  • 3/4 cup dry orzo
  • 1 leek, rinsed
  • 10 asparagus spears
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Dash or two ground red or cayenne pepper, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat leaf Italian parsley

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.  Add the orzo to a medium pot of boiling water and cook until tender.  Meanwhile, trim the ends off of the leek, cut it in half lengthwise, then slice each half into about 1/4 inch-wide pieces.  Snap the ends off of each asparagus spear (they will snap at point where they naturally become tough), and cut the spears into about 1-inch pieces.  

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Place the leeks and asparagus onto a baking sheet, drizzle with the olive oil, and season with the salt, garlic powder, black and red pepper. Stir everything to coat then shake the pan to create one even layer.  Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the veggies are tender but not burned or mushy (stirring once after about 5 minutes).  

Drain the orzo when it is done and return it to the pot.  Stir in the parmesan cheese, roasted veggies, and fresh parsley.  Serve immediately.  

This was an impromptu dish that came together very quickly and easily.  The warm parmesan-coated orzo tossed with the mild onion flavor from the leeks and the tender asparagus was just the right dish to complement our fresh lemon-garlic fish steaks.  Enjoy…

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Plan On Plantains

May 9, 2009

Plantains are one of those foods that I usually walk right past in the grocery store.  I’ve noticed that they are a staple in the produce section here in south Texas but I never paid them much attention, since I didn’t know quite what to do with them.  Last week I finally became too curious to ignore them any longer so I brought a couple home to test out.

Mashed Plantains

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After a bit of research and brainstorming I finally decided on using these starchy banana-look-alikes similarly to how I would use a sweet potato: mashed and infused with both sweet and savory herbs and spices.  This recipe makes enough for a side dish for four.

  • 2 medium-ripe plantians (yellow with some black)
  • About 3 cups chicken broth (I used low sodium broth)
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 4 allspice berries (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon butter (I used Smart Balance Light)
  • 1/4 teaspoons ground mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (or less if using full-sodium broth)
  • Dash garlic powder
  • 1 green onion, green part only, finely chopped 

Trim the ends off of each plantain and discard them.  Cut each plantain into even thirds, making 6 pieces about 2-inches long each.  Score the peel on two sides of each piece of plantain, and place them in a medium saucepan with the 3 cups of chicken broth (the broth should just about cover the plantain pieces).  Add the cinnamon stick and allspice berries and bring the liquid to a simmer over medium heat.  Cook at a simmer or light boil for about 15 minutes, or until the plantains are completely tender.

Remove the plantain pieces from the pot, reserving the liquid.  Once the plantains are cool enough for you to touch, remove and discard the peels from each piece.  Place the peeled plantains in a medium mixing bowl and mash with a fork until smooth.  Stir in the butter, ground mustard, salt, garlic powder, and green onions.  

Add about 1/2 cup of the reserved chicken broth (being careful to not pour in the cinnamon stick or allspice berries), or enough to bring the mashed plantains to your desired consistency.  If you need to reheat the plantains at all, add a touch more liquid to prevent them from drying out.

My husband ate these like any other mashed potato, and he even went back for seconds.  This dish puts a summery, slightly tropical twist on the usual potato and take much less time to cook.  The result is mostly savory with just a hint from the cinnamon and allspice and a touch of the natural sweetness of the plantain.  Try this with my Margarita Chicken for a light mid-summer meal.  Enjoy…