Culinary Creations Inspired by Iconic Black Music
RECIPE:
Jambalaya Grits
INGREDIENTS
1 TBSP avocado or grapeseed oil
1 cup finely chopped yellow onions
1/2 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
1 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 cup andouille or other smoked sausage, cut and sliced crosswise
½ cup ham or pancetta, cut into small dice
1 TBSP finely minced fresh garlic
1 TBSP tomato paste
4 cups milk of choice
2 cups chicken stock
2 cups yellow corn grits
1/2 pound medium-size shrimp, peeled and deveined 1/4 cup chopped green onions or chives
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1 cup mozzarella cheese
INSTRUCTIONS
- In a large, heavy pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions, bell pepper, celery, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Remember to season in layers-even if you’re just sauteeing veggies. Cook, stirring, until the vegetables are soft and lightly golden, about 4 minutes.
- Add the sausage and ham/pancetta and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for two minutes. Add the garlic and tomato paste/puree and cook for two minutes. Add the milk and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the grits. Stir for two minutes, then add the shrimp. Cook, stirring, until the grits are tender and creamy, seven to eight minutes. Stir in the green onions, then add the cheese and stir until it is completely melted, about 30 seconds.
- Garnish, plate, and serve.
RECIPE:
Homemade Vanilla Bean Lollipops
INGREDIENTS
1 cup light corn syrup
2/3 cup granulated sugar
Flavored extracts in various flavors
Liquid food coloring optional, in various colors
INSTRUCTIONS
- Combine the corn syrup and sugar in a small stainless steel pot over medium-low heat. Stir with a rubber spatula occasionally until the sugar mixture is clear and all the sugar has been dissolved.
- Add the candy thermometer and bring to a boil over medium heat, not stirring, until it has reached 300F or hard crack stage based on the candy thermometer. If you don’t have a thermometer, this process should take 10-12 minutes over gas range.
- While candy is coming to a boil, prepare bowls based on color and flavor preferences. Place drops of extract and food coloring in bowls.
- Pour the hot sugar mixture into the bowls and stir quickly.
- Again, acting quickly, pour 1-2 Tablespoons onto a silicon mat or into lollipop molds and quickly set in a lollipop stick and/or sprinkles.
- Garnish with edible toppings, herbs, or flowers. The lollipops will setup in a matter of minutes. Enjoy!
RECIPE:
Mona Lisa Pizzas
INGREDIENTS
4 naan flatbreads
2 cups tomato or white sauce, seasoned to preference Toppings of choice-red onions or shallot, thinly sliced bell peppers, olives, lightly sautéed
2 cups fresh mozzarella cheese
Herbs of choice, to garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat oven to 400F.
- On a baking sheet, line up naan flatbreads and sauce with tomato or white sauce of choice.
- Layer with cooked veggies and season to preference on the flatbread.
- Top with fresh mozzarella and bake for 10-15 minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs.
