Recipezaar: Asian,Central American recipes

Tzatziki

Wed, 08 Aug 2001 18:32:52 -0400

-- posted by GothicGranola

Souvlaki

Wed, 08 Aug 2001 18:32:55 -0400

-- posted by Queen Dragon Mom

Fassolia Gigantes Plaki (Giant Beans Baked in the Oven)

Wed, 08 Aug 2001 18:33:15 -0400

-- posted by *Pixie*

Kalamarakia Tiganita (Fried Squid)

Wed, 08 Aug 2001 18:33:29 -0400

-- posted by Liara

Greek Salad

Wed, 08 Aug 2001 18:33:40 -0400

A refreshing cool salad! -- posted by Julesong

Chicken with Lemon

Wed, 08 Aug 2001 18:33:58 -0400

-- posted by V'nut-Beyond Redemption

Saganaki - (Fried Cheese With Egg)

Wed, 08 Aug 2001 18:34:04 -0400

This recipe was adopted during the Great Adoption Feb 2005. It was picked by the Greek Cooking forum as a recipe to try out. Below you will find their comments. Thank you, ladies! -- posted by V'nut-Beyond Redemption

Avgolemono Soup (Chicken Soup)

Sat, 11 Aug 2001 13:42:07 -0400

-- posted by Queen Dragon Mom

Kremithosoupa (Onion Soup)

Sun, 12 Aug 2001 09:25:55 -0400

-- posted by Nat Da Brat

Fasolatha (Greek Bean Soup)

Sun, 12 Aug 2001 09:25:57 -0400

The Fasolatha (bean soup) Festival, originated in Florina, Macedonia, Greece, and is now a major cultural event in many Greek communities across the world. In the Northern hemisphere, the religious festival is traditionally observed near the start of winter - on St. Nicholas Day (during his lifetime he was known for giving sustenance to the poor). Food is a major part of the festival. Apart from Fasolatha (bean soup), Olives, Renga (smoked herring) freshly baked Florinian Bread (Pogatsa) Gyros, Souvlaki, Kebabs, and Loukoumathes (honey cinnamon - soaked donuts) are also served. Fasolatha is one of the heartiest dishes on the Greek vegetarian table, and a Lenten mainstay. -- posted by Molly53

Avgolemono Sauce

Sun, 12 Aug 2001 09:26:01 -0400

Adopted! Goes with the already posted "Avgolemono Soup (Chicken Soup)" recipe. As Cookgirl says, an onion? I don't know what the intent of the original poster was, but I don't use any onion. Thanks, CG, for bringing it to my attention! -- posted by Queen Dragon Mom

Loutzoukaxia (Different Lentil Recipe)

Sun, 12 Aug 2001 09:26:05 -0400

-- posted by Queen Dragon Mom

Soupa Nisiotiki (Island Soup)

Sun, 12 Aug 2001 09:26:15 -0400

-- posted by Queen Dragon Mom

Hummus

Sun, 12 Aug 2001 11:27:17 -0400

-- posted by ~Lainie~

Pita Bread

Sun, 12 Aug 2001 17:46:46 -0400

Note: This is one of the recipes I adopted in the Great 'Zaar Ophan Adoption of 2005. I hope you enjoy it. -- posted by UnknownChef86

Marinated Octopus

Sun, 12 Aug 2001 17:46:48 -0400

This is an adopted recipe and should be made with larger, older, not itty bitty baby octopus. The flavour of vinegar and lemon here are strong and not to everyone's taste. If you are fond of tako sashimi, this is not for you. But if Mediterranean fish salads are your thing, this is authentic. -- posted by rangapeach

Dolmathes (Stuffed grape leaves)

Sun, 12 Aug 2001 17:46:51 -0400

-- posted by Queen Dragon Mom

Bifteki

Sun, 12 Aug 2001 17:46:53 -0400

-- posted by Queen Dragon Mom

Giavourlakia Avgolemono (Lamb and Rice Meatballs)

Sat, 18 Aug 2001 10:28:53 -0400

-- posted by truebrit

Moustalevria (Grape Wine Pudding)

Sat, 18 Aug 2001 10:28:59 -0400

This is not my recipe - I just changed the words 'wine sludge' to the more appetizing (and correct) 'wine must'. But it tells me this recipe needs a description for it to take the correction, so this is it. - evelyn/athens -- posted by MirandaLee

Loukoumades (dumplings)

Sat, 18 Aug 2001 10:29:06 -0400

-- posted by glitter

Lamb Exohiko

Sat, 18 Aug 2001 10:29:11 -0400

Greek lamb, rolled and roasted "country" style. This is an adopted recipe but I am unsure of the original chef. I have not yet tried this particular version but will do so soon and update with more information. -- posted by winkki

Theepless (Almost Funnel Cake)

Sat, 18 Aug 2001 10:29:19 -0400

-- posted by MirandaLee

Choban Salatasi (Turkish "Shepherd's" Salad)

Sat, 18 Aug 2001 10:29:25 -0400

-- posted by BonnieZ

Chicken Okra

Sat, 18 Aug 2001 10:29:31 -0400

-- posted by Liara

Salata Marouli (Romaine Lettuce Salad)

Sat, 18 Aug 2001 10:29:34 -0400

-- posted by Jellyqueen

Greek Chicken

Sat, 18 Aug 2001 10:29:51 -0400

Adopted recipe! I'll add a better note when I've had a chance to make this recipe. -- posted by Barefoot Beachcomber

Briam New and Improved ! ! Melt in Your Mouth Good!

Sat, 18 Aug 2001 10:29:53 -0400

As of march 21,2005 I adopted this recipe and did some tweeking.I hope you give it a try. The 2 reviews are before the tweeking. Briam is a summer favorite Greek vegetable casserole which is served as a main course dish when lighter, cooked food is desired. Briam is often varied by the addition artichoke hearts, in fact any vegetables you have on hand will likely go well in briam. UMMM I think I'd even like some olives and or capers in it. -- posted by ~Rita~

Patzaria Salata (Beet Salad)

Sat, 18 Aug 2001 10:29:55 -0400

-- posted by glitter

Melomakarona

Sat, 18 Aug 2001 10:29:58 -0400

Melomakarona are made by all Greek families in the week preceding Christmas. -- posted by V'nut-Beyond Redemption

Halva

Sat, 18 Aug 2001 10:30:02 -0400

-- posted by truebrit

Pilafi (Greek Style Rice)

Sat, 18 Aug 2001 10:30:18 -0400

Easy side dish. -- posted by Queen Dragon Mom

Chicken Manestra (Orzo)

Sat, 18 Aug 2001 10:30:48 -0400

-- posted by MirandaLee

Lamb Fricassee

Sat, 18 Aug 2001 10:31:00 -0400

This is an adopted recipe. I tried it out with my family and they love it! It was much simpler to make than I thought it would be with a lamb recipe. Fricassee is pronounced free-cah-seh and it means a stew made with spinach, lemon, eggs and oil. This is a Greek dish. -- posted by V'nut-Beyond Redemption

Greek Hamburgers

Thu, 23 Aug 2001 14:21:13 -0400

This recipe is one that I have adopted. The review from SusieD stated the wine was a bit over powering so I substituted beef broth. This worked out nicely also. -- posted by Lauralie41

Syrup for Finikia

Thu, 23 Aug 2001 14:21:22 -0400

-- posted by truebrit

Greek Lentil Soup

Thu, 23 Aug 2001 14:21:24 -0400

This is a simple soup, delicious and bursting with nutrition. It can be made a day or two in advance, leaving out the pasta and Swiss chard. Just before re-heating the soup, add them in, so they retain their bite and colour. -- posted by Jenny Sanders

KOTOPITS (Chicken in Phyllo)

Thu, 23 Aug 2001 14:21:26 -0400

-- posted by Queen Dragon Mom

Fenikia

Thu, 23 Aug 2001 14:21:28 -0400

. -- posted by truebrit

Greek Homestyle Chicken

Thu, 23 Aug 2001 14:21:30 -0400

This is one of my adopted recipes. I have made this for the second time today, 24th September 2005. I used 2 large thick chicken breasts which I sliced through horizontally to make them thinner. The potatoes I cut into thin wedges. I found the secret to this dish is to use a shallow baking dish (mine was about 1/2" deep). The first time I made this I used a dish which was too deep!!! In the original recipe it said to use 1/2 cup olive oil......I have changed this to 1/4 cup and feel this is better. The original recipe also said to serve with crusty bread or pita bread, however I served with steamed broccoli and carrots with a cheese sauce. Thanks to the original poster for sharing this recipe. -- posted by Jen T

Greek Burgers

Thu, 23 Aug 2001 14:21:32 -0400

-- posted by ~Bekah~

Greek Snails, Cretan Style, W/ Vinegar or Tomatoes

Thu, 23 Aug 2001 14:21:34 -0400

-- posted by Kasha

Salata me Spanakofeta (Beet and Spinach Salad)

Thu, 23 Aug 2001 14:21:53 -0400

This is an adopted recipe, and is going to require some tweaking before I'd recommend preparing it as written. I love beets and love spinach, so I'll probably be making and revising this soon! -- posted by Julesong

Souppa Avgolemono (Egg-Lemon Soup)

Thu, 23 Aug 2001 14:22:00 -0400

This tasty soup is very popular in Greece and Cyprus. I remember my father making it on chilly winter days, especially when there were colds and flu in the household! Sometimes he would add chopped, cooked chicken to the soup, and other times he would serve it plain. This is a taste of my childhood. -- posted by truebrit

Baked Apples With Honey Syrup

Thu, 23 Aug 2001 14:22:01 -0400

--Adopted Recipe-- -- posted by GrandmaIsCooking

Atzem Pilafi

Thu, 23 Aug 2001 14:22:07 -0400

-- posted by Sackville

Greek Fish

Thu, 23 Aug 2001 14:22:15 -0400

Adopted from Recipezaar, February 2005. Haven't had time to try yet. -- posted by mianbao

Greek Chicken

Thu, 23 Aug 2001 14:22:25 -0400

I adopted this recipe from Recipezaar. I hope to give it a try soon and make changes if needed. -- posted by Kim D.

Kottopoula Me Pilafi - Chicken and Rice

Thu, 23 Aug 2001 14:22:29 -0400

-- posted by truebrit

Greek Wedding Cookies

Sat, 08 Sep 2001 13:36:57 -0400

--Adopted Recipe-- Preparation time has been adjusted since first reviewed. Preparation time does not include cooling time. -- posted by GrandmaIsCooking

Soft Cafe' Cookies

Mon, 03 Dec 2001 17:11:10 -0500

These are the Best cookies you'll ever eat. They are a tradition in our family, and are made every chance we get. Very soft, chewy, and delicious. Just like the kind sold for a $1.50 at coffee shops. -- posted by pooja dagli

Sheer Korma

Tue, 11 Dec 2001 12:55:35 -0500

This special Muslim dish is traditionally served on Eid day (both Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha) to the household after they come back from Eid prayers. It is then served throughout the day to all well wishers and guests who come to celebrate Eid with you. It is served by Muslims from a variety of ethnic backgrounds, Arab, Asian, America, European, Southeast Asian, Oriental, etc.. s -- posted by Fatima Ahmed

Pecan Chicken with Banana Salsa

Thu, 07 Feb 2002 08:47:03 -0500

A sweet-hot combo that is too die for! -- posted by kyle martin

Bloodshot Eyeballs

Mon, 11 Feb 2002 09:39:07 -0500

Late one night, I found this recipe scrawled on a crumpled piece of paper that was stuck to an electrode in Bobby "Boris" Pickett's Transylvania laboratory! -- posted by Mille®

Crusty Booger Balls

Mon, 11 Feb 2002 09:39:12 -0500

Hand these out to the terrors from across the street next Halloween! -- posted by Mille®

Crab Cakes from Joe's Crab Shack

Mon, 18 Feb 2002 09:40:26 -0500

-- posted by Gingerbear

Good Dawwwwwggggg!!!

Thu, 21 Feb 2002 13:05:58 -0500

Woof!!! -- posted by Mille®

Chow Mein Hotdish

Sun, 31 Mar 2002 16:51:04 -0500

My brother and I love this hotdish. Actually, our whole family does, but we do the most! This is a filling meal that you can't get sick of! (So it is great for leftovers!) Plus, it is really easy to make, and all of the ingredients are on hand! -- posted by Bec

Blackberry Soup With Peaches

Tue, 02 Apr 2002 15:38:17 -0500

A very nice alternative to those rich desserts. This is elegant and also good for you! -- posted by MizzNezz

Tempura

Tue, 02 Apr 2002 17:39:44 -0500

This is a great party dish. Everyone can pick their favorite. Fun and delicious. Sometimes I even add fruit pieces. -- posted by MizzNezz

Peas and Zucchini

Wed, 17 Apr 2002 10:25:12 -0400

Fresh from the garden side for your most special dinners. -- posted by MizzNezz

Hamburger Skillet Supper

Thu, 18 Apr 2002 10:20:45 -0400

This is something new that our family tried that I got from a magazine. We were surprised that we would all like it so much! It doesn't take very much time at all so it is great when time is limited. -- posted by Bec

Sausage With Warm Fruit

Thu, 18 Apr 2002 19:36:52 -0400

You won't believe how good this is!! So different, so yummy. We have this for breakfast with pancakes. Or cut the sausage in half and serve as appetizers. -- posted by MizzNezz

Sweet And Sour Spareribs

Sat, 27 Apr 2002 19:15:50 -0400

We really enjoy the superb combination of flavors in these ribs. Cut in single rib size, they make great appetizers. -- posted by MizzNezz

Mandarin Almond Salad

Sun, 28 Apr 2002 18:31:25 -0400

A very different salad that will have them asking for more! -- posted by MizzNezz

Curried Shrimp

Tue, 30 Apr 2002 21:37:43 -0400

This works just as well over rice. -- posted by MizzNezz

Teriyaki Beef Kabobs

Sat, 04 May 2002 14:32:51 -0400

Perfect summer backyard supper. Fun and delicious. Needs to marinate at least 4 hours. -- posted by MizzNezz

Spicy Wings

Mon, 06 May 2002 16:35:10 -0400

You'll need to have extra napkins on hand for these. Serve as a main dish, or as an appetizer. -- posted by MizzNezz

Gingered Cinnamon Coffee

Tue, 07 May 2002 19:03:08 -0400

Make your own flavored coffee! So good! -- posted by MizzNezz

Cashew Shrimp

Tue, 07 May 2002 19:22:44 -0400

This is a lovely, tasty shrimp. I serve it with a side of rice and a green vegetable. -- posted by MizzNezz

Poppy Seed Dressing

Wed, 08 May 2002 16:10:51 -0400

This is a wonderful dressing, good on all your fruit salads, and also excellent for a spinach salad. -- posted by MizzNezz

Barbecue Shrimp With Salsa

Thu, 20 Jun 2002 21:46:47 -0400

Packed with fresh flavours. This recipe is low fat and bursting with goodness! -- posted by dale!

Zippy Ham Balls

Thu, 20 Jun 2002 22:11:50 -0400

This is so good over rice. Make them smaller for great appetizers. Wonderful way to use leftover ham. -- posted by MizzNezz

Asian Style Coconut Ribs

Sun, 07 Jul 2002 19:11:32 -0400

A nice change of pace from barbecued ribs. This recipe can easily be doubled... -- posted by DiB's

Splendid Chicken and Corn

Wed, 29 Jan 2003 20:12:52 -0500

I tried a recipe very similar to this and loved it, but when I made it I had to omit some things. Since it turned out great, I decided to post it! You can use other peppers/spices to change the flavor too! Enjoy! -- posted by Bec

Very Berry Pineapple Poppy Salad

Wed, 09 Apr 2003 20:08:37 -0400

Non-fat, Low cal fruit salad with a zing, great for after dinner or as a snack. -- posted by Tyler Clarke

Mango-Avocado Salsa

Tue, 24 Jun 2003 20:01:02 -0400

This is an easy tropical dish that is full of flavor! I like to serve it with chips, or as a side dish. It would be easy to try slightly different versions by adding lime juice, ginger, pineapple, or jalapenos, depending on your personal taste. If you have any other suggestions, I would love to hear them! Thanks! -- posted by Calla Lily

Peanut Sauce

Fri, 25 Jul 2003 20:05:57 -0400

This is wonderful with Sate' or other marinated, grilled meats. It's a recipe I got when living on the southern Caribbean island of Bonaire. My family loves it over rice and with the Sate' skewers. -- posted by SilentCricket

Sate'

Sat, 26 Jul 2003 20:08:27 -0400

This is an Indonesian dish that I actually had in the Caribbean. It's marinated meat on skewers and is delicious cooked on the grill! I always serve it with peanut sauce and rice...It's a family favorite! For a taste of the islands...give it a try! (Prep time includes marinating time for several hours or overnight) -- posted by SilentCricket

Anise Tea (Shai Ma Yansoon)

Tue, 13 Apr 2004 19:59:55 -0400

This tea is commonly used in Mid East and Puerto Rico, especially for upset tummies, and it is commonly given to colicky babies. If you like anise try this tea and you will be pleased that it makes a nice light tea. -- posted by chef FIFI

Deep Fried Aloo Parathas (caribbean Potato Pie)

Mon, 18 Apr 2005 10:14:30 -0400

Based on a recipe from Trinidad. Best served with tamarind chutney. -- posted by littleturtle

Lemon Grilled Fish in Banana Leaves

Sun, 08 May 2005 16:30:53 -0400

Adapted from the Queer Eye TV show; stored here for me to try later. You can substitute scallions for the onion if you prefer. -- posted by echo echo

Shrimp Escabeche With Ginger-Grilled Pineapple

Fri, 11 Nov 2005 17:04:09 -0500

Traditionally escabeche is made by pickling fried fish. Susser's quick version features sautéed shrimp in a cilantro marinade with tangy grilled pineapple. Liberal use of local citrus and tropical fruits and juices makes it easy for Allen Susser to add bright flavor to both savory and sweet dishes without using lots of fat. His philosophy at Chef Allen's in Miami is simple: don't try to cut out oil and rich foods altogether; just use small amounts and make sure they're top quality. This low calorie (161 a serving) - low fat (4.6 gm) recipe was created by Allen Susser, the famed Caribbean-Latin-Euro fusionist of Miami's Chef Allen's. WINE: WINE Because ginger, lemons and spices can overwhelm dry, subtle wines, look for a simpler aromatic white, such as a West Coast Riesling. The 1994 Hogue Cellars Dry Johannisberg Riesling or the 1993 Trefethen White Riesling are acidic enough to stand up to the tartness and fruity enough to magnify the flavors of the shrimp and the snapper. 30 minutes to marinate. -- posted by NcMysteryShopper

Light Coconut Rice

Mon, 23 Jan 2006 21:15:03 -0500

I had coconut rice at The Rum Jungle in Las Vegas a few years ago and I've been trying to duplicate it ever since. I still haven't gotten it quite like theirs, but I've made it enough times to figure out what works best. Most recipes use coconut milk, but I felt like it made the rice too sticky and heavy, so I use coconut water. You can usually find this with other exotic fruit juices such as guava and mango and it comes in a can with a pop top like soda. It also usually contains pulp (or "jelly"); this adds a nice flavor. -- posted by Ally928

Caribbean Meatballs

Thu, 23 Feb 2006 13:17:02 -0500

This is a recipe I have had for years but never got around to making. I'm putting it here for safe keeping. UPDATE: May '06-Finally made these using ground chicken. The sauce truly is fabulous! -- posted by Happy Harry #2

Caribbean Tempura

Fri, 24 Mar 2006 15:54:13 -0500

I was inspired to create a flavor fusion of Japanese tempura with delectable Caribbean ingredients. My picky nine-year-old ate onions and red peppers without even knowing it and loved this! -- posted by Cookworm

Caribbean Pork Chops With Banana and Coconut Milk

Thu, 13 Jul 2006 14:50:41 -0400

From Favorite Brand Name Recipes Cookbook. Just reading this is making me hungry! Nice to serve on top of a bed of rice or shredded lettuce. -- posted by Oolala

Dessert Mango Smoothie

Thu, 02 Nov 2006 16:29:43 -0500

Easy and so good, you can have it for dessert! Originally supposed to have come from Martha Stewart, but posted on the internet to go with Vietnam cuisine! This also fits in the Caribbean and Southern catagories! -- posted by Sharon123

Picadillo De Carne (Filipino Beef Soup)

Sun, 18 Mar 2007 23:16:15 -0400

Ground beef soup with tomatoes and potatoes. Doubles easily for a crowd. Serve with rice or bread. -- posted by littleturtle

Mango Brulee

Tue, 24 Apr 2007 16:17:32 -0400

Eating Well newsletter, April 2007. A nice finish to a summer meal or a delicious breakfast! You can use pineapples, grapefruit, papaya, or even melon slices. -- posted by Manami

Easy Chai Creme Caramel (Aka Chai Flan De Leche)

Mon, 28 May 2007 22:09:14 -0400

This is a fast and easy dessert to finish off a spicy meal or add an exotic twist on a classic dessert. It's made from a mix, but no one will ever know! I use Dr. Oetker brand dessert mix, but any brand will do, so long as the box yields 3-4 individual servings. When I have dinenr guests, I like to make this ahead of time so I I can enjoy dinner without having to run back to the kitchen to prepare dessert. Use whole spices so you can skim the spices out of the custard and keep the smooth creamy texture and color of the individual flans. Follow the directions for whatever kind of mix you use, and just be sure to add the spices to the milk as soon as possible to get maximum flavor infused into the custard mix. -- posted by BlueDiva

Jamaican Pineapple Punch

Sat, 07 Jul 2007 00:34:34 -0400

This is a very economical recipe as it is mainly made from fruit peel which is usually thrown away. I thought it interesting as I hate wasting anything. Found in an old English Beverages Book, this can be served hot or cold. -- posted by **Mandy**

West Indian Curry Chicken

Mon, 03 Sep 2007 21:08:49 -0400

I took a great cooking class at a Whole Foods store. This is one of the great recipes I got that night. Enjoy! -- posted by Jess N

Banana Egg Rolls With Custard Sauce

Sun, 25 Nov 2007 01:25:17 -0500

Oh my goodness, this gets me hankerin' for some sweet dessert! You can add chocolate(I personally like dark chocolate) or/and crystallized ginger, both sound amazing! I have not made this yet, putting it here for safekeeping. Adapted from Friedas. -- posted by Sharon123

Special Leche Flan

Mon, 31 Dec 2007 15:34:52 -0500

Leche flan, though only has a few ingredients, requires quite a few tricks to be good leche flan. Straining the egg mixture with cheesecloth is an important step. This process removes the foams that may create bubbles when flan is cooked. Soft cotton cloth will work just as well. Lineras can be bought in any Asian supermarket. If unavailable a cake pan or any small-sized aluminum pans will do. -- posted by www.thecookmobile.com

Green Tea Mojito

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 19:05:27 -0400

We've all heard of the health benefits of green tea these day, haven't we? Yes we have...thus I will dare to rationalize my little cocktail as being healthy in my mind! LOL. The flavor of the green tea is apt to get lost with the strong flavors of the rum and lime so resist the urge to add more of these ingredients. I recommend Tazo Zen Green tea blend as I think it has enough umph to stand on its own here. Original idea came from the Mellow Monk. Adapted to suit my tastes. -- posted by Kitchen Witch Steph

Grilled Tuna With Chipotle Ponzu and Avocado Salsa

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 18:27:10 -0400

My daughter made this last night and had a taste and was pleasantly surprised! This is a great example of how bold Asian and Latin flavors can work well together. The orange and lime juice are in place of the rice vinegar = the acidic ingredient used in a Japanese ponzu dipping sauce. The hot, smoky chipotle chiles give it that extra kick! The avocado salsa gives it that cooling feeling. Cooking Light Magazine, November 2005. You can also use the ponzu with chicken! -- posted by Manami

Magnificent Mango Mousse

Sun, 10 May 2009 19:16:27 -0400

This ultra-light, fluffy and refreshing recipe for Mango Mousse is sure to enliven your palette, while invigorating your senses. It's the perfect treat for a hot summer day. -- posted by G.A.B.

Quick 'n Easy Beef Gyros

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 11:22:27 -0400

.. -- posted by Chef #1298498

Shrimp Bites Wrapped in Greens

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 11:07:02 -0400

Isabel Cruz's Spicy "Shoestring" Party Menu for a Sultry Late-Summer Night - CBS Morning Show, 09/01/2007. The San Diego-based chef likes to marry the tastes of Latin American cooking she grew up with to the Pacific Rim tastes she's come to know as a Californian. But most of all, Cruz likes to keep her cooking clean, fresh, flavorful and healthy - she likes to go for flavors that pop and offer contrast to one another. She has 5 restaurants on the West Coast, from Portland, Ore. down to San Diego, Ca:). She has also published a cookbook "Isabel's Cantina."Growing-up, Isabel's friends were Puerto Rican, Cuban, Peruvian, and she also spent time with her Asian friends learning Japanese, Chinese and Korean cuisine. Thus, was born her fusion of different flavors. "This is a Thai appetizer of shrimp wrapped with coconut, peanuts, and chiles in a leaf. She likes to use raw collard greens as wrappers for these spicy little snacks, which she drizzles with a little guava sauce to complete the hot-sweet Thai flavors while also bringing these bites further into the Latin realm. Prepare these ingredients in advance, and then assemble these at the last minute." She was given a $60 budget to create a dinner menu for 6 people - thus: Chef on a Shoesting. -- posted by Manami