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Recipes
Friday, 09 July 2010 08:27

Refreshing Tropical Drinks

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Can't get away to a tropical island this summer? Why not bring the flavor of the tropics to your home with some cool tropical drinks you can make? Undoubtedly, there will be many hot summer days where you live and will long for cool tropical breezes on a beach in the Caribbean holding a cool drink in your hand. If you can't get away,.here are some suggestions that will keep you refreshed and cool on a hot summer afternoon anywhere.

Tropical drinks do not necessarily have to be alcoholic. There are many non-alcoholic beverages you can try. Though a nice margarita or strawberry daiquiri may be refreshing on a tropical day, there are alternatives to staying refreshed without the effects of alcohol.

One is a Caribbean Lemonade that consists mostly of ingredients used in lemonades you've drunk many times before. The key difference is that limes can be used as a substitute for lemon. Also, a Caribbean red syrup can be used which gives the drink a unique sweer flavor.

If you want a tropical taste without having to hassle with a recipe, you may want to drink a cool glass of mango juice which you can buy in a container. Whether you drink it your home on a hot summer day or in a tropical island, drinking mango juice is refreshing because it replenishes your body with nutrients such as vitamin A and C, and potassium. Mango juice can help restore nutrients that have been depleted due to fatigue and stress from intense heat and humidity.

You can get more information about these tropical drinks and many others by going to www.eHow.com.

Tuesday, 06 July 2010 14:26

Chicken Mango Kabobs

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Tropical Chicken KabobsIt is always fun to grill outside and tropical fruits like mango or pineapple are a welcome addition to chicken or fish.

This recipe does take some preparation but the results are totally worth it. This is a great meal to make for family or guests for your next tropical meal outside by the pool or beach.

  • 1 pound of chicken breast, cut into cubes
  • 1 mango, peeled and cut into cubes
  • 1 red onion – cut into 1 inch squares
  • 1 green pepper or red pepper – cut into cubes
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • Sea salt and pepper to taste
  • Skewers

Note: if you use wooden skewers, soak them in water first to avoid burning on the grill.

Place cubes of chicken, mango, red onion and green pepper on skewers. Brush with vegetable oil and season with sea salt and pepper. Cook on grill about 5 minutes on each side. Serve with the sauce recipe below.

Tropical LimesCombine all the ingredients listed below in a sauce pan and heat on medium heat. Serve with the kabobs for dipping.

  • ½ cup Plum sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
  • Juice of one lime
  • 1 tsp. ground ginger
  • 2 green onions – chopped

This meal goes well with whole-grains like brown rice or quinoa. Add a salad or another vegetable for a complete tropical meal your whole family will enjoy.

225 calories per kabob - 18 grams protein - 36 grams carbohydrates - 4 grams fat

Tuesday, 06 July 2010 14:20

Peanut Butter and Jelly Oatmeal

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If you are not a fan of smoothies or want to start your day with something hot in the tropics, oatmeal is a great way to get some good quality protein and fiber which will keep you full longer.

You will need:

  • 2 cups water
  • ¾ cup steel-cut oats (preferably – they are less processed)
  • 1 tsp. of Sea salt
  • 2 tablespoons chunky peanut butter
  • ¼ walnuts
  • 3 strawberries – sliced

Bring water to a boil and add oats and salt - Cook on medium heat for approximately 5-10 minutes stirring well or until they are thickened. Stir in peanut butter and walnuts and serve with strawberries on top.

200 calories - 8 grams protein - 31 grams carbohydrates - 9 grams fat (good fats from walnuts and peanut butter)

Monday, 05 July 2010 17:02

Cup-a-Cup-a-Cup-a

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Tropical Berry SmoothieStart your day with this delicious smoothie...

You can purchase organic fruit in the frozen fruit section of your favorite grocery store. Keep organic strawberries, raspberries and blueberries on hand for a quick meal any time of day. Thaw them in a large container in their own juice and store in the refrigerator. Thawed fruit makes a more flavorful smoothie to start your day.

In a blender, combine:

  • 1 cup almond milk or vanilla soy milk
  • 1 cup organic berries
  • 1 cup Greek strawberry yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon ground Chia seed or ground flaxseed (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon chunky peanut butter
  • Ice
  • ½ cup cold water

Blend well. This recipe makes 2 servings so pour the other ½ into a thermos to take with you to the beach or store in the refrigerator for an afternoon meal.

195 calories - 10 grams protein - 2 grams fat - 36 grams carbohydrates

Monday, 05 July 2010 12:07

Delicious Mango Upside-down Cake

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Mango Upside-down cakeThis is a delightful tropical treat that many tropical destinations offer on their menu. It comes from the locals although no one knows exactly who. The cake is a bit difficult to make but well worth the effort!

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 cups sliced, ripe mangoes
  • 1 tablespoon margarine
  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup oil
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 egg, well beaten
  • 1-1/4 cups flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup milk

Directions:

Sprinkle lemon juice over sliced mangoes. Melt margarine in an 8-inch cake pan. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the margarine. Place mangoes on top of brown sugar. In a mixing bowl, cream oil and sugar thoroughly. Add egg and mix again. Sift dry ingredients and add alternately with milk. Pour batter over mangoes. Bake about 1 hour in a 375 degree oven. When cake is done, remove from oven and turn it upside-down onto a platter. Serve warm with whipped cream.
This is again, a delightful desert that comes to us from the tropics. Tackle it and enjoy!

Sunday, 27 June 2010 22:25

Toasted Coconut Quinoa

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 Whole-grains should be a part of your weight loss efforts because they are full of fiber and will keep you full longer. Make a large batch of this recipe to go with a protein source like fish or chicken. Add your leafy greens or vegetables and you have a complete meal that is delicious.

  • 1 ½ cups shredded coconut, toasted
  • 1 cup cooked Quinoa – follow directions on package
  • 1 can crushed pineapple
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • Sea salt
  • Pepper to taste

PREHEAT OVEN to 375 degrees. Spread coconut out on cookie sheet and bake in the oven for approximately 5-10 minutes until golden brown and toasted. Cook quinoa according to package directions. Add crushed pineapple, oil, sea salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and sprinkle with toasted coconut to serve.

Sunday, 27 June 2010 22:21

Macadamia Nut Chicken

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Macadamia Nut Chicken

Fried chicken may not be on most healthy eating plans but this recipe is so delicious that you may want to double the recipe to make extra to have on hand for the week in the refrigerator or to take a piece with you to work for lunch. The leftovers are delicious over a bed of leafy greens and other vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal.

  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 2 tablespoons herb seasoning for chicken - split
  • 1 ½ cups coarsely ground macadamia nuts
  • Olive oil
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

PREHEAT OVEN to 375 degrees. Pour the buttermilk and one tablespoon herb seasoning into a plastic baggie. Add chicken breast and seal to marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour. (You can marinate the chicken overnight and bake the chicken the next day for even more flavorful chicken).

Coarsely grind the Macadamia nuts using a food processor and place in a bowl – add the other tablespoon of herb seasoning and mix well. Drizzle olive oil on a baking sheet and coat the marinated chicken in the nut mixture. Place them on the cookie sheet and bake for 30 minutes – turn over and bake for another 20-30 minutes depending on the thickness or until golden brown.

Enjoy with spinach or asparagus cooked with garlic and a baked sweet potato.

32 grams protein - 19 grams carbohydrates - 4 grams fat

Sunday, 27 June 2010 22:10

Pineapple Banana Tropical Smoothie

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Banana Pineapple SmoothieStart your day with this TROPICAL SMOOTHIE that is easy and fast to prepare.

In a blender, combine:

  • 1 cup vanilla soy milk or almond milk
  • ½ cup pineapple chunks
  • 1 banana
  • 1 tablespoon shredded coconut
  • 2 teaspoons Whey protein (vanilla)
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon ground flaxseed
  • 1 teaspoon orange juice concentrate
  • Ice cubes

Blend well – this recipe makes 2 servings to enjoy half in the morning and save the other half for your mid-morning meal. Pour it into a thermos and take it with you on the road for a meal in the afternoon instead of going for that cup of java.

195 calories - 11 grams protein - 39 grams carbohydrates - 2 grams fat

Sunday, 27 June 2010 12:40

Hawaiian Coleslaw

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Hawaiian ColeslawHawaii; the destination of many seeking the ultimate in tropical weather, lifestyle and beauty has given us many delicious recipes to enjoy. With the many fresh fruits and native eatable treats available we can only begin to imagine the number of tropical recipes that come from this region. This one below is a delightful appetizer that can be shared among many guests and family. Hawaii, the tropical island that we love!

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Ready in: 40 minutes

Servings: Six

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups shredded cabbage
  • 1 (11 ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained and liquid reserved
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon white pepper
  • 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, toss together the cabbage, 1 tablespoon of reserved orange juice, salt, ginger, nutmeg and pepper

2. Toss the oranges and pineapple into the mixture. Stir in mayonnaise until evenly coated. Chill well before serving.

Once chilled, remove the coleslaw from the fridge and watch as your guests enjoy the refreshing and tropical treat that is Hawaiian coleslaw. Memories and questions for the recipe will abound!

Per serving: Calories 139 - Total Fat 9.9 g - Cholesterol 7 mg

Courtesy All Recipes

Sunday, 27 June 2010 12:38

Key Lime Pie and the Tropics just go Hand in Hand

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Key Lime PieKey Lime Pie dates back to the 1800's and probably even before. It originated where key limes grow; the southern United States and the tropical havens of the world. It is a staple of the tropics and seems to always delight those who indulge in the delicious fresh key lime pie. When in the tropics don't pass it up! But now you can bring it home with this recipe.

Prep time is 20 minutes. Cook time is 15 minutes. This fabulous desert is ready in 35 minutes.

The usually serving size of a standard key lime pie is eight. So everyone can get in on the fun and enjoyment!

Ingredients:

  • 5 egg yolks, beaten
  • 1 (14 ounce) can of sweetened condensed milk
  • ½ cup of fresh key lime juice- if fresh is not available substitute a reputable key lime juice
  • 1 (9 inch) prepared graham cracker crust

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees

2. Combine the egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk and lime juice. Mix well. Pour into unbaked graham cracker shell.

3. Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes. Allow to cool. Top with whipped topping and garnish with lime slices if desired.

Per serving: Calories 324- Total Fat 13.6 g- Cholesterol 145mg

Courtesy All Recipes

Sunday, 27 June 2010 12:32

Grilled Rock Lobster Tails

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Grilled Rock Lobster Tails

This recipe comes to us courtesy of Joe Nekrasz of All Recipes. As he states, "grilled rock lobster tails lightly seasoned with lemon and garlic. Ready in no time at all and oh so delicious!"

The preparation time for this delightful tropical recipe is 15 minutes. The cook time is 12 minutes and the dinner should be ready in 27 minutes. The recipe below yields 2 servings and is a wonderful treat to have on the veranda or porch as the surf crashes on the beach below.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 (10 ounce) rock lobster tails

Directions:

1.Preheat grill for high heat

2.Squeeze lemon juice into a small bowl and slowly whisk in olive oil. Whisk in salt, paprika, white pepper and garlic powder. Split lobster tails lengthwise with a large knife and brush flesh side with marinade.

3.Lightly oil grill grate. Place tails, flesh side down on preheated grill. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning once, and basting frequently with marinade. Throw out any remaining marinade. Lobster is done when opaque and firm to the touch.

Courtesty: All Recipes

For information that we all are counting; calories 743- Total fat 60.9- Cholesterol 170 mg per lobster.

This is a tropical feast that can be enjoyed on both the beach and at home or a hotel. All you need is a grill and a beautiful setting and your meal will be a delightful memory forever!