Dry rub for bbq meats

Now that bbq season has arrived, thankfully, everyone should have a container of all-purpose spice rub on hand for bbq meats.  I use this on chicken, pork and ribs.  It can be used dry or feel free to mix in a bit of olive oil to make a spice paste to rub on a beer can chicken or pieces of chicken.  Either way, it’s nice to have your own unique spice rub to use throughout the summer.  I love the idea of dry-roasting whole spices then grinding them up in my coffee grinder.  You can use pre-ground spices for this recipe as well (use same amount as whole), but if you have the chance, try dry-roasting some of your spices in a regular pan and grind them.  You’ll be surprised at the roasty, robust flavour that results.

As usual, you can and should customize this spice mixture as you see fit. Continue reading →

Mango Chutney - an excellent condiment for curry, pork, turkey

If you’re going to be making curry regularly,  and you really should be….you should also have a quick recipe for homemade mango chutney. Mango chutney, well, kicks your curry up to the next level. The curry is awesome on it’s own, but the chutney just adds one more tangy/sweet element to your dish.  It also goes well with roast pork, turkey or as a condiment on a turkey burger.  You many not want to be making this every time you make curry – I’m more than happy to use mango chutney from a jar, but if you’re making dinner for company, it’ll be one more thing for them to ‘ooooh’ over. This recipe is easy and quick.

Mango Chutney

Makes about 1.5 cups

1 large ripe mango, peeled and diced (or 1.5 cups frozen diced)

1/4 cup onion, finely diced

1/2 cup brown sugar

pinch of salt

2 Tbsp white vinegar

1 Tbsp fresh ginger, grated

1/2 tsp ground ginger

1/4 tsp ground turmeric

1/4 tsp ground cloves

Directions:

Prepare mango and dice into small cubes. Place the mango and all ingredients in a microwave safe dish. Stir, uncovered for 4-7 minutes.

Cool, cover and refrigerate. Will keep for one week in fridge.

*Alternatively, it can be cooked on the stovetop, in a medium sauce.an, over med-low heat, for 20 minutes, stirring frequently.

Slice small dice pattern on both halves of mango

Slice off cubes. You can use frozen cubed as well. (works just as well)

These types of graters are best for grating ginger

Cook in pot on stovetop, or in microwave in microwavable dish

Tastes fabulous on a curry (but also on roast pork, turkey, turkey burgers)

Keeps well in fridge, covered for about a week. Enjoy.