The platter in the back is jerk chicken.

I tried George “Lenky” Beckford’s Sweet Mango Cafe jerk chicken at the Travel & Adventure Show and it was spicy, flavorful and delicious. Lenky participated in the “Fiery Food Challenge” vs. other chefs. Below is the recipe for Sweet Mango Cafe’s jerk seasoning.

-JAY

Ingredients:

1 cup diced onion
3 green onions (scallions), green and white parts, chopped
1/2 cup minced garlic
2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves or 2 tsp. dried
1-2 tablespoons coarsely chopped ginger root (peeled by scraping)
2-4 Scotch bonnet peppers (Caution, these are super-hot, little babies)
1/4 cup pimento berries (2 tablespoons ground allspice)
1.5 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. freshly ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 cup lime juice
4 bay leaves – crushed
Pinch of cane sugar

Directions:

If using whole, roast the pimento berries in a dry skillet until they are fragrant, about 2 minutes. remove and crush them to a powder in a mortar and pestle or spice mill. Place all the ingredients in a blender or food processor and puree to make a pulpy paste or thick sauce. There will be about a cup or more.

Store in the refrigerator; it will keep for a month or more. Always check before using.

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