Sundays with the Jenns

A few friends and I have started to pick specific cuisines every week. We think of a few foods that are prevalent within that culture and we make them. This week was Jamaican week. We just made some fairly simple things that remind us of Jamaica.

~Jerk chicken thighs- they were marinated in lemon juice, sherry, white wine vinegar, olive oil, and jerk spices. Then, we pan fried them in the juices they were marinated in until just fully cooked. The result was a delectably moist chicken with some some good flavor.

~Potatoes that were cut in a large dice and covered in olive oil and jerk spices. They were then broiled in the oven until soft

~ Fried Plantains- cut up and fried in the deep fryer and then sprinkled with salt. Simple and delicious

~ Bread that was supposed to be like the Jamaican bread that is eaten with jerk. I couldn't find a recipe for that and so I decided to make up may own. The result was so yummy!

1 can coconut milk (heated to about 100 degrees F)
1 package active dry yeast
1 T sugar
Combine these ingredients and let sit for about 10 minutes until frothy.

3 1/2- 4 C flour
1/4 C olive oil, plus more for greasing
1/4 C sugar
1 t salt
Add flour about1/4 cup at a time. Halfway through the addition of the flour add the other ingredients. Mix well. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes. Turn into a large greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Place in a warm place to rise, about 2 hours or until doubled in size. Punch the dough down and put in a greased baking stone or pan. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1/2 hour.

1 large clove garlic, minced
1/2 C olive oil
Put in a small saucepan and heat over low-medium heat until garlic just starts to sizzle.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Brush the garlic infused olive oil over the top and put in the oven. Let bake for about 25 minutes or until golden brown.



This dough was very surprising and elastic looking. The end result was a fairly dense bread with an almost sweet finish. The coconut milk added a smooth tone that almost tasted creamy. Very easy and delicious!