I’ll have to admit, when I first received the Morgan Freeman and Friends |Caribbean Cooking for a Cause cookbook, I was disappointed. I had seen him on one of the morning shows, promoting the book, and I had expected the book to be packed with recipes from islanders themselves. When I got the book, it was more about fancy hotels’ restaurants, and less about the simple island cooking, so it sat on my bookshelf for quite a while.

After a while, I started trying some of the recipes, though. First, a simple recipe, more like what I thought the book should be featuring, Pasta, Smoked Fish, and Cream. Then I ventured out a bit more and tried the Ital Soup. Then I decided to go the uber-fancy route, and make Chicken and Shrimp in a Pineapple Pontoon (a huge hit with my hubby, with an inspiring combination of flavors – orange and star anise… mmmm!). (more…)

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Cookbook Review by Courtney

Looking for something to cook on the grill this weekend? This recipe from La Cucina Italiana for Shrimp and Proscuitto spiedini is quick, easy, and very tasty. And it looks pretty impressive too! I would suggest spritzing a little olive oil on these before putting them on the grill.

I served this recipe with grilled tomatoes and onions and a garlic-studded loaf of bread. (more…)

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Cooking outdoors, Dinner, Lunch by Courtney