Beans and Rice

Allan was introduced to Caribbean rice and beans many years ago when a friend brought some extra into work to share. While ours in no where near as good, here is a recipe we often make and enjoy.

While it is tempting to garnish this with cheese or sour cream, it is wonderful as is. Serve next to a simple, but colorful side salad.

Our original recipe did not call for bacon, so if you prefer not to use it, just replace it with 2 Tbl of oil to saute the onions in. Both recipes are great!

Ginger Beer Concentrate

I never had ginger beer until we lived in Swaziland.  It was a great drink for hot days, but we did not make it often.  The recipe our friend gave us was very good but required the mix to ferment a few days before drinking.  We rarely planned far enough ahead, or we let it sit too long, so enjoying ginger beer was rare.

Then we discovered this recipe.  We often make extra base to freeze.  It defrosts quickly and is a nice beverage to enjoy on lazy summer days.

We prefer this with sugar, but it also tastes good with raw honey.

Another version that we enjoy is replace the water with very strong peppermint tea that has been cooled and strained.