Barbeques In The Land of Flowers
June 9, 2008
There is nothing like the tantalizing flavor of a summer barbeque. But if you are tired of the traditional burgers and brats and want to try something new this summer, try having a tropical barbeque and create a whole new grilling experience.
If you really want to impress your summer barbeque guests, try throwing a tropical themed event! Caribbean food is an exciting blend of healthy and colorful entrees, surrounded by the beauty of the island, even if you cannot take your guests to the island – you can bring the essence of the island to your backyard.
The world of Caribbean and Island food is exciting and exotic. The inhabitants of the island learned to use everything in nature around them to create exquisite meals. Using seafood and homegrown fruits is the mainstay of the tradition. You can easily create this by incorporating the use of fresh seafood, exotic fruits and garnishes of beautiful flowers. Decide on your Island menu and get ready to have a barbeque event no one will top.
To begin, choose a fresh fish to grill, choose one that is easy to manage on the grill such as halibut or salmon. Gently brush the fish with a cooking brush, then marinate with your choice of Mediterranean sauces or spices. Some popular flavors include papaya, pineapple and ginger. You can find these marinades at a fresh market or in your grocery store.
Next, let the fish marinate for 30 minutes, and prepare the grill. Place the fish directly on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes for each inch thick of flesh. When the fish is completely cooked, take off the grill and add a little sprinkle of the seasoning used in the marinade. Serve over a bed of romaine lettuce and garnish with a few petals of tropical flowers.
If you really want to make a complete island meal, serve calabaza (sweet squash) and chutney. Have a bowl of fresh Caribbean fruit available and for beverages, buy whole coconuts, carve out the inside and fill with pina colada mix – a delicious mix to let your guests escape to the island.
To really create the environment, light some bamboo candles and decorate your deck area with beautiful flowers. Your guests will be amazed at your ability to create a beautiful Caribbean barbeque and your island backyard will be the talk of the neighborhood.





























