What’s for Dinner?

Have you had one of those work days that just went pear shaped?  Well I vividly remember the two of us who staffed the Sydney office visiting a client to finalise the presentation for the next day’s risk assessment workshop.  The client promised to email by close of business some organisational specific material he wanted included. 

At 4:15 pm the client had not sent the information so I loaded my memory stick with available data to complete the assignment at home.  Then it was off with the high heels and on with the sneakers with my inner self asking ‘What’s for Dinner?’

We have not had fish all week.  ‘Shake and Panfry’ fish fillet with my Jamaican jerk seasoning powder would be perfect as a quick meal.  In true Jamaican style I jogged to the fish shop to get the fish fillets. 

The Jamaican cuisine is a mix of influences from the people who inhabited the island, the Arawaks, Spanish, British, African, Indian and Chinese.  Bringing the flavour of Jamaica to Australia, my on line Jamaican Products store stocks spices, sauces, beverages, artwork and memorabilia.  The link gives the Jamaican Products website where you can review and purchase products.  With jerk seasoning a favourite, it is offered as a powder or paste with pimento the main ingredient.  For the paste scotch bonnet pepper is a significant ingredient. 

The smell of pimento conjures the combined flavours and aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves.  Because of its flavour and aroma you may know pimento as all spice.  It is also known as Jamaica Pepper.  Christopher Columbus, who was credited with discovering the New World – but if you ask me he was lost – on his second voyage to the area in Jamaica encountered Arawaks using pimento in cooking.  This resulted in the introduction of pimento into European and Mediterranean cuisines in the 16th century.  To protect the pimento trade initially the plant was guarded against export from Jamaica, however it is now grown commercially in many tropical areas. 

The scotch bonnet pepper, rated as one of the hottest chillies, is used in hot sauces and condiments to give that unique Caribbean flavour.  Because of this heat rating the paste is offered in mild and hot.  Some cultures can tolerate hot spices, so if you are one of these people, the hot paste is for you.  

Arriving home with the fish fillet I rushed to check my emails, but the client’s information had not arrived – another late night for me.  With the ‘Shake N Panfry’ fish fillet recipe listed on my website I was able to serve the fish, microwaved baked potatoes and a tossed salad dinner within half an hour of being in the kitchen.  The smiles and laughter around the dinner table that evening gave me the will to complete preparation for the workshop when the client’s information arrived at 8:30pm.  The workshop the next day was a success with the client awarding us another contract. 

Now when my inner voice asks ‘What’s for Dinner’ and take away is not an option, I have the ‘Shake and Panfry’ fish fillet with my Jamaican jerk seasoning powder as a choice.  It never fails to get those smiles around the dinner table. 

When you are in a similar situation of What’s for Dinner, why not experience the exotic pimento flavour and aroma.  Visit my website and buy the jerk seasoning and teat the family.  If you like hot chillies then buy the hot jerk seasoning paste and enjoy.