No matter where you live, chances are that by this point in the season, you are feeling the winter blues even with recent first day of spring. If the white sands and turquoise blue waters of the Caribbean are out of reach, get creative and bring the Caribbean to you! The kitchen is the one part of the home that is bound to provide comfort and bring people together through cooking and crafting food and beverages. If you're looking to turn the heat up and add some spice to life, we have just what you're looking for! At Weddings by Funjet, our number one passion is everything weddings, but not too far behind you can find our passions for food and drink. Trying all of the fantastic foods in each destination is one of our favorite indulgences! When it comes to Jamaica, the staple of this part of the Caribbean is certainly their infamous Jerk Seasoning.
The term "Jerk" comes from the Spanish word Charqui, which stands for jerked or dried meats. Other food historians believe that the term Jerk derives from the action of poking or jerking of the cooking meat which is then filled with the spices. This method of cooking is believed to be more than 300 years old!
Jerk seasoning and marinade can be found anywhere on the island of Jamaica, and is both a local and tourist favorite when it comes to cuisine. The seasoning can be used in a variety of ways. Some of the most popular uses for Jerk include: chicken, pork, goat, and fish. Many jerk meals are paried with Festival, which is a sweet bread similar to hushpuppies, and coleslaw.
Jerk seasoning is quick and simple to make, it stores well, and lasts up to a month. May we add that this makes for the perfect wedding favor? Check out Weddings by Funjet's favorite recipe for an at home DIY Jamaican Jerk Seasoning.
Ingredients
1/2 tbsp. onion powder
1 tbsp. onion flakes
1 1/2 tbsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. parsley flakes
1 tbsp. ground ginger spice
2 tsp. dried chives (optional)
1 tbsp. dried thyme
1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/2 tbsp. cinnamon spice
1 tsp. sugar
1 tbsp. ground all spice
1/4 tsp. cumin
1 tbsp. smoked paprika
1/2 tbsp. ground nutmeg
2-3 tbsp. coconut sugar (replace with brown sugar)
1/2-1 tbsp. chicken or vegetable bouillon
1 tbsp. red pepper flakes
Directions
Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl. Once well mixed, store in a tightly sealed glass container. We suggest using the seasoning within a month for the best results. Use about 1-1 1/2 tablespoons of seasoning for every pound of meat used. Meat can be cooked a variety of ways including: grilling, smoking, or baking. If you're a busy on-the-go person and love using the slow cooker as much as we do, check out this amazing recipe for Slow Cooker Jerk Chicken from African Bites. Once your dish is done cooking, grab your family and friends and enjoy - everything irie mon!
