Ingredients

³/₄ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons lemon zest
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
¹/₂-1 teaspoon red chili flakes
1 pound fresh mini mozzarella balls
1 tablespoon fresh basil leaves, chopped fine
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
1 tablespoon fresh parsley leaves, chopped fine
1 tablespoon fresh marjoram leaves, chopped fine

Directions

In a large bowl whisk together the oil zest and spices. Add in the mozzarella balls and herbs and mix well. Allow to marinate for up to an hour, minimum of 30 minutes.

Ingredients

¹/₄ cup soy sauce
¹/₄ cup rice vinegar
1 tablespoon mirin
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon minced ginger
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped fine
1-2 red hot chili peppers, sliced

Directions

Whisk together all the ingredients and let stand about 10 minutes before serving.

Ingredients

1 pound firm tofu, cubed
Wooden skewers, presoaked
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
3 cloves of garlic, grated
2 tablespoons fresh thai basil, chopped fine
Zest of 1 lime
Juice of 3 limes
2 tablespoons soy sauce
Mild Peanut Sauce (recipe follows)

Directions

Mix the ginger, garlic, thai basil, lime juice and zest, and soy sauce together in a bowl until well combined. Place the tofu in the marinade and marinade for about 20 minutes. Thread the tofu on the skewer into a row of cubes. Grill until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside or about 2 minutes per side. Brushing with the marinade as desired. Serve with Mild Peanut Sauce.

Mild Peanut Sauce

Makes 1½ cups

Ingredients

¾ cups creamy peanut butter
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, chopped superfine
1 teaspoon lemon grass bulb, chopped superfine
Zest of 1 lime
Juice of 2 limes
¼ cup tamari
2 tablespoons brown sugar
¼ cup very hot water

Directions

Whisk together all ingredients until smooth and creamy adjust spiciness by adding more sambal. Adjust saltiness by adding more tamari.

Ingredients

1½ pounds medium to large sized shrimp
Wooden skewers presoaked
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
3 cloves of garlic, grated
2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped fine
Zest of 1 lime
Juice of 3 limes
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon spicy sambal
Chili Honey Sauce (recipe follows)

Directions

Mix the ginger, garlic, lime juice and zest, salt and sambal together in a bowl until well combined. Place the shrimp in the marinade and marinade overnight or for at least an hour. Thread the shrimp on the skewer into a row of shrimps. Grill until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside or about 2 minutes per side. Brushing with the marinade as desired. Serve with Chili Honey Sauce.

Chili Honey Sauce

Makes ¾ cup

Ingredients

½ cup honey, warmed
¼ cup spicy sambal

Directions

Mix together all ingredients thoroughly. Let stand for about 20 minutes before serving, servee warm over satay.

Ingredients

2 pounds Atlantic Mackerel fillets, chopped in large flat pieces
2 teaspoons salt
Juice of 2 lemons
Juice of 2 lime
2 tablespoons champagne vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon lime zest
2 teaspoons fresh red chili, de-seeded and chopped superfine
1 teaspoon fresh green chili, de-seeded and chopped superfine
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped fine
1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped fine
2 avocados sliced
1 cup segmented citrus pieces, lemons, oranges and grapefruits (your choice)

Directions

Place the chopped fish in a large bowl and salt it and let sit for a few minutes. In separate bowl whisk together the lemon juice, oil, zest, chilis and herbs until well combined. Pour over the fish and mix well. Let stand in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes before serving. For serving place fish down and granish with avocado and citrus segments and drizzle ceviche juice over the top.

Ingredients

Directions

In a mixing bowl mix together the zucchini, garlic, lemon juice and mint. Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over it and sprinkle with chilies, pine nuts and salt and mix well. Let the zucchini sit for about 10 minutes. After the zucchini has marinated place some parmesan on each side of the bread slices, layer the zucchini ribbons on the cheese and drizzle a little dressing on. Fold the bread over and cook in a panini press making sure that the outside of the bread is greased or oiled for optimal crispness.

Ingredients

Directions

In a mixing bowl mix together the zucchini, garlic, lemon juice and mint. Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over it and sprinkle with chilies, pine nuts and salt and mix well.

Ingredients

½ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon curry powder
½ teaspoon fresh chili, chopped superfine
1 tablespoon honey
½ cup stone fresh mango puree or chopped ripe mango
8 ounces semisweet or bittersweet dark chocolate, chopped
Sweet curry Powder for dusting (*3 teaspoon curry powder mixed with ¼ cup powdered sugar)

Directions

In a heavy bottom saucepan, heat the heavy cream, vanilla, curry powder, fresh chili, honey and mango, to a simmer, about 3 minutes, using a rubber spatula to scrape the side of the pan where the cream builds up. In a separate metal bowl, place the chocolate. When cream is warm, pour it over the chocolate, let sit for about 1 minute, and then stir until smooth and chocolate is melted and incorporated evenly. Place the metal bowl in the refrigerator for about 2 hours. Spoon small amount into hands, and roll into a little ball. Do not handle the chocolate ganache too much as the heat from your hands will melt the chocolate. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and sprinkle Sweet curry powder. Place in the refrigerator overnight.

Serves 12

Ingredients

Directions

In a mixing bowl whisk together all ingredients for the dressing until smooth and set aside. Toss together cabbage, onions, carrots, peppers and cilantro until mixed. Mix in dressing and toss until evenly distributed. Season with salt to taste.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons white onions, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh Serrano chili, minced
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ cup chopped cilantro, divided
1 large avocado
A squeeze of lime

Directions

Mash the onion, chili, salt, and half the cilantro to a paste consistency. Score the flesh of the avocado halves in a crosshatch pattern with a knife then scoop into a bowl. Combine ingredients and mix well. Add the rest of cilantro season with lime and salt.

Recipe Property of Roberto Santibañez, from Contemporary Flavors of Mexico