Coconut Chicken with Banana Blossom

Who says the banana is the only edible part of the plant??.The banana blossom is the unopened flower of the banana plant.It's color ranges from a dark fuchsia to reddish-purple.To use , the hard outer leaves are removed and the inside white tender heart is eaten.It has a taste and texture similar to artichokes or hearts of palm which makes it a perfect addition to salads.Banana blossoms are a favorite of South Asian cuisine where they are cooked as a vegetable and used in salads, curries, and stews.

Yield:4 Servings

Ingredients:

1 c coconut cream

1 lb.skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into small cubes

2 1/2 large tomatoes, chopped into small pieces

1c fresh mint leaves

1/2 c cilantro

9oz. canned banana blossom, drained, rinsed,cut into small pieces

salt, to taste

1.In a medium saucepan, bring the coconut cream to a boil. Add the chicken breast and reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring every few minutes.

2.Remove the pan from the heat and discard the coconut cream.Place the chicken in a separate serving dish.

3. In a separate medium bowl, mix the remainder of the ingredients together until evenly combined.

4.Add the tomato-banana blossom mixture to the chicken and gently toss together.Serve with a side of rice.

Jackfruit Lassi

Fruit is used extensively in Southeast Asian cuisine. Among those used regularly is the jackfruit. Jackfruit is considered one of the world's largest fruits.It is yellowish-brown, oblong-shaped with densely dotted spikes throughout its exterior.It can weigh upwards of up to 90lbs.. Fresh jackfriut presents a challenge to prepare.When cut it has an offensive smell and excudes a sticky,gum-like substance when cut open.Therefore it is most often available canned,frozen, or dried.

Jackfruit can be eaten both ripe and unripe(as a vegetable).If using unripe, it must first be boiled, fried, or roasted.It's taste ranges from banana-like to a combination of mango and melon.There are several varieties of jackfruit available,honeyjack being the most prized for its sweet flavor.Jackfruit is usually available in the summer months (May-July).It is commonly used blended in drinks,desserts,salads, and in curries.It provides a significant source of vitamin A and vitamin C.

Jackfruit Lassi

Yield:2 Servings

Ingredients:

4 ice cubes

1 1/2 c plain yogurt

1/4 c sugar

2/3 c jackfruit, peeled and diced

1. Blend all ingredients together in a blender until smooth.Pour into 2 glasses and enjoy.

Buddha's Hand

Seeing the Buddha's Hand for the first time you might assume it's just a mutation from nature, but this fruit is more than just a novelty.Buddha's Hand also known as fingered citron is native to China where it is considered a symbol of happiness, longevity, and good fortune. Buddha's Hand usually make their appearance during the winter months.They are traditionally given as New Year's gifts, used as temple offerings, decorative centerpieces, or as good luck charms.

In Oriental medicine, the dried peel is used as a tonic for purifying the lungs, liver and spleen, calming the mind, increasing circulation, and strengthening the stomach.As for culinary uses, because of their lack of any pulp, just the rind is used to impart a citrus aroma to seafood, soups and dessert dishes.