Mortimer George Creations

I was recently blessed to write the Foreword for my mom’s new #cookbook, “Millicent’s Costa Rican Kitchen; Caribbean Flavors in America”.  Details will be coming soon on how you can purchase one of the first autographed copies. I can just smell it!

“Millicent’s Costa Rican Kitchen; Caribbean Flavors in America”, is a lifetime of food, flavors, seasonings and traditions unique to Costa Rica and Jamaica all accumulated in one repository, this cookbook.  It includes unique recipes handed down from generation to generation from her early beginnings in the Central American Province of Puerto Limon with the added benefit of being rooted in the spices and traditions of Jamaica.  This unique combination of Tico and Jamaican influenced cuisine makes her cookbook stand out among all others. When I learned she was going to make her succulent traditions available to the world in the form of a cookbook I, at first, licked my lips in utter desire then recalled what it was like when her dishes were a part of my daily life.

As a growing young boy my mouth watered in anticipation as the aroma of brilliant Caribbean flavors emanated from the kitchen. I laid in bed which was located at the furthest point from the kitchen, but I had a keen ear and nose for the sound of cabinets opening and closing, the sizzle and smell of plantains on the stove top and the circular stirring sound of mom whipping up a fresh batch of goodness in one of her many mixing bowls.  It was at this early age that I developed the reputation of being the plantain bandit in the house.  I would walk into the kitchen to conduct a little small talk with my mother and at the moment she turned her back, I snatched a plantain from the finished batch and in one swoop…gulp!

There was no better sound for three developing boys and two girls than the audible ring of the dinner bell. To us it was the sound of royal trumpets at Westminster Hall. It was at this moment we entered into complete pandemonium to be first at the dinner table.  Legs and arms flailing; pushing and shoving; blocking and tackling all to be first to experience what was on the menu.  My father prayed for what seemed like hours and then, finally, we all reached ecstasy and ultimately, a food coma.  We sat at the table for hours, talking and indulging in seconds and most times thirds.  I am of the opinion  good food promotes table conversation, laughter and more laughter.  This was our daily pattern.  This cookbook will bring joy to your life, family and friends.

Her recipes will transport you to a Caribbean island without the hassle of a passport, plane and TSA agent.  However, if you turn your back while preparing one of her amazing recipes in your kitchen be acutely aware for the plantain, arroz con pollo or curry chicken bandit; they come in all shapes and sizes. Buen provecho!

Mortimer George Aldridge

Blogger: http://www.tito61.com

Guest fashion writer: http://www.evokesocks.com/blog

Adult plantain bandit

Los Angeles, CA