This dish is really worth the effort as it makes a very elegant and highly tropical presentation. To test if a coconut is fresh, pound a nail into one of the “eyes,” drain the coconut water and taste. If it tastes sweet it is fresh. Go ahead, mix a drink with some of the coconut water and rum or Scotch. You’ll be surprised by how good it tastes. Open the coconut by baking at 375 degrees F. for 15 minutes and let cool. Then, using a hacksaw, cut it in half. From the article Mango Madness!
Grilled Tuna with Red Chile, Allspice, and Orange Glaze
Anchos are the dried chiles I use most for they have the best balance of fruity, spicy and earthy flavors. Ancho powder gives this glaze its appealing brick-red color and warm—not fiery—flavor. I definitely find that tuna needs intense flavors, like orange and allspice, to lighten it up and show off that meaty texture.
DIY Chorizo
This is Dave DeWitt’s recipe for a traditional Mexican sausage that’s often served with huevos rancheros for breakfast. Unlike other sausages, it is not usually stuffed into casings but served crumbled or formed into patties. (There are two varieties of chorizo: this Mexican version that is made with fresh pork, and Spanish chorizo, made with smoked pork.) This recipe requires advance preparation.
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Pepper Dossier: Cayenne
The word cayenne seems to come from kian, the name of the pepper among the Tupi Indians of northeastern South America. The pod type probably originated in what is now French Guiana and was named after either the Cayenne River or the capital of the country, Cayenne. It owes its spread around the world to Portugal, whose traders carried it to Europe, Africa, India, and Asia. Although it probably was introduced into Spain before 1500, its circuitous route caused it to be introduced into Britain from India in 1548. Grown commercially in New Mexico, Louisiana, Africa, India, Japan, and Mexico, the cayenne (C. annuum) has a growing period of about 90 days from transplanting.
Pickled Habaneros
Don’t mess with the vinegar ratio. Unless, of course, you like unhealthy bacterial growth in your food.
