Overview of Costa Rican Cuisine; A Tropical Blend of Flavors.

Here is a nice tropical tiki food article by Charles Kassotis.

Taste the Costa Rican Cuisine; A Tropical Blend of Flavors

Author: Charles Kassotis
Costa Rica food is the result of a medley of various types of spices, sauces, oils and other ingredients used in different cuisines from the various corners of the world. In the recipes of Costa Rica you will find the traces of the traditional cuisines of countries like Spain, France, China, Italy and Africa.

Spices like annatto, oregano, nutmeg, pepper, coriander, saffron, thyme, sauces like Worcestershire, soy, and Lizano, oils like vegetable oil and olive oil and ingredients like corn, sweet potatoes, cassava, beans, are all used in Costa Rica food. Rice is a very important part of Costa Rican diet and so are beans.

Apart from a huge variety of veggies, Costa Rica definatelly has good meats. Excellent beef from the local cows, abudance of really good local chicken and of cource fresh, high quality seafood.

Let's see what the Costa Ricans are eating, bite by bite.

Appetizers are known as bocas in the land of Costa Rica. These are served usually with drinks. These are often distributed free of cost. Even if they are priced it is kept at a bare minimum.

There are some very popular varieties of bocas available. Some of them are:

Tamales- these are cornmeal patties with a stuffing and it is wrapped and then steamed inside banana leaves.


Gallos - tortillas are very common in Costa Rica. Gallos are the tortillas heaped with meat, chicken, beans and lots of cheese.

Ceviche- this is a salad that acts as an appetizer. It is made from marinated seafood.


Patacones- these are fried green plantains that come in the form of chips.



Fried yucca- very popular, close to our french fries.


Tacos- filled in with lots of ingredients, chicken, guacamole and sauces.

Empanadas- breaded goods and pies.

The salads are as interesting as the appetizers. The common varieties of Costa Rican salads are made from tomato bits, onion rings, shredded cabbage, diced red or green peppers, a little cilantro with the seasoning done with lime juice and a little sprinkling of salt.

The Main Dishes are not only tasty and filling but also healthy. The spices are additives enrich the food yet keep it healthy.Some of the popular main dishes are:

Gallo Pinto- made from beans mixed with rice flavored with coriander, onions and some Worcestershire sauce.

Casados- is another dish that is a part of the daily diet of the Costa Ricans. This is a main course meal prepared from beans, rice, pork or chicken with some lettuce, cabbage, tomato salad and some dried plantains.

Frito- is a stew made from pork

Mondongo- a beef stomach soup

Barbudos- an omelet made from string beans

Soups are also an integral part in the Costa Rican diet. The most commonly prepared soups of Costa Rica are the Bacalao that is the cod soup, the Bean Soup, the Mondongo or the beef stomach soup, the Olla de Carne that is the Costa Rican beef soup, the Sopa de Albondigas or the soup that is made of meat balls, the Sopas de Leche or the Tortilla soup and the Sopa de Pescado that is the fish soup.

Besides the main dishes and soups there are also a number of sweet dishes and candies that are fascinating.Here are some of the wonderful desserts of Costa Rica:

The Cono Capuchino is an ice-cream cone with chocolate topping, flan is cold caramel custard, dulce de leche is a syrup made from boiled milk and sugar.

The thicker variety is known as the Cajeta and this is fudgelike and absolutely delicious.

Then there are the Mazamorra, which is a corn starch pudding, milanes are chocolate candies.

The Pan de Maiz is a type of sweet bread made from corn and the queque seco is a pound cake.

The Melcocha is a candy that is made from raw sugar and there is also the torta chilena, which is a multilayered cake full of dulce de leche.

Costa Rica drinks do more than just quenching ones thirst.

The most favorite costa rican drink is of course Coffee. High quality, nativelly cultivated and strong, on asking for milk coffee or 'cafe con leche' you will be offered coffee that is a strong blend of coffee and milk mixed in equal proportions. When you wish to have black coffee you need to ask for 'cafe sin leche'.

A very popular traditional drink of Costa Rica is Agua Dulce. This drink is made from sugarcane that is not strained or bleached.

The native fruits like mango, tamarindo, papaya, etc., are used to make fresh Fruit Juices. You can have these juices with milk or water.

Costa Rica makes good quality Gin and Vodka, moderate quality Rum and poor quality Whiskey. The mixture of coke and rum goes down very well with the locals in Costa Rica.

You can also try the native costa rican Beer, very popular among the natives, Imperial.


Home style cooking dominates the scene in Costa Rica with most people preferring simple dishes. However, the meals are wholesome, nutritious and priced reasonably, especially beef and seafood. People of Costa Rica love eating and so will you, if you try their wonderful, exotic cuisine.

About the Author: For more information on the fascinating land of Costa Rica, visit In Costa Rica

Guide Find out more about the Costa Rican Cuisine and get some Recipe Ideas at In Costa Rica Guide

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Taste the Costa Rican Cuisine; A Tropical Blend of Flavors

Food, Cuisine, Culture, Cooking, Tropical, Costa Rica, Latin America, Costa Rica Food, Costa Rica Recipes, Tiki Food, Tiki recipes.

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Hawaiian Laulau Recipe for Tiki party or Luau. Polynesian Food Recipe.

Hawaiian Laulau or Luau Ground Cooking. 

Great Idea for a Tiki party or Luau. A Classic Polynesian Food for a tiki party.

OVERVIEW

TRADITIONAL

Hawaiian Laulau traditionally is pork or fish wrapped

first with taro leaf, then with ti leafs and cooked. 

The taro leaf is also called luau from which the 

traditional Hawaiian festival gets it's name.

Cooking of the Laulau is usually done in a

underground oven. The tradition underground oven

is called a imu. Hot rocks are placed on the Laulau

and then covered with banana leafs, and then more

earth. It just takes 2-3 hours for the food to be ready.

Normally served with sides of rice and macaroni.

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Tiki food Recipes: Tiki Lime Chicken Recipe. A island classic.

TIKI FOOD RECIPES: How to make a great Tiki Lime Chicken Recipe.
A classic island recipe, perfect for a tiki party or as a luau party food.

We served this last night at a tiki party for a small group of friends. It has a great exotic taste due to the spices used and the lime really brings out the flavor in the chicken and gives it that tropical taste.

Tiki Lime Chicken Recipe:
Ingredients

5 lbs chicken breast or thighs
4 Tsp. coriander
4 Tsp. ground chili
4 Tsp. pasilla ground chili
4 Tsp. garlic salt
4 Tsp. oregano
2 fresh limes

METHOD

1. Wash chicken with cold water, then lime juice.

2. Place in brown and bag or shake and bake.

3. Spread spices over chicken.

4. Pour or squeeze juice of limes over the chicken.

5. Place in oven at 350 for 1 hr. 15 mins.


SERVE WITH
I would go with a dirty rice or jasmine rice
and chopped fruit.

WINE
Rhine, Mascato, White and semi Sweet.

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Learn about the following: island food, hawaiian food recipe, chicken recipe, free recipes, tiki food and a tiki lime chicken recipe.  

Tropical Shake Recipe. Perfect for cooling off at a Tiki party or Luau

Tiki Foods: How to make a great Tropical Shake Recipe.
Perfect for cooling off at a Tiki party or Luau.

A Favorite Milk shake in Cuba and Puerto Rico.

TROPICAL SHAKE RECIPE

• 1 Banana

• 1 peeled Mango

• 1 peeled Papaya

• 1 1/2 cup milk

• 2 tsp Sugar

• 1 cup ice


Mix all ingredients in a blender until thick.

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Tiki foods and luau party recipes presents the Tropical shake a great Fruit Milkshake.

HAWAIIAN LUAU FOOD Terms. Common Types of Tiki Party Food Names

Learn HAWAIIAN LUAU FOOD Terms. 

Common Types of Tiki Party Food Names.

Haupia is a pudding made from coconut.
Kaulolo is a pudding mad from the taro plant.
Laulau are meat and fish wrapped in tea leaves.
Liliko'i is the passion fruit. The juice is often used in sauces and desserts.
Lomi Lomi is a salad of tomatoes, onions, chili peppers and salted fish, usually salmon.
Papaya is a very common island fruit.
Pineapple another very common available island fruit.
Poi a very popular hawaiian staple consists of taro roots cooked and mashed into a paste.
Poke is chopped raw fish sprinkled with Hawaiian salt, ground kukui nuts and limu (seaweed).

Pu Pu is a appetizer.



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Tiki food and luau party recipes.

Hosting a Tiki Party Or Luau

Hosting a Tiki Party Or Luau

This is a great little article i thought i would share.

By James R Shaw

A tiki party or luau is the quintessential summer party. Although most tiki parties happen in a backyard or near a pool, your tiki party or luau can also be held indoors. A tropical party atmosphere is uniquely relaxing and inviting. Plus, it is very easy to decorate your home or yard with Polynesian style.
The first step in decorating for your party is to set up a wooden tiki bar. This can take the form of a freestanding hut, or a smaller bar anywhere you plan to serve food or drinks. These are actually quite easy to construct, and should be covered in grass skirts or thatching for an authentic look. You can make a tiki bar in just a few days; this bar will serve as the centerpiece of your party, and instantly pull together the theme of your party. If you do not have the time to set up a full bar, decorate a table or counter with grass skirts or thatching.
When decorating for your themed party, use lots of natural fibers and bright tropical colors. You can use burlap or unbleached cotton for the tablecloths, or simply use a brightly colored plastic cloth. Tiki party decorations include bamboo, drink umbrellas, fresh coconuts, and of course, carved statues or masks. You can also incorporate beach or surfing décor, especially if your backyard has a pool. These accessories will help make your party fun and unique. Play tiki, Hawaiian guitar, or reggae as background music.
You can use citronella torches to keep the mosquitoes away from your tiki party guests, but do not light the torches if you are holding your party indoors. Always light tiki torches away from combustible materials, which can be tricky with all of the natural materials involved in decorating for a tiki party. If you are having an indoor party, consider using strings of festive lights instead of candles.
At your tiki party or luau, serve Hawaiian foods and delicious tropical drinks. Your menu should include fresh pineapple and other fruits on skewers, roasted pork, shrimp, and grilled chicken. If you don't want to make anything too complicated, you can even serve Hawaiian pizzas. Spam is very popular in Hawaii, so it would be appropriate to serve with rice at your luau. Tropical punch, pina coladas, mai tais, and daiquiris are the perfect drinks for any tiki party. Don't forget the paper umbrellas, tiki mugs, and maraschino cherries!
Invite your guests to wear Hawaiian shirts or grass skirts to get them in the party mood. Hand out leis at the door as you welcome them to "the island" of your party. Hold a limbo contest. You can also give out small tiki figures as party favors, or as a prize for the contest.
Even if you don't live in a hot climate, the tiki decor can help you feel like you are in a tropical paradise. Tiki parties are a fun and relaxing way to celebrate. This summer, throw a tiki party that everyone will remember!
Royal Tiki specializes in genuine Hawaiian-made Tiki masks, Statues and Signs. Our Tiki Statues will add great atmosphere to your party!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_R_Shaw
http://EzineArticles.com/?Hosting-a-Tiki-Party-Or-Luau&id=2203780

Banana Bread Recipe Classic Tropical Island Party or Luau

Tiki Food and Luau Party Recipes.

Banana Bread Recipe 

A Great Classic Recipe, great for a

Tiki Party, Tropical Island Party

or Luau as a appetizer or snack.

NOTE: It is best to let the bananas fully ripen,

this means turning black. This really brings out

the flavor.

You can place them in a bag, for a few days.

Heat also speeds up this process.

RECIPE

• 1 1/2 cup butter
• 1 egg
  
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 cups flour
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp baking powder
  
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 3 mashed ripe bananas

METHOD

Mix all items together very well.

Then in a baking tin, add the dough.

Bake in oven for 1 hour at 300 degrees.

Tiki foods presents how to make a great tasteing banana bread.

Poi Recipe a Closer look at a Hawaiian & Island Food Staple. Tiki Party or Luau

Tiki Foods & Tropical Dishes.

Learn how to make the traditional Poi recipe.

A Closer look at a Hawaiian and Island Food Staple.

Great for tiki party or traditional island luau.

Poi is a crucial part of traditional Polynesian and Hawaiian daily lifestyle.

Taro, the plant from which poi comes from, and the  poi bowl are both considered sacred to the hawaiian people.

Poi

When a Poi bowl is placed on the dinner table, it is

believed the spirit of Haloa is present. Haloa is

a sacred ancestor spirit to the Hawaiian people.

This is because the Hawaiians think that the

taro plant is the original ancestor of their people.

Therefore when the bowl is placed on the table,

all family arguing must stop.

FOOD OVERVIEW

Poi has a light delicate flavor and a pasty

like texture. Fresh Poi is sweet, and as it ages

it will become more sour tasting. It is important

to keep Poi cold and out of the sun when storing.

Great as a side dish with fish.

Poi makes a great baby food.

Poi can be mixed with milk and sugar.

It is also used in making hawaiian bread.

PREPARATION

The taro is cleaned, cooked then mashed up with water.

The Poi is mashed until it forms a paste like texture.

Water can again be added before eating.

TIki Foods: Beach Soup recipe Quick island surfer favorite using spam

Learn How to make Beach Soup.

A quick and easy meal for the Beach.
A Hawaiian Classic Recipe.

RECIPE

2 cans Spam

2 cans Tomato sauce
2 cans Kidney Beans
1 onion

1 carrot 

1 potato optional
1 Tbsp Sea salt
3 cans of water.

PREPARE 

Brown the Spam and onions which are cut up into chunks.  

Add to Remaining ingredients and cook 20-30 minutes.

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Coconut Shrimp Recipe for Tiki, Luau Party or PuPu Platter.

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Coconut Shrimp Recipe

Great for a Tiki Party, Luau Party or PuPu Platter.

This is the recipe for coconut shrimp that is served at the 

Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Hotel in Waikiki.

Ingredients:

• 24 large raw peeled shrimp
• 1/2 cup flour
• 2 eggs beaten
• 3 cups shredded coconut
• 24 wooden skewers

METHOD

Place shrimp in flour and then in the beaten eggs. 

Place the shrimp in the  shredded coconut.

Deep fry shrimp at 370 F, or until they are golden brown.

Crab Rangoon Recipe. Tiki Party, Luau or Pu Pu Platter Appetizer.

TIki Foods and Island Dishes: How to make a great crab Rangoon Recipe. 

Great for Tiki Party, Luau or  Pu Pu Platter Appetizer.

Crab Rangoon Recipe
Ingredients

• 8-10 oz cream cheese
  
• 8 oz crab meat
• 1/8 red onion, chopped fine
• 1 green onion, finely sliced
  
• 1 clove garlic, finely minced
  
• 1/2 tsp soy sauc
  
• 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 pk won ton wrappers

Method or Preparation:

Mix the cream cheese and crab meat.  Then, combine  the remaining ingredients.
Lay a won ton wrappers so it forms 2 triangles. Wet the edges of the won ton, Place ingredients into the wrappers and fold the edges in.  Heat oil in deep fat frier. Place gently into oil.  Fry for 3 minutes at 370.

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Tiki foods and luau party food presents the Crab Rangoon recipe, a Chinese recipe that works great as a appetizer.  Use in a pupu platter.

SKEWERED BEEF TERIYAKI APPETIZER For Tiki Party, Luau or Pu Pu Platter

Island and Tiki foods: How to make a SKEWERED BEEF TERIYAKI APPETIZER.

This is a great chinese recipe for a Tiki Party, Luau or Pu Pu Platter.

This serves 8 people.

SKEWERED BEEF TERIYAKI RECIPE

Ingredients

2 lbs silced beef

1 1/2 c. soy sauce

1 tsp. rice vinager

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 tsp ginger

2 garlic cloves

1/2 tsp ground black pepper

1/4 cup oil

1 tsp cornstarch

1 tsp lemon juice

METHOD or PREPARATION 

Combine all of the ingredients but beef to make the sauce.

Slice meat in pieces or longer for skewered.

Marinate in sauce 2-4 hours. 

Cook on grill about 12-15 minutes, turning often.

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Tiki food recipes features the skewered beef teriyaki recipe for your tiki party or as a luau party food.  This is a classic Chinese recipe that works great as a main dish or as a appetizer.

PU PU Platter Recipe Great Chinese food recipe for luau or tiki party.

PU PU Platter Recipe.
Great Chinese food  recipe for a luau or a tiki party.

Like tiki drinks, this platter has style and personality, flaming
and a assortment of exotic tastes.

A perfect appetizer for a luau or tiki party, made up of meat and seafood.

May include all kinds of yummy finger foods, like chicken fingers, wings, teriyaki beef, wantons, beef satay, carb rangon, shrimp, rips, egg rolls.

This is usually served "flaming" with a small hibachi grill in the center. This is called, the "flaming pu pu platter." small hibachi grill.


"PU PU" is a Hawaiian word that translates as Appetizer.
There are two types of Pu Pu, "light pu pus" and "heavy pu pus."
As the name implies light pu pus are lighter in far and are usually of the cold types of finger foods. The heavy is made up of warmer and heavier foods.

It started in America during the craze for "Polynesian-style" culture of the 1940s and 1950's It spread to America from Hawaii, by the great tiki legends Don the Beachcomber and Trader Vic.

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Tiki food recipes presents the pupu platter for your tiki party. A classic Chinese recipe for you to enjoy.