24 <strong>Caribbean</strong> TImes, July 20-26, 2016
Recipe: Jamaican Oxtail Stew Ingredients 2 -3 tablespoon cooking oil 1- 2 pounds oxtail cut up medium pieces 1 onion chopped 2 teaspoon minced garlic 1-teaspoon fresh chopped thyme ½ teaspoon smoked paprika 1 tablespoon ketchup /tomato paste 1 Whole Scotch bonnet pepper 2 green onions chopped 5-6 Whole pimento seeds (allspice), 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1-teaspoon curry or more adjust to preference 15 ounce can butter beans, rinsed and drained 1 teaspoon browning (optional) 1 Tablespoon bouillon powder or cube (optional) Salt to taste Instructions Season oxtail with, salt and pepper. Set aside In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat, until hot, and then add the oxtail sauté stirring, frequently, any browned bits off the bottom of the pot, until oxtail is brown. If desire drain oil and leave about 2-3 tablespoons Add onions, green onions, garlic, thyme, all spice, worcestershire,smoked paprika, stir for about a minute. Throw in scotch bonnet pepper, tomato paste, bouillon and curry powder, stir for another minute. Then add about 6 cups of water and bring to a boil and let it simmer until tender (depending on the oxtail size and preference) about 2- 3 hours, occasionally stirring the saucepan. About 20-30 minutes before you remove from the stove add broad beans. Adjust thickness of soup with water or stock Season with salt according to preference. Miss jamaica world takes mayor bill de blassio jerk fest title Photos by Roland Hyde By Roland Hyde On Sunday, July 17, 2016, Roy Wilkins Park, Jamaica New York, became the official Family, Food and Fun capital of America, with the 6th Annual Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival entertaining thousands of music lovers and food enthusiasts on a bright and sunny day with temperatures reminiscent of the <strong>Caribbean</strong> islands. The festival is presented annually by Jamaican Jerk Festival NY LLC, in association with VP Records. Sponsored by Grace Foods, Western Union, Continental Bakery, Vitamalt, Power106, Reggae King Radio, Street Hype, and TowerIsle Patties, the Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival is New York’s Biggest <strong>Caribbean</strong> Food Festival. The festival has an extensive food court where various vendors provide a variety of delicious Jerk cuisine. However, the biggest attraction happened at the Culinary Pavilion. Celebrity chefs, including Food Network’s Chopped Champion, Andre Fowles of Jamaica, gave awesome on-thespot cooking demonstrations with audience participation. There was also a very exciting cook off contest called Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival Celebrity Quick Fire Challenge. Miss Jamaica World 2015-16, Dr. Sanneta Myrie, won and was presented with the Champion Trophy in the presence of Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, Public Advocate Letitia James, Senator Kevin Parker, Former Councilwoman Una Clarke, VP Records Owner, Patricia Chin, Canon Calvin McIntyre, Pastor of The Church of The Good Shepherd, and other celebrities. New York Mayor, Bill de Blassio, is the Defending Champion but it appears he was unable to attend the event. The Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival also had rich and varied musical entertainment on two separate stages. The Western Union Cultural Stage really lived up to its name with marvelous singing and dancing performances by Andrew Clarke and The Braata Folk Singers. Beautifully attired in colorful folk costumes made popular by the Late Great Hon. Louise Bennett-Coverley OD., they thrilled and captivated the audience who responded with ahs and oohs and thunderous applause. The Main Stage featured wonderful performances from the headliners. Third World introduced their new lead singer, A.J, Brown, who succeeded the late vocal phenom, Bunny Ruggs. They sang many hits but the fans will most likely remember their classical instrumental rendition of Bob Marley’s “Redemption Song” and an energetic percussion feature by drummer Ruption. Dexta Daps, Gyption, Rupee (soca star) and British Jamaican singer, Mark Anthony, also delivered. Ironically, however, the most memorable performances came from the only female artist among the headliners, Ikaya. This probably was her first New York major concert appearance, but it won’t be her last. The future belongs to Ikaya. To Advertise Your Business or Event Contact Us: 718-909-1841 Email: Production@caribbeantimesnews.com <strong>Caribbean</strong> TImes, July 20-26, 2016 25